Basic Glove Knitting Recipe by Nimble Needles
Basic Glove Knitting Recipe by Nimble Needles
Basic Glove Knitting Recipe by Nimble Needles
v1.2
Gloves are one of the technique that satisfied me. While not 100 per-
most popular knitting cent perfect either, it does create a transition I
patterns. Yet, they are can live with.
also one of the most
difficult projects. Even In that process I noticed that the reason this por-
intermediate knitters of- tion cannot be perfect is related to handknitting.
ten report problems with It's close to impossible to not stress those stitch-
the most simple patterns es as you knit them. And that's when I realized I
and it's quite difficult to need to accept a certain degree of hand-knitted
achieve perfect results. charm and I urge you to do the same.
That's why I compiled this detailed step-by-step Either way, this is a basic recipe and I hope you
tutorial. I want to take away the fear glove knit- understand you can adjust and embellish it as
ting instills in many a knitter and help you create you see fit. Add different stitch patterns, knit
a finished project you can be proud of. them in multiple colors, or maybe add some ca-
bles on the back of the hands.
It took me quite a while to figure out a method
for picking up stitches and knitting the thumbs
that really satisfied me. It's just so easy to end Happy knitting,
up with holes in that spot. Norman
Admittedly, it is the most difficult section when PS: I recorded a video where you can see me
knitting a glove. So, for many years I kind of ac- knitting these gloves step-by-step.
cepted that's the way it is and thought there was PPS: Remember to comment on the correspond-
no way to create a seamless transitions. ing blog post in case you have any questions.
That way, other knitters can see my answers as
In preparation for this pattern, I knitted a lot of well. I do not answer questions via email.
samples and swatches and finally found a
In terms of yarn and needle size, you can get creative. This pattern will work with almost
any yarn between lace and dk weight yarn. I wouldn't pick a heavier yarn as this will often make
the gloves look a bit clumsy, but also warmer of course. Also, gloves look best when knitted with a
very tight gauge. As you move your hands, you will stretch out the fabric. With a loose gauge, holes
will be visible whenever you do that, and this also means they will offer less insulation as cold air
can flow through these little holes.
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Check this tutorial in case you don’t know how Feel free to comment on the corresponding blog
to read knitting patterns yet. And here’s a help- post case you have any further questions (that
ful and very detailed glossary of knitting terms way, everyone can see your questions and my
with the most common (and uncommon) abbre- answers.)
viations, terms, etc.
If you still require help with these and other knitting techniques, please visit my website where
you‘ll find step by step tutorials and videos for almost all important knitting techniques.
fig. 1
fig. 3 In my case:
Pinky finger: 12 st; cast on 3
Pinky finger: 2 cm ÷ 8.7 cm = 23%
Ring finger: 11 st; cast on 3; pick up 3
Ring finger: 2 cm ÷ 8.7 cm = 23%
Middle finger: 13 st; cast on 3; pick up 3
Middle finger: 2.2 cm ÷ 8.7 cm = 25%
Index finger: 14 st; pick up 3;
Index finger: 2.5 cm ÷ 8.7 cm = 28%
Round 1: Knit across until you come to the Secure the rest of stitches on a piece of scrap
gap. Then, turn your project around and use a yarn, stitch holders, or a bit of wire.
knitted cast-on purlwise to bridge the gap. Cast Round 1: Knit across, start a new needle two
on 3 stitches in that manner, turn around again, stitches before the gap, and bridge the gap by
and knit across the rest of the round. You may turning the work to the wrong side and casting
also use a backward loop/single cast-on but I on 3/4/5* stitches with a knitted cast-on purlwise,
find it creates an edge that is too loose. turn around again, and continue knitting across.
Round 2: Knit across. *cast on of 40-50st/51-60st/60st+
Continue in stockinette stitch until the glove re- Round 2: Knit across.
aches the crook between pinky and ring finger. Continue in stockinette stitch until the fabric
Tip: Depending on your personal preferences, almost covers your pinky finger and there’s not
you may consider casting on more than just much more than two or three milimeters of
three stitches to bridge the gap. skin/nail peeking out at the top (see fig. 2).
In this case, keep the stitch markers before and
fig. 2
after the gap. Then decrease with SKK after the
first marker and K2tog before the second mar-
ker in every second or third round until there
are only three stitches left. This will create a
little mini gusset and may lend your gloves a bit
more flexibility. You would have to decrease in
as similar manner as you start the thumb.
Step 1: Step 2:
Identify the Vs along the gap. There should Use a crochet hook to pick up one stitch
be one more than the stitches you cast on to through the second stitch (or the middle stitch
bridge the gap. if you cast on more stitches).
Step 3: Step 4:
Pick up another stitch through the adjacent sti- Lift the left leg of the stitch next to the first
tch (and continue until you used up all Vs along stitch on the next needle back to the needle
the edge in that manner if there are more). and carefully knit a KLL into that stitch.
Step 5: Result:
On the other side, lift the right leg of the adja- This will create a super smooth transition. You
cent stitch back to a spare needle and knit it can either work with the extra stitches or decrea-
together through back loop with the last stitch. se them with k2tog...SSK in the next round.
Note: I developed the following pick-up technique over many hours of meticulous swatching. It is not the
standard textbook method. Kindly reference it in a fair manner if you want to use it for your own patterns.
For a small contribution, patrons get access to exclusive content beyond the ordinary, such as:
Round 2: Knit across and decrease additional Preparation: Put your gloves on and identify
gap stitches with SSK and k2tog on either side. the middle of your thumb pad. Then place stitch
markers 3/4/5* stitches before and after the
From here, continue in stockinette stitch as befo- middle stitch.
re, start with the decreases once the fabric almost Round 1: Knit across, slip marker, SSK, knit
covers the top, and secure the tail as before. across until 2 stitches before next marker,
Next, use the remaining stitches to knit the index k2tog, slip marker, finish round.
finger. Obviously, you can't/don't have to cast on Round 2: knit across
any extra stitches as there is no gap to bridge. Continue decreasing after and before the mar-
You just have to pick up stitches from the edge ker until there are only 3 stitches between the
and that's why the index finger typically gets the stitch marker left.
most stitches from the original cast-on. From here, you can continue knitting across in
stockinette stitch until the fabric almost covers
The thumb: the tip of your thumb and you can finish the
The traditional last step of knitting a glove is way you did before with a k2tog round, follo-
the thumb. The technique is the exact same wed by one last knit round.
as for the fingers, so you won't face any new Note: A lot of older patterns will stop the tips
problems here. right after the k2tog round. I found this often
creates an unattractive tip, that's why I knit
Round 1: Begin by picking up one stitch for across one more round. Try both and pick wha-
every V of the edge starting in the middle, pick up tever you prefer.
happy knitting
Norman
© Copyright Norman Schwarze, www.nimble-needles.com, all rights reserved. No part of this pat-
tern may be reproduced, copied, or forwarded in any form. This pattern is supplied for your perso-
nal and non-commercial use only. This pattern was first published in January 2022. As long as you
link to my website and give credits, small business owners are welcome to sell finished objects
based on this pattern.