K828-Gol (Rose) Leaf Gloves

K828-Gol (Rose) Leaf Gloves by Nazanin Fard

What is Being Made

The K828-Gol (Rose) Leaf Gloves are a pair of elegant, fitted gloves designed for size 7 hands. These are sophisticated knitted gloves that feature decorative leaf motifs worked into the fabric, combining both functionality and ornamental design. The finished gloves measure 6 inches (15 cm) in circumference without stretching and 9 inches (23 cm) in length, making them a refined accessory piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

These gloves are constructed using circular knitting on two 16-inch (40 cm) circular needles in US size 3 (3.25 mm), which allows for seamless, tubular construction. The pattern employs in-the-round knitting, a fundamental technique for creating fitted garments without seams. The designer provides flexibility in sizing by noting that other hand sizes can be achieved by adjusting needle size while maintaining the same stitch count, demonstrating an understanding of gauge relationships in knitwear design.

The gloves feature decorative yarn overs and decreases that create the signature leaf pattern elements. Stitch markers are used throughout to help track pattern repeats and maintain shaping, which is essential when working complex stitch patterns in the round.

Stitch Pattern Details

The primary stitch pattern is called Double Rose Leaf, which is worked over a panel of 17 stitches. This is an advanced lace pattern that requires careful attention to stitch manipulation:

• All odd-numbered rounds are worked in stockinette stitch (knit every stitch)
• Even-numbered rounds incorporate the leaf motif through yarn overs (yo), knit-two-together decreases (k2tog), and slip-slip-knit decreases (ssk)
• The pattern features purl stitches (p1) that create definition and structure within the leaf design
• Notably, after row 2, the stitch count temporarily reduces from 17 to 15 stitches due to the decreases, and this reduction is maintained until row 8, when the stitches are restored

This stitch manipulation creates the three-dimensional leaf effect that gives these gloves their distinctive aesthetic appeal. The combination of increases and decreases requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and careful counting to maintain pattern integrity.

Yarn and Materials

The gloves are designed to be worked in fingering weight yarn, specifically 400 meters of fingering weight 100% cotton. The sample project was created using DMC Petra Super Fine (Size 5) weight yarn, a 100% cotton yarn available in 3½ oz (100g) balls with 400 meters per ball. One ball of dark ecru is sufficient for completing the project.

To add metallic embellishment and visual interest, the pattern incorporates Kreinik Twist™ Yarn in Gold #002, with 273 yards (250 meters) per cone; one cone is required. This combination of matte cotton with shimmering metallic thread creates contrast and highlights the leaf pattern details.

Additional materials include waste yarn of the same weight as the main thread, which is used for provisional cast-on or stitch holders during construction.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 28 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using US size 3 (3.25 mm) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is critical for obtaining the intended finished measurements and ensuring the gloves fit properly. The designer notes that knitters can modify needle size to achieve different hand sizes while keeping the stitch pattern constant, making this a versatile pattern for various hand measurements.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is classified as advanced, reflecting the complexity of the Double Rose Leaf stitch pattern and the precision required when working lace stitches in the round. Knitters should be comfortable with yarn overs, various decrease techniques, reading complex stitch patterns, and maintaining tension while working with circular needles. The combination of cotton yarn and metallic thread also requires attention to handling different yarn weights simultaneously.