The Aurora Lattice Fingerless Gloves Free Pattern – Knitted Cable & Lace Cuffs
The Aurora Lattice Fingerless Gloves: A Free Knitting Pattern for Cozy, Textured Elegance
Wrap your hands in the cozy elegance of the Aurora Lattice Fingerless Gloves, a stunning knitting pattern that masterfully combines twisted cables with delicate lace panels. This unique design creates a textured, form-fitting accessory that transitions beautifully from chilly morning commutes to crisp evening strolls. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick, satisfying project or a confident beginner ready to tackle cables and lace, this pattern offers a rewarding experience. The result is a pair of handcrafted gloves that look intricate and luxurious, yet are surprisingly straightforward to knit in the round.
This free pattern is perfect for using that single skein of worsted weight yarn from your stash. The combination of a ribbed cuff, a mesmerizing cable-and-lace body, and a seamlessly integrated thumb gusset makes these gloves a joy to create and an even greater joy to wear. Let's dive into the pattern and craft a pair of these beautiful, handcrafted accessories.
Materials Needed for Your Knitted Cuff Gloves
Before you begin, gather your supplies. This project is portable and requires minimal materials, making it an excellent on-the-go project.
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Knit Picks Swish Worsted) in a soft heather blue or dusty rose – approximately 150 yards. The softness of the yarn will enhance the comfort of the gloves.
- Knitting Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles, or the size needed to obtain the gauge. You will need either a 16-inch circular needle for magic loop or a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working in the round.
- Cable Needle: A small cable needle to hold stitches for the C4F and C4B maneuvers.
- Other Notions: Stitch markers (at least 4), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a stitch holder or scrap yarn to hold the thumb stitches.
Gauge and Finished Measurements
Getting the correct gauge is crucial for a perfect fit. Always knit a swatch first!
- Gauge: 22 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.
- Finished Measurements: Length: 9 inches, Circumference: 7.5 inches (fits average adult hand).
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Aurora Lattice Gloves
This pattern is worked in the round from the cuff down. The instructions are detailed to ensure a flawless finish. Let's break down the abbreviations first, then move into the pattern.
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- YO: Yarn over
- C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
- C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
- PM: Place marker
- RM: Remove marker
- SM: Slip marker
- M1L: Make one left (increase)
- M1R: Make one right (increase)
Getting Started: The Right Glove
We'll begin with the right glove. The pattern is symmetrical, so the left glove is a mirror image.
Cast On and Cuff:
CO 40 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. PM to mark the beginning of the round.
Work K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a snug, stretchy cuff that will keep the gloves in place.
Knitting the Main Body: Cables and Lace
The main body features a beautiful 8-round pattern repeat. The cable (C4F/C4B) travels vertically, flanked by lace eyelets created by YOs and decreases. Follow the rounds carefully.
- Round 1: *K4, P2, YO, SSK, P2, C4F, P2, K2tog, YO, P2* – repeat from * to * once more (2 pattern repeats).
- Round 2: *K4, P2, K2, P2, C4B, P2, K2, P2* – repeat from * to * once more.
- Round 3: *K4, P2, K2, P2, K4, P2, K2, P2* – repeat from * to * once more.
- Round 4: *K4, P2, K2, P2, C4F, P2, K2, P2* – repeat from * to * once more.
- Round 5: *K4, P2, YO, SSK, P2, K4, P2, K2tog, YO, P2* – repeat from * to * once more.
- Round 6: *K4, P2, K2, P2, C4B, P2, K2, P2* – repeat from * to * once more.
- Round 7: *K4, P2, K2, P2, K4, P2, K2, P2* – repeat from * to * once more.
- Round 8: *K4, P2, K2, P2, C4F, P2, K2, P2* – repeat from * to * once more.
Repeat Rounds 1-8 until the piece measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with Round 8. This establishes the beautiful lattice pattern that gives the gloves their name.
Shaping the Thumb Gusset
Now we will add increases to create space for your thumb. This seamless gusset is a hallmark of well-fitted gloves.
- Round 1 (Increase): Work in pattern across the first 20 stitches (half of round), PM, M1L, K1, M1R, PM, work in pattern to end. You now have 42 stitches.
- Round 2: Work in pattern, slipping markers as you come to them.
- Round 3 (Increase): Work to first marker, SM, M1L, K to second marker, M1R, SM, work to end.
- Round 4: Work even, slipping markers.
Repeat Rounds 3-4 until you have 13 stitches between the markers (increased from 1 to 13). The gusset is now complete.
Separating the Thumb
It's time to isolate the thumb stitches so you can knit the hand and thumb separately.
Next Round: Work in pattern to the first marker, RM, place the next 13 stitches on a stitch holder or waste yarn, RM, CO 1 stitch (this bridges the gap), work in pattern to end. You now have 40 stitches on your needles again.
Finishing the Hand and Top Ribbing
Continue knitting the main body of the glove until it reaches the desired length.
Continue working in pattern (Rounds 1-8) until the piece measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with Round 8.
Top Ribbing: Work K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch. This provides a neat, stretchy finish at the top of the glove.
Bind off loosely in rib. A loose bind-off is essential to ensure the glove can be slipped over your hand easily.
Knitting the Thumb
Now, let's bring the thumb to life.
Transfer the 13 stitches from the holder to your needles. Pick up and knit 3 stitches from the CO edge of the thumb opening. Total 16 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
Work K1, P1 ribbing for 0.5 inch. Bind off loosely.
Knitting the Left Glove
Work the Left Glove the same as the Right Glove, but place the thumb gusset on the opposite side. To do this, work the first 20 stitches in pattern, then place markers and work the gusset. This mirrors the thumb placement for your left hand.
Finishing Touches for Your Handcrafted Gloves
Your gloves are almost complete! Just a few final steps will make them perfect.
- Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to carefully weave in all loose yarn ends on the inside of the gloves. This ensures they are durable and look clean.
- Blocking: Block gently to shape. Wet blocking or steam blocking will help even out the stitches, open up the lace pattern, and give the cables a crisp, professional definition. Lay them flat to dry.
Congratulations! You've just created a beautiful pair of Aurora Lattice Fingerless Gloves. The combination of the twisted cable and delicate lace is not only visually stunning but also provides a wonderfully textured, warm fit. These gloves make fantastic gifts for loved ones (or a well-deserved treat for yourself). Enjoy the cozy elegance of your new handcrafted accessories, perfect for adding a touch of handmade charm to any winter outfit.