Striped Fingerless Gloves

Striped Fingerless Gloves by Joan Laws

What Is Being Made

These are adult female fingerless gloves designed by Joan Laws, featuring a classic striped colorwork pattern. The gloves are sized to fit a 7-inch (18 centimeter) circumference and are worked in the round from the cuff down, making them a practical accessory for keeping hands warm while maintaining finger mobility and dexterity.

Craft and Technique

This is a knitting project classified as intermediate difficulty. The gloves are constructed using circular knitting techniques, worked in continuous rounds rather than flat pieces. The pattern incorporates colorwork striping, which involves alternating between two yarn colors to create the visual pattern. The design also includes shaping techniques such as increases for the thumb gusset, allowing for a custom fit around the hand.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

• Ribbing: The cuff begins with 5 rounds of knit 1, purl 1 (k1, p1) ribbing, which creates elasticity and helps the gloves stay in place on the wrist
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body is worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric
• Striping Pattern: A 4-round repeat forms the core stitch pattern: 2 rounds knit in the contrasting color (CC), followed by 2 rounds knit in the main color (MC). This simple alternation creates the striped effect
• Increases: The pattern uses kf/b (knit front and back) increases to create shaping for the thumb gusset, allowing the gloves to fit comfortably around the hand and thumb

Materials and Gauge

The gloves are made using worsted weight yarn in Berroco Comfort, a blend of 50% Super Fine Nylon and 50% Super Fine Acrylic. This fiber content provides durability, softness, and easy care. The pattern calls for 210 yards (193 meters) total, using 1 skein each of two colors: MC #9763 in Navy Blue and CC #9700 in Chalk.

Construction requires two US Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 centimeters), along with 2 stitch markers and 1 stitch holder (or scrap yarn as an alternative). The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch worked in rounds on the specified needle size. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished circumference.