How to Knit Easy Fingerless Gloves

Shetland Lace Gloves – Free Knitting Pattern

If you would like to learn how to knit fingerless gloves, this simple lace design is a really pretty project that works up quickly and is much easier that it looks. These Shetland-inspired gloves use a gentle lace repeat based on the Old Shale stitch, creating gentle waves while still being beginner-friendly. They’re worked flat, seamed at the end and only use basic increases and decreases, making them a suitable for an adventurous beginner.

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Complete the Set!

Complete the set with the matching Shetland Lace Scarf and Beanie patterns. Each piece features the same soft, wavy Old Shale–inspired lace stitch, creating a beautifully coordinated look. Together, the scarf, beanie and gloves make a lovely cosy trio, perfect for winter gifting or adding a handmade touch to your own wardrobe.

The Lace Pattern

The simple four-row repeat is a variation of Old Shale, making these gloves a lovely introduction to lace knitting. If want to learn how to knit fingerless gloves, with simple lace, this pattern guides you through each step. 

About the Yarn

These gloves were designed using Paintbox Yarns Ombre Aran Wool Touch, a soft and warm blend of 75% acrylic and 25% wool. Each 100 g ball contains approximately 190 m and is machine washable on a gentle cycle, making it a practical yarn for gifting or everyday wear.

Yarn Substitutions

If you are unable to source the original yarn we recommend the following substitiutions:

Sirdar Jewelspun Aran

Lion Brand Ferris Wheel

Chroma Worsted

Materials and Tools

5.00 mm and 4.00 mm needles

Paintbox Yarns Ombre Aran

Yarn needle

Scissors

Gauge: 16 sts x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm in pattern

Sizing

The size chart in this pattern shows the finished size of the gloves, along with the total yarn quantities. This patterns is one size fits most, (adults and older teens). If you know your hands are either very large or very small you might find going up or down needle sizes will give a better finished fit.

Shetland Lace Gloves Pattern

Pattern Notes:

• Read the pattern all the way through before starting.
• We recommend using the cable cast on.
• Gloves are knitted flat and then seamed leaving a gap for the thumb.
• The lace pattern is created by simple increases and decreases.

Abbreviations

k - knit

p - purl

k2tog - knit 2 together

yo - yarn over

st(s) stitch(s)

Cable Cast On:

• Make a slipknot and place it on the left needle.
• Insert the right needle knitwise into this stitch, wrap the yarn and pull up a loop.
• Place the loop on the left needle.
• For all following stitches, insert the right needle between the last two stitches on the left needle.
• Wrap the yarn and pull up a loop.
• Place the new loop on the left needle.
• Repeat until the required number of stitches are cast on.

Special Stitches:

2 x 2 rib

Row 1 [k2, p2] repeat across ending with k2

Row 2 [p2, k2] repeat across ending with p2

Instructions

Ribbing

With 4mm needles cast on 38 sts leaving a long tail.

Rows 1-22 2x2 rib

Body of Glove

Change to 5mm needles. Slip the 1st st of each row to create selvedge edge.

Row 1 knit.

Row 2 purl.

Row 3 sl1 [k2tog] 3 times, [yo, k1] 6 times, [k2tog] 6 times [yo, k1] 6 times, [k2tog] 3 times, k1.

Row 4 purl

Rows 1-4 form pattern, repeat 6 more times

Cast off leaving a long tail.

Seaming

• We recommend using mattress stitch to seam the gloves for a professional finish.
• Using the tail at the cuff end, seam up the glove until 1 inch after the ribbing ends, then fasten off.
• Using the tail at the top, seam down 1.5 inches, then fasten off.
• This will leave a 2-inch gap for the thumb.

Finishing

While blocking is not completely necessary as the gloves will stretch when wearing them, you may want to block if gifting for a more polished look.

Looking for more knitting patterns?

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