Queen's Fingerless Gloves

Queen's Fingerless Gloves by Katherine Gibbs

What Is Being Made

Queen's Fingerless Gloves are a versatile knit accessory designed to keep hands warm while leaving fingers free for everyday tasks. This intermediate-level knitting project creates fingerless gloves in four sizes ranging from extra small to large, with wrist circumferences from 5.5 to 7 inches and hand circumferences from 6.5 to 8 inches. The gloves measure 6 to 7 inches in length depending on size, making them ideal for anyone needing hand warmth without finger coverage.

Design Features and Customization

The pattern provides a simple foundation that knitters can personalize to suit their preferences. Katherine Gibbs designed these gloves with the flexibility to remain plain and understated or to be embellished with decorative elements. Knitters are encouraged to add lace patterns, cable stitches, or other embellishments to make these gloves uniquely their own, or simply work the basic pattern for a straightforward, functional accessory.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The gloves are worked in stockinette stitch, the most common knit stitch pattern that creates a smooth, uniform fabric. The construction uses circular knitting methods, which allows for seamless, tubular pieces ideal for fitted garments like gloves and mittens. Knitters will use a stitch holder or scrap yarn to manage stitches during the fingerless opening sections.

Tools and Materials

Needles: The pattern calls for size 6 (4.0mm) needles, available in either a 9-inch circular needle or a set of 5 double-pointed needles. Circular needles create a continuous loop for knitting in the round, while double-pointed needles offer an alternative method for the same technique.

Yarn Options: The pattern provides two yarn versions to suit different preferences and budgets.

• Version 1: Crystal Palace Yarn Mochi Plus in Neptune Rainbow, a blend of 80% Merino Wool and 20% Nylon offering 95 yards per 100-gram skein. This yarn weight falls in the aran category, providing a medium-weight fabric with good drape and warmth.
• Version 2: Features two coordinating yarns—Murky Depths Neptune DK (100% Superwash Merino Wool) in Girl Gone Mad as the main color with 230 yards per 100-gram skein, paired with a contrast ribbon yarn similar to Lion Brand Incredible Ribbon yarn for visual interest and texture variation.

Additional Supplies: Knitters will need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors for cutting yarn, and either a stitch holder or scrap yarn for managing open stitches during construction.

Yarn Weight and Gauge Considerations

The aran yarn weight used in this pattern creates a fabric with moderate thickness, providing adequate warmth for fingerless gloves while maintaining enough drape for comfortable wear. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct fit across the wrist and hand circumferences specified in the pattern. Knitters should always swatch and measure their gauge with size 6 (4.0mm) needles before beginning to ensure their finished gloves match the intended dimensions.