Beyond Basketweave Fingerless Gloves

Beyond Basketweave Fingerless Gloves by Lindsey Stephens

Project Overview

The Beyond Basketweave Fingerless Gloves are an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Lindsey Stephens. These fingerless gloves feature a sophisticated basketweave motif created through simple knit and purl stitches, making them an ideal project for knitters looking to expand their stitch work skills. The gloves are designed to keep hands warm during outdoor activities and fiber festivals while maintaining finger dexterity for tasks requiring exposed fingertips.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The pattern is written for two sizes to accommodate different hand sizes. The Medium size measures 6.5 inches around the hand and 9 inches in length when unstretched. The Large size increases to 7.75 inches around with the same 9-inch length. These measurements ensure a comfortable, snug fit that stays in place without restricting circulation.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This project is worked in the round from the bottom up, a construction method that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for fitted garments like gloves. The pattern incorporates a gusset for the thumb that is formed gradually as you knit, eliminating the need for complex seaming or grafting during finishing. This thoughtful construction method minimizes post-knitting finishing work, allowing you to complete the project efficiently.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Beyond Basketweave design relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined to create visual interest:

• Knit stitch and purl stitch form the foundation of the basketweave motif
• The alternating knit and purl stitches create a textured, dimensional pattern that resembles woven basketwork
• Ribbing at the cuff provides elasticity and helps the gloves stay securely in place on the wrist

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The fingerless gloves require 128 yards of sport weight yarn for the Medium size, with 150 yards needed for the Large size. The sample shown was crafted using Bijou Basin Ranch Lhasa Wilderness yarn, a luxury blend composed of 75% yak down and 25% bamboo. This particular yarn comes in 2-ounce skeins with 180 yards of yardage, meaning one skein in Natural Cream provides sufficient yardage with some leftover for the Medium size.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for two sets of needles to accommodate different gauges required for different sections:

• US size 3 (3.25 mm) double point needles or circular knitting needles for the main body of the gloves
• US size 1.5 (2.5 mm) double point needles or circular knitting needles for the initial ribbing at the cuff
• Two stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points

The pattern notes that needle size may be adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge for your specific yarn choice.

Skill Level and Project Difficulty

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project assumes familiarity with basic knitting techniques including casting on, knit and purl stitches, working in the round, and reading knitting patterns. The basketweave stitch pattern, while using only knits and purls, requires attention to stitch placement to create the intended visual effect. The thumb gusset construction adds moderate complexity but is manageable for knitters with foundational skills.