Willow Wisp Criss Cross Fingerless Gloves Free Pattern – Knit a Misty Forest Grip

Wrap your hands in the quiet magic of a fog-draped woodland with these criss cross fingerless gloves, knit in a soft gradient of sage and silver. The twisted lattice stitch creates a snug, flexible fit that moves with you, perfect for crisp morning walks or cozy desk days. This free knitting pattern is designed for beginners who want to try their hand at simple cables, and the result is a stunning, textured accessory that looks far more complex than it actually is.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick weekend project or a newbie ready to tackle your first cable stitch, the Willow Wisp gloves are the perfect choice. The pattern is worked flat from the cuff up, then seamed, leaving a neat opening for your thumb. The gradient effect—from sage green at the cuff to misty gray for the main body—adds a subtle ombre touch that elevates the design from simple to sophisticated.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All items are readily available at your local yarn shop or online.

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn in two colors: Color A (sage green) and Color B (misty gray)
• Approximately 150 yards of each color (a total of 300 yards)
• Tip: Choose a yarn with good stitch definition, such as a wool or wool-blend, to make the cables pop.

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge). Straight needles are fine, or use circular needles for flat knitting if you prefer.
• Cable needle (any size, as long as it's smaller than your main needles)
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
• Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Scissors

Gauge

• 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
• Always knit a gauge swatch first to ensure your gloves fit properly. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat from the cuff up, then seamed, leaving an opening for the thumb. The criss cross stitch is a simple cable variation that creates a beautiful lattice effect. Follow the instructions carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous pair of gloves in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• SSK: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• C4F: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
• St(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Pattern Stitch (Criss Cross Lattice)

Worked over a multiple of 6 stitches + 2 edge stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *C4F, K2; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3 (RS): K2, *K2, C4B; repeat from * to end.
• Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Repeat Rows 1-4 for the pattern. The C4F and C4B are what create the criss cross lattice effect, resembling interwoven willow branches.

Left Glove

Step 1: Cuff
With Color A (sage green), CO 38 sts.
Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches (approximately 12 rows). This creates a stretchy, comfortable cuff that will hug your wrist.

Step 2: Main Body
Switch to Color B (misty gray) and begin the Criss Cross Lattice pattern, working Rows 1-4 as established. Continue until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. Note: When you switch colors, simply tie the new yarn to the old and continue knitting. You'll weave in the ends later.

Step 3: Thumb Opening
On the next RS row, work the first 12 sts in pattern, then bind off the next 6 sts loosely, continue in pattern to the end of the row.
On the next WS row, work to the bound-off gap, then cast on 6 sts over the gap, continue in pattern to the end. This creates the thumb hole. Tip: When casting on over the gap, use the backward loop method for a neat, flexible edge.

Step 4: Continue Body
Continue in pattern until the piece measures 7 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Step 5: Top Shaping
Now you'll decrease to shape the top of the glove, creating a tapered, elegant point.

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *C4F, K2; repeat from * to end (38 sts).
• Row 2 (WS): Purl.
• Row 3 (RS): K2, *K2tog, K2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2 (32 sts).
• Row 4 (WS): Purl.
• Row 5 (RS): K2, *K2tog, K1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2 (26 sts).
• Row 6 (WS): Purl.
• Row 7 (RS): K2, *K2tog; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2 (16 sts).

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches). Thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure. This gathers the top of the glove into a neat point.

Right Glove

Step 1-2: Work the same as the Left Glove, from the cuff through the main body.

Step 3: Thumb Opening (Mirrored)
For the right glove, the thumb opening needs to be on the opposite side. To do this, work the first 20 sts in pattern, bind off the next 6 sts, then continue in pattern to the end. On the next WS row, cast on 6 sts over the gap as before.

Step 4-5: Continue in pattern until the piece measures 7 inches from the cast-on edge, then complete the top shaping identically to the Left Glove.

Finishing

Seaming:
With the WS facing, sew the side seam from the cuff up to the thumb opening, then from the thumb opening to the top, using a mattress stitch or whip stitch. The mattress stitch creates an invisible seam, which is ideal for this textured pattern. If you're new to seaming, a whip stitch is simpler and still looks neat.

Weave in Ends:
Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle. Be sure to secure them well so they don't unravel with wear.

Repeat:
Repeat the entire process for the second glove.

Blocking:
Block gently to shape and enhance the stitch definition. To block, soak the gloves in lukewarm water with a mild wool wash, gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring!), and lay flat to dry, shaping them to the correct dimensions. This step really makes the cables stand out and gives the gloves a professional finish.

Final Thoughts

These Willow Wisp Criss Cross Fingerless Gloves are a joy to knit and even more delightful to wear. The combination of the sage green cuff and misty gray body creates a calming, nature-inspired palette that pairs beautifully with autumn coats or cozy sweaters. The criss cross lattice stitch is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it, and the result is a rich, dimensional texture that looks like it came straight from a boutique.

Whether you're knitting these for yourself or as a handmade gift, the recipient will appreciate the care and craftsmanship that went into every stitch. So grab your needles, pour yourself a warm cup of tea, and let the quiet magic of the misty forest inspire your next project. Happy knitting!