Spiderweb Fingerless Gloves

Spiderweb Fingerless Gloves by Rebekah Wilce

What Is Being Made

These are chic fingerless gloves designed for small adult hands, knit from the cuff up. The gloves feature an elegant twisted stitch construction combined with a cabled spiderweb pattern that runs across the back and palm areas. The fingerless design allows for full finger mobility while keeping the wrists and hands warm, making them practical for activities requiring dexterity. The gloves are sized to fit hands with a 9.25 inch (23.5 cm) circumference when stretched slightly around the widest part including the thumb, and measure 7.25 inches (18.4 cm) in length from wrist cuff to finger cuff.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level project incorporates several essential knitting techniques that create both visual interest and structural integrity:

• Twisted Stitches: The overall construction uses twisted stitches throughout, which adds texture and prevents the fabric from appearing flat. Twisted stitches are created by working through the back loop of stitches rather than the front, creating a subtle spiral effect.
• Cables: The signature spiderweb pattern is created using cable techniques, where stitches are crossed over one another to form intricate raised designs reminiscent of a spider's web.
• Twisted Ribbing: The cuffs and finger openings feature twisted ribbing (knit one through the back loop, purl five), which provides elasticity and a refined finish. This 1x5 twisted rib also serves as the background stitch for the palm sections, creating visual continuity.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for DK or sport weight yarn to achieve the correct gauge. The sample gloves were knit in two different yarns to demonstrate versatility: Filatura di Crosa Zara (137 yards per 50 grams) and Knit Picks Swish DK (123 yards per 50 grams). You will need approximately 100 to 120 yards (91 to 110 meters) total; purchasing slightly extra yardage is recommended to ensure you have sufficient yarn to complete both gloves.

The project requires Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches (100 cm) in length. The long circular needle allows you to knit both gloves simultaneously using the two-at-a-time method, which ensures consistent sizing and gauge between the left and right glove.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies approximately 28 stitches and 33 rows over 4 inches in the 1x5 twisted rib stitch, which is the background stitch used on the palms. Gauge should be checked before beginning the project to ensure your finished gloves will fit properly around the hand and wrist.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the techniques involved—twisted stitches, cables, and ribbing—are not beginner-level, they are well-established knitting skills. Knitters should be comfortable with working cables and manipulating twisted stitches before starting this project. The two-at-a-time construction method on a long circular needle adds a small additional layer of complexity but ensures matching results.