Knitting Gloves

Standard fingers: This method is described very well in Rita Buchanan's pattern, "Good Basic Gloves," in the book, Homespun, Handknit. At a gauge of 6 to 7-l/2 stitches per inch, the little finger is separated by putting the appropriate number of stitches on a yarn holder and casting on 3 stitches. The little finger is separated first because it starts lower on the hand. After three rounds, the rest of the fingers are separated, with three stitches cast on between each finger (finger "gussets," "crotches," or "bridges"). When it comes time to knit the fingers, the three cast-on stitches are picked up.

Tubular fingers: This is a two-needle method for knitting a tube, also described in Homespun, Handknit. According to Ginny Norris, designer of "Cuff-to-tip Two Needle Gloves":

Simply slip one stitch and knit the next in sequence; thus, you knit the side facing you while you slip the side away from you. The second row completes the other side of the tube, as you continue with the slip, knit pattern.

Another pattern in the same book, "Tip-to-cuff Two Needle Gloves," by Beverly Royce, gives instructions for starting at the fingertips in two-needle knitting, then switching to DPNs and regular circular knitting when you reach the base of the fingers.

I-Cord Gloves: This technique is described in detail by Meg Swansen in her book, Handknitting With Meg Swansen. The fingers are knitted following the basic I-cord procedure with an extra stitch brought up after the finger is done to fix any looseness. I think this might be the easiest method if you find standard fingers totally intimidating. (Source: Schoolhouse Press, 1-800-YOU-KNIT)

Eastern fingers: Priscilla Gibson-Roberts describes another tip-to-glove method in her article, "His Gloves," in Knitter's Magazine, Winter 1993. In this method, the fingers are started at the tip using the wrap cast-on Priscilla describes in her book, Ethnic Socks and Stockings.

Note: Homespun, Handknit and Ethnic Socks and Stockings are in print and available at yarn stores and bookstores, including online booksellers.

I hope you try these different methods for glove fingers. Please email me or start a discussion here, and tell me how the method worked for you. Have fun!

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