I have a friend whose fingers become cold and achey when using her computer. If she used the computer only now and then this would not be a problem, but she uses it daily for hours, so a solution is required. She could wear gloves but they slip and slide on the keys and cause mistakes in the text. She says it is the wrist and arm area that most needs to be kept warm. Mmmmm, fingerless gloves could be a solution. They are useful in any situation where you want your fingers free while your hands, wrists and arms are snug and warm.

First, choose the look, weight and feel of the yarn for the effect you want. I’ve trialed them in wispy kid silk, laceweight merino, silk and cashmere 2ply, camelhair, baby wool, merino and nylon 4-ply sockwool and 8-ply alpaca and merino. All are suitable, all are lovely in their own way. Each has a different look and feel.

Use fine needles with fine yarn and be guided by the suggestion on the wool band; I say guided because your swatch will have the final say. Take the time to knit a swatch. Count the number of stitches per 10cm square. Measure round your hand just below where the fingers join the palm. This will give you an idea of the measurement of the fabric you will need to knit.

Here’s the simplest pattern possible for a plain fingerless glove using two, four or circular needles – choose the needles you are most comfortable with. You will want to explore different needles, patterns and effects when the basic pattern and technique feels comfortable.

As a guide, for a medium size glove for a hand measuring 18cm around the top of the palm where the fingers begin, and 18 cm long, you will need approximately 125metres of 4-ply yarn. Check on the wool band for the length of yarn in the ball. If you want the glove to go further up the arm then you will require more yarn.

You will need two sets of needles, e.g. 3mm for the ribbing and 4mm for the body of the fabric.

On the finer needles cast on stitches. Rib for 2 cm, change to the thicker needles and knit in stocking stitch for 14 cm. Finish with 2 cm of ribbing on size 3mm needles. Cast off.
Stitch the side seam leaving a 4 cm space for the thumb about 11 cm from the wrist.

MBW