If using some of your odd balls is on your list of resolutions for the new year (or whenever you’re reading this!) I’ve got a bunch of great patterns for you! Fingerless gloves are super handy (ha!) to have both inside and outside the home. I always have a pair or two in my office and when it’s cold out they start to turn up all over the house because my hands are always cold.
They’re also great knitting projects because in general they don’t take a lot of time or a lot of yarn to knit. This collection of fingerless glove knitting patterns should use a skein or less of worsted weight yarn, so you can use leftovers from another project or bust out the odd balls to make a colorful striped pair.
Fingerless gloves probably don’t get any easier than Toast by Leslie Friend (available on Ravelry). These long mitts are more like a sleeve stitched in the round. They come in one size and use 125 to 150 yards (114-137 meters) of yarn.
Or try Maggie Smith’s Easy Fingerless mitts (free on Ravelry), which use stockinette stitch and ribbing and have a little thumb gusset. These are sized for kids and adults.
If you want a pattern like those but without a thumb, check out my easy fingerless gloves knitting pattern over on Our Daily Craft.
The 75-yard Malabrigo gloves knitting pattern from Life in Cleveland is a similar option, short and sweet with a bit of ribbing to keep everything in order. Either of these would be a great first knitting in the round and making a thumb gusset kind of project.
The simple knit purl pattern on the back of the Cozy Thermal Mitts by Karen Everitt gives them an interesting look and a little more warmth. But the palm side of the hand uses stockinette stitch for extra comfort. This pattern uses 110 to 130 yards of 100-119 meters of yarn and is a free pattern on Ravelry.
The Stretch Fingerless Gloves from LeeLee Knits on Etsy are stretchy because of the broken rib knitting pattern used on them. They also have a matching hat pattern if you want to make a set. They use about 110 yards/100 meters of yarn and are worked in the round.
Another pattern with great texture is the Masonry Mitts by Vera Brosgol (a free Ravelry download). Sized for women, they use 140 yards or 128 meters of yarn, and use twisted rib, garter stitch and stockinette.
Add a little interest to your fingerless gloves with the Lochmoor pattern from Apiary Knits on Etsy. This pattern features a pretty plaited cable on the back and comes in three sizes for adults. They’re worked from the wrist up so you can easily adjust the length, and they use between 130 and 150 yards (119-137 meters) of yarn, depending on the size.
Another fun cable can be found on the Ms. Weasley Mitts from Natalie Miller. They use twisted rib and simple cables, and they come in two sizes, using 120 to 180 yards/110-165 meters of yarn.
And if you’re really trying to use up your oddballs, might I suggest the Log Cabin Mitts from Karen Templar? These are made to use tiny bits of different colors of yarn and are worked in garter stitch. The originals used three colors but you know you don’t have to do that unless you want to, right?
Free Knitting Pattern Seeded Fingerless Mittens
6 Fingerless Mitt Knitting Patterns
Simple Fingerless Gloves to Knit
Fingerless gloves are one of the best small knitting projects for using leftover worsted weight yarn because they are quick, practical, and endlessly customisable. Whether you choose a simple ribbed pair, a textured wrist warmer, or a scrappy striped design, these patterns are a lovely way to turn leftover yarn into something useful instead of letting it sit in the basket for another year.
Make a pair for yourself first, then knit a few extras for last-minute gifts, teacher presents, market stall makes, or winter care packages. Cold hands are a very good excuse to cast on — especially when it helps clear the yarn stash at the same time.
