Curlicue

Curlicue Fingerless Gloves by OneHandKnits

What is Being Made

Curlicue is a downloadable knitting pattern for fingerless gloves designed by OneHandKnits. Inspired by intricate wood carvings, these gloves feature an elegant cable and lace motif that combines traditional knitting techniques with modern construction methods. The pattern is available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, designed to be worn with up to 8cm of negative ease for a fitted, comfortable wear.

Knitting Techniques

This advanced fingerless glove pattern employs several sophisticated knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and construction. The gloves are knit in the round, which creates seamless fabric and maintains continuity of the stitch patterns. The cable and lace motif is worked on the bias, a technique that adds inherent stretch to the fabric without requiring additional shaping or gussets. This bias construction allows for a simple, gusset-free thumb hole that requires no extra shaping work.

The pattern is written to be worked using the magic loop technique on circular needles, though it can be converted to double-pointed needles (dpns) if preferred. The magic loop method is an efficient approach to knitting small circumference projects in the round, reducing the number of needles required while maintaining even tension throughout.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Curlicue pattern incorporates two primary stitch elements:

• Ribbing: Used for the cuff and structural elements, providing elasticity and a classic finished appearance
• Cable and lace motif: The signature design element inspired by wood carving details, combining cable stitches with lace work for visual interest and texture

The pattern is provided with written instructions and charts for both the ribbing and the cable and lace motif, allowing knitters to follow either written or charted directions based on their preference.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Curlicue pattern requires minimal yardage, making it an economical project. One skein of yarn produces two pairs of fingerless gloves. The pattern offers flexibility in yarn choice:

• Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock yarn: 80% Merino wool, 25% nylon blend; 393 meters (430 yards) per 100 grams. The sample shown is knit in the colorway Branagh
• Colinette Jitterbug: 100% Merino wool; 366 meters (400 yards) per 150 grams. The sample shown is knit in the colorway cumin

Both yarn options are sock-weight yarns suitable for the 2.5mm needles specified in the pattern. The Merino wool content provides warmth, breathability, and elasticity ideal for fitted fingerless gloves.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires the following tools and notions:

• 2.5mm circular needles in 80cm length for working in the round using magic loop technique, or sized as required to achieve the specified tension
• Cable needle for crossing stitches in the cable motif
• Stitch markers (2x): For marking pattern repeats and construction points
• Stitch holder: For holding stitches during thumb hole construction
• Darning needle: For weaving in ends and any finishing work

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 32 stitches by 48 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) when working stocking stitch on 2.5mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper fit, particularly given the negative ease design. The three available sizes accommodate different hand measurements while maintaining the intended fitted aesthetic.

Difficulty Level

While the product attributes indicate an advanced difficulty rating, the pattern itself is marked as moderate. This fingerless glove project is well-suited for knitters with intermediate to advanced experience who are comfortable working in the round, reading charts, and executing cable stitches. The bias construction and magic loop technique require solid foundational skills, though the straightforward thumb hole construction simplifies the overall project.