Book Review: Easy Knitted Fingerless Gloves

Japanese knitting patterns are popular with knitters all over the world for the simplicity of their presentation. You don’t really have to know how to read the language because the patterns are presented in chart form.

If you’ve been wanting to give Japanese knitting patterns a try but were intimidated by the concept (or you’ve just heard of them and want to give knitting one a go), Easy Knitted Fingerless Gloves by Nihon Vogue is a great place to start.

The 21 patterns cover a range of knitting techniques, including stranded knitting, lace, cables and beaded knitting. Some projects are worked flat and seamed while others are worked in the round. Some just have a hole for the thumb (or are mitts that don’t go over the thumb) while others have thumb gussets.

Because this is a knitting book aimed at the English-speaking market that may not have experience with Japanese knitting patterns, there are plenty of instructions on the techniques, how to read patterns and more detailed notes than you are likely to find on typical Japanese patterns.

While the chart style is a little intimidating at first, it’s really not that hard to understand with the help of the notes and the additional charts for the colorwork. Like learning anything new, if you just take your time and make sure you understand what the pattern is asking you do, it shouldn’t be a problem.

These patterns are a great way to gain confidence in your knitting skills because you are trusted to understand what you need to do, and that can be a big confidence boost when you find you can complete the project successfully.

Some of my favorite patterns include the Weave and Lace pattern pictured on the cover and designed by Tomo Sugiyama; the Aran Motif gloves, which have both a long and a short version by Mariko Oka; and the Slouchy Spiral Mitts by Makiko Okamoto, which use a knit a purl spiral pattern and are worked almost the length of sleeves.

The patterns are not on Ravelry so I did a quick Instagram video to show you the interior of the book. You can view it here (and give me a follow while you’re over there if you like!).

About the book: 84 pages, paperback, 21 patterns. Published by Tuttle Publishing, 2019, suggested retail price $12.99.