Medianoche

Medianoche Gloves by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud

What is Being Made

Medianoche is a pair of women's knitted gloves designed to showcase the hands rather than simply cover them. Sized for Women's M with a hand circumference of 7 inches (17.80 cm) at the base of the fingers and a wrist circumference of 6 inches (15 cm), these gloves feature thoughtful construction details that prioritize both comfort and aesthetic appeal. The design philosophy celebrates the hands as worthy of appreciation, particularly during autumn and cold seasons when hand protection is needed.

Design Features and Construction

The Medianoche gloves incorporate several distinctive design elements that elevate them beyond basic hand coverings. An anatomically correct gusset provides proper shaping and fit, while the finger construction allows adequate room for natural movement and dexterity. The double cuff is the standout feature: a fitted ribbed inner cuff provides structure and security at the wrist, while a lacy, flouncy outer cuff adds visual interest and elegance. This combination of functional inner ribbing and decorative outer lace creates a sophisticated silhouette.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and decorative techniques. The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. Ribbed stitching is used for the fitted inner cuff, providing elasticity and structure. Lace stitching is incorporated into the flouncy outer cuff, adding delicate openwork detail. The construction method includes a provisional cast on (worked with a crochet hook and waste yarn), which allows for seamless finishing and the ability to pick up stitches for the cuff. Stitch markers are used throughout to track pattern repeats and shaping points, while a tapestry needle is employed for weaving in ends and any necessary seaming.

Yarn and Needles

The Medianoche gloves are knitted using spaceCadet Create izarra yarn in the Venus colorway. This yarn is composed of 100% British Fleece Lustre (BFL), a premium natural fiber known for its softness, durability, and subtle sheen. One 100-gram skein provides 400 yards (366 meters) of yarn, sufficient for completing both gloves. The yarn weight is classified as 4-ply, a light worsted or DK-weight category that produces a refined fabric with good stitch definition. Knitting is worked on a 36-inch US 2 (2.75 mm) circular needle, which allows for seamless construction in the round. The recommended gauge is 28 stitches and 38 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, ensuring proper sizing and fabric drape.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Medianoche gloves require competence with circular needle knitting, basic shaping techniques, and lace stitch work. Knitters should be comfortable with techniques such as increasing and decreasing for the gusset shaping, reading lace charts or instructions for the decorative cuff, and managing stitches across circular needles. The provisional cast-on method adds a technical element that intermediate knitters will find manageable.