The Shifting Dune Fingerless Gloves: A Free Knitting Pattern for Textured, Asymmetrical Hand Warmers

Unlock the Desert's Texture: Knit the Shifting Dune Fingerless Gloves

Have you ever wanted to wrap your hands in the warm, sculpted beauty of a desert landscape? The Shifting Dune Fingerless Gloves are the perfect project to bring that earthy, textured elegance to life. This free knitting pattern features a striking asymmetrical cable and rib design that mimics the rolling dunes, offering both style and comfort for chilly days. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick, satisfying project or a confident beginner ready to tackle cables, these gloves are a joy to make. Let's dive into creating your own pair of cozy, modern hand warmers.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The sample shown uses a warm, earthy palette, but feel free to choose your favorite worsted weight yarn.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx 200-250 yards). Sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Sand' and 'Taupe'.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles (set of double-pointed or circular for magic loop).
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge for best fit.
• Notions: Cable needle, stitch holders or scrap yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for size S (M, L). Instructions for the smallest size are given first, with larger sizes in parentheses. The gloves are worked flat from the wrist to the fingers, then seamed. The thumb gusset is created by increasing stitches. The asymmetrical cable panel is worked on the back of the hand, while the palm is a simple rib.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• p: purl
• k2tog: knit two together
• ssk: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• C4F: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, k2, k2 from cable needle
• C4B: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, k2, k2 from cable needle
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rep: repeat
• M1: make one stitch (increase)

Left Glove

Ribbing (Wrist):
CO 36 (40, 44) sts.
Row 1 (WS): *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 2 (RS): *p2, k2; rep from * to end.
Rep Rows 1-2 for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.

Begin Cable Panel (Back of Hand):
Row 1 (RS): p2, k8, p2, k2, p2, k8, p2, k2 (for M: p2, k8, p2, k4, p2, k8, p2, k4; for L: p2, k8, p2, k6, p2, k8, p2, k6).
Row 2 (WS): k2, p8, k2, p2, k2, p8, k2, p2 (adjust for size as above).
Row 3 (RS): p2, C4F, C4B, p2, k2, p2, C4F, C4B, p2, k2.
Row 4 (WS): as Row 2.
Row 5 (RS): as Row 1.
Row 6 (WS): as Row 2.
Row 7 (RS): p2, C4B, C4F, p2, k2, p2, C4B, C4F, p2, k2.
Row 8 (WS): as Row 2.

Thumb Gusset:
Continue in pattern as established. On the next RS row, begin thumb increases on the palm side (the k2/p2 section).
Row 1 (RS): Work across back of hand in pattern, then on palm side: k1, M1, k to last st, M1, k1.
Work 3 rows even in pattern.
Rep these 4 rows until you have 12 (14, 16) thumb gusset sts. Place thumb sts on a holder.

Hand:
Continue working across all sts in pattern until piece measures 7 (7.5, 8) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Finger Shaping:
Row 1 (RS): Work in pattern across back of hand, then on palm: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk.
Row 2 (WS): Work even in pattern.
Rep Rows 1-2 until 20 (22, 24) sts remain.
Bind off loosely.

Thumb:
Pick up 12 (14, 16) sts from holder, plus 2 sts from the hand. Work in k2, p2 rib for 1 inch. Bind off loosely.

Right Glove

Work as for Left Glove, but mirror the cable panel (start with C4B on Row 3 instead of C4F).

Finishing

Seam the side of the glove and thumb using mattress stitch. Weave in ends. Block lightly to open cables and even out stitches. Your Shifting Dune Fingerless Gloves are now ready to wear!