My first ever crochet pattern - The Gloves of Win
My first, and possibly my last pattern - a crochet designer I am not! But I've been searching for a while for a fingerless gloves pattern that fit my exacting requirements, and having failed to find any I had to resort to experimenting.
So what's special about these? First off, they're slimline. No bulkiness. Probably not warm enough for wearing in the depths of winter, but great any other time of year, and perfect for the office or while on the computer/gaming.
Second, they're unisex. Almost - but not quite - entirely plain. Definitely not lacy.
Third, the construction and stitch used makes them stretchy, so they will fit a larger hand and they stay in place well without moving around the way less stretchy gloves can.
Fourthly, they have a thumb. I just can't get to liking fingerless gloves without a thumb.
A word about sizing
I made these to fit my own hands, which are, sadly, kinda large. To be specific, approx 8 inches circumference around the palm and 3 inches around the thumb. If your hand is a little bigger then the gloves will stretch to fit. If its a lot bigger then I'd suggest you use a slightly thicker yarn and go up 1 or 2 hook sizes. if your hand is smaller, go down one or two hook sizes. You could also increase or decrease the total number of rows - you'd need to increase or decrease one before the tr row and one after to keep the pattern. Also, I made these long to cover my fingers more. If you prefer less finger coverage, chain fewer stitches to start. You'll need to decrease in twos to keep the pattern.
You will need
Sock yarn or another fingering weight yarn (I used Patons Patonyle which has some nylon in it. Not sure how much I used but not more than 200 metres I should think
Crochet hook 3.5mm or size to get gauge (12 st and 6 rows per 2 inches in hdcblo) I'm taking this measurement from the gloves after they have been worn, so if yours is a little tighter it should be fine)
Tapestry needle
Stitches used
ch (chain), hdc (half double crochet), hdcblo (half double crochet through the back loop only), tr (treble), slst (slip stitch). US terminology
Gloves (make 2)
Ch 47
Row 1 hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each chain across (45 st)
Row 2 ch 2, turn. hdcblo in each stitch across
Rows 3-6 repeat row 2
Row 7 ch 5, *skip 1 stitch, tr in next stitch, ch 1* Repeat from * to * across, finishing with a tr in the last stitch
Row 8 ch 2, hdc into the top of the 1st tr stitch. *Hdc into the ch1 space. Hdc into the top of the next tr stitch* repeat from * to * across, finishing with an hdc into the last ch1 sp and an hdc into the top ch of the turning ch. Stop for a moment and make sure that you still have 45 st!
Rows 9-19 repeat row 2. Do not fasten off.
Joining
To make a left glove, fold your fabric so that the right sides are together. For a right glove, fold so that the wrong sides are together.
You may wish to pin the gloves and decide for yourself at this point where you want the thumb hole to be. This is what I did to fit my hand.
Slst through both edges for 15 stitches from the wrist end.
Slst through the front edge only for 9 stitches to create the thumbhole.
Slst through both edges on all remaining stitches to form the finger section. Fasten off and turn right side out.
Thumb
Join your yarn in the seam at the base of where the thumb goes.
Ch 10, hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and each ch across (7 st). Skip the 1st st at the base of the thumb and slst into the next st to join the thumb to the base.
*Turn, ch 2, hdcblo in each stitch across. Turn, ch 2, hdcblo across, and slst into the 4th stitch along on the base.* Repeat from * to * twice more.
Turn, ch 2, hdcblo across. Your hook should now be at the top of the thumb.
Do not fasten off, but cut your yarn leaving a long tail (2-3 feet). Turn your glove inside out.
Slst the two edges of the thumb together and fasten off. You should now have a tube for the thumb and it will be joined to the body of the glove in a few places but with large gaps in between.
Thread your tapestry needle onto the remaining tail of yarn and use it to stitch the thumb to the body more securely, filling in the gaps. Make your stitches firm but not tight (or you will distort the fabric), and do not use more stitches than necessary or they will become too visible in the finished glove.
Weave in all ends and turn right side out.
You can wear either glove on either hand. Depending on which way round you wear them the tr row should run either down the back or the side of your hand.
I hope that all makes sense, but feel free to leave comments, suggestions or queries!
