Very Classic Gloves
Knitting a pair of gloves is a special experience, each finger its own tiny project, an occasion to focus and enjoy the moment. And knitting our Very Classic Gloves is uniquely gratifying, because they’re made in our incredibly beautiful Cygnet. Completely undyed, Cygnet is a mix of 70% white cashmere and 30% baby alpaca, whose range of natural shades contribute all the color to this yarn, giving each hue an earthy complexity and a gentle beauty.
You cast on and join to knit these gloves in the round, knitting a 1×1 ribbed cuff for several inches… Long enough to tuck up under your coat sleeve and keep your wrists warm! As you transition into the hand section, you knit in stockinette stitch, marking the gusset so you can increase and create space for your thumb. Once you’ve added enough stitches, you put the thumb stitches on hold and keep knitting to the base of your pinky.
Knitting on, each finger gets its moment in the spotlight, as you portion its stitches onto your needles, knit them in the round, and then do a quick decrease to the top (or if you’re knitting the fingerless version, bind off, once you’ve reached the length you need). Once the fingers are done, you go back to your thumb stitches and finish them off, too.
Even more beautiful in person, Cygnet’s natural color is both subtle and impactful. As you knit, it’s amazing to think about the origin of the color, about the goats and alpacas who grew their hair in such gentle colors to create such exquisitely soft yarn.
Cygnet’s cashmere is the finest available. From the downy winter undercoat of goats, this fiber is designed by nature to be lightweight, warm, and outrageously soft. Similarly, “baby alpaca” is a term that refers not to the age of the animal it comes from, but to the fineness of its fleece. It means that the alpaca fiber in Cygnet is also extremely soft and a wonderful match for the cashmere.
This fingering-weight yarn is fine enough to wrap every bit of your hand in warmth without uncomfortable bulk, and Cygnet’s six tidy plies increase its strength and durability. It takes only one, two, or three skeins to make a pair of gloves, depending on the size and style you choose, so pick the lovely color that calls to you, and cast on for a truly stunning knit!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
Based on Gem Gloves design by Whitney Van Nes and updated by Purl Soho designer, Gianna Mueller. Click here to see even more of Gianna’s designs!
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Materials
Fingerless Version
- 1 (2, 2, 2) skein(s) of Purl Soho’s Cygnet, 70% undyed white cashmere and 30% natural-color baby alpaca. Each skein of this fingering weight yarn is 164 yards/ 50 grams; approximately 160 (215, 250, 305) yards required for fingerless version. We used the color Rock Salt.
Full Glove Version
- 2 (2, 2, 3) skeins of Purl Soho’s Cygnet, 70% undyed white cashmere and 30% natural-color baby alpaca. Each skein is 164 yards/ 50 grams; approximately 210 (270, 310, 380) yards required for full glove version. We used Heirloom White.
You will also need…
- A set of US 2 (3 mm) double pointed needles
- Stitch markers, including 1 unique
- Stitch holder and scrap yarn
NOTE: If you want to use Magic Loop for the Cuff, Thumb Gusset, and Upper Palm sections of this pattern, you’ll also need a pair of US 2, 32-inch or longer circular knitting needles. Working the fingers using Magic Loop might be tricky, so make sure you have a set of US 2 double pointed needles too.
GAUGE
34 stitches and 40 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
SIZES
Kid/Junior (Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large)
- Finished Circumference at Palm: 6 (6¾, 7¼, 8¼) inches
- Fingerless Gloves Finished Length from Cuff to End of Middle Finger: 8½ (9½, 10½, 11¼) inches, with instructions to modify
- Gloves Finished Length from Cuff to Tip of Middle Finger: 10½ (11½, 12½, 13½) inches, with instructions to modify
NOTE: Finger length can vary a lot from person to person. While pattern provides lengths for each finger, test fit the gloves on the intended wearer, if possible, as you work the fingers.
Samples: We knit the Fingerless Version in Adult Large and the Full Glove Version in Adult Small.
PATTERN
CUFF
Cast 56 (66, 70, 80) stitches onto three double pointed needles or long circulars for Magic Loop. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place unique marker for end of round and join for working the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Round 1: *K1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 3½ (4, 4½, 4½) inches from cast-on edge.
Work three rounds of stockinette stitch, knitting each round.
THUMB GUSSET
Round 1: *K7 (6, 6, 6), knit two together (k2tog), repeat from * to last 2 (2, 6, 0) stitches, k2 (2, 6, 0). [50 (58, 62, 70) stitches remain]
Round 2: Knit to end of round.
Round 3: K24 (28, 30, 34), place marker (pm), make 1 right (m1R), k2, make 1 left (m1L), pm, knit to end of round. [52 (60, 64, 72) stitches]
Rounds 4 and 5: Knit to end of round.
Round 6 (Increase Round): Knit to first marker, slip marker (sm), m1R, knit to next marker, m1L, sm, knit to end of round. [2 stitches increased)
Working in stockinette stitch, repeat Increase Round every 3rd round 3 (5, 3, 4) more times, then every 4th round 2 (1, 3, 3) time(s). [64 (74, 78, 88) stitches total; 16 (18, 18, 20) stitches between Thumb Gusset markers]
Next Round: Knit to end of round.
Next Round: Knit to first marker, remove marker, slip next 16 (18, 18, 20) stitches onto a stitch holder or scrap yarn, remove marker, turn work so wrong side is facing you and cable cast on 2 stitches, turn work so right side is facing you and continue to knit to end of round. [50 (58, 62, 70) stitches]
Continue in stockinette stitch until piece measures 3¼ (3½, 3¾, 4¼) inches from top of ribbing, or to base of your pinky.
PINKY
Dividing Round: K5 (6, 7, 8) slip next 40 (46, 48, 54) stitches onto a 12-inch length of scrap yarn, turn work so wrong side is facing you and cable cast on 3 stitches, turn work so right side is facing you. [5 (6, 7, 8) stitches remain to end of round; 13 (15, 17, 19) total working stitches]
NOTE: The scrap yarn should be long enough to hold stitches securely without tying the ends together. You’ll be working stitches from both ends of the scrap yarn as you work the remaining fingers. If you need to tie the ends to feel comfortable, use a loose knot that you can easily untie.
Distribute the 13 (15, 17, 19) stitches onto 3 double pointed needles, making sure working yarn remains accessible at end of a needle, and join for working in the round.
FINGERLESS VERSION ONLY
Knit evenly until Pinky measures ½ (¾, 1, 1¼) inches, or to right below first knuckle.
Loosely bind off stitches knitwise and continue to Upper Palm.
GLOVES ONLY
Knit evenly until Pinky measures 2 (2¼, 2½, 3) inches, or to tip of your actual pinky finger. Make sure when you try on the glove that the base of the pinky is snug inside the crook between your pinky and ring finger.
Next Round: [K1, k2tog] 4 (5, 5, 6) times, k1 (0, 2, 1). [9 (10, 12, 13) stitches remain]
Next Round: [K2tog] 4 (5, 6, 6) times, k1 (0, 0, 1). [5 (5, 6, 7) stitches remain]
Cut yarn and thread it through remaining stitches.
UPPER PALM
Slip the 40 (46, 48, 54) stitches from scrap yarn onto 3 double pointed needles. Hold glove so that Pinky is on the right and Thumb Gusset is on the left, and join yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail.
Next Round: Knit to end of round, then pick up and knit 3 stitches from base of Pinky. [43 (49, 51, 57) stitches]
Pm for end of round and join for working in the round.
Knit 2 (3, 3, 3) rounds.
RING FINGER
Dividing Round: K6 (7, 7, 8), slip next 28 (32, 34, 38) stitches onto 12-inch length of scrap yarn, turn work so wrong side is facing you and cable cast on 3 stitches onto another double pointed needle, turn work so right side is facing you, use same needle to knit 3 (4, 4, 5) stitches, and with another double pointed needle, knit last 6 stitches. [18 (20, 20, 22) stitches]
Join for working in the round.
FINGERLESS VERSION ONLY
Knit evenly until Ring Finger measures 1 (1¼, 1½, 1¾) inches, or to right below first knuckle.
Loosely bind off stitches knitwise and continue to Middle Finger.
GLOVES ONLY
Knit evenly until Ring Finger measures 2¾ (3, 3¼, 3¾) inches, or to tip of your actual ring finger.
Next Round: [K1, k2tog] 6 (6, 6, 7) times, k0 (2, 2, 1). [12 (14, 14, 15) stitches remain]
Next Round: [K2tog] 6 (7, 7, 7) times, k0 (0, 0, 1). [6 (7, 7, 8) stitches remain]
Cut yarn and thread it through remaining stitches.
MIDDLE FINGER
Slip 6 (7, 8, 9) stitches from each end of remaining stitches onto 2 double pointed needles. [6 (7, 8, 9) stitches on each needle; 12 (14, 16, 18) stitches total]
Hold glove so that Pinky and Ring Finger are on the right and Thumb Gusset is on the left, and join yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail.
Next Round: Knit 6 (7, 8, 9) stitches from front needle, turn work so wrong side is facing you and cable cast on 3 (3, 2, 2) stitches onto another double pointed needle, turn work so right side is again facing you, use same needle to knit 3 stitches from back needle, and with another double pointed needle, knit last 3 (4, 5, 6) stitches and then pick up and knit 3 stitches from base of Ring Finger. [18 (20, 21, 23) stitches]
Join for working in the round.
FINGERLESS VERSION ONLY
Knit evenly until Middle Finger measures 1¼ (1½, 1¾, 2) inches, or to right below first knuckle.
Loosely bind off stitches knitwise and continue to Index Finger.
GLOVES ONLY
Knit evenly until Middle Finger measures 3 (3¼, 3½, 4) inches, or to tip of your actual middle finger.
Next Round: [K1, k2tog] 6 (6, 7, 7) times, k0 (2, 0, 2). [12 (14, 14, 16) stitches remain]
Next Round: [K2tog] 6 (7, 7, 8) times. [6 (7, 7, 8) stitches remain]
Cut yarn and thread it through remaining stitches.
INDEX FINGER
Slip remaining 16 (18, 18, 20) stitches onto 2 double pointed needles. [8 (9, 9, 10) stitches on each needle]
Hold glove so that Pinky, Ring and Middle Fingers are on the right and the Thumb Gusset is on the left, and join yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail.
Next Round: Knit 6 (7, 7, 8) stiches from front needle; with another double pointed needle, knit remaining 2 stitches from front needle and 4 (5, 5, 6) stitches from back needle; with another double pointed needle, knit remaining 4 stitches and pick up 3 stitches from base of Middle Finger. [19 (21, 21, 23) stitches]
Join for working in the round.
FINGERLESS VERSION ONLY
Knit evenly until Index Finger measures 1 (1¼, 1½, 1¾) inches, or to right below first knuckle.
Loosely bind off stitches knitwise and continue to Thumb.
GLOVES ONLY
Knit evenly until Index Finger measures 2¾ (3, 3¼, 3¾) inches, or to tip of your actual index finger.
Next Round: [K1, k2tog] 6 (7, 7, 7) times, k1 (0, 0, 2). [13 (14, 14, 16) stitches remain]
Next Round: [K2tog] 6 (7, 7, 8) times, k1 (0, 0, 0). [7 (7, 7, 8) stitches remain]
Cut yarn and thread it through remaining stitches.
THUMB
Slip 16 (18, 18, 20) on-hold Thumb Gusset stitches evenly onto 2 double pointed needles.
Hold glove so fingers are on the right, and join yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail.
Next Round: Knit 6 (7, 7, 8) stiches from front needle; with another double pointed needle, knit remaining 2 stitches from front needle and 4 (5, 5, 6) stitches from back needle; with another double pointed needle, knit remaining 4 stitches and pick up 3 stitches from base of Thumb. [19 (21, 21, 23) stitches]
Join for working in the round.
FINGERLESS VERSION ONLY
Knit evenly until Thumb measures ½ (¾, 1, 1¼) inches, or to right below first knuckle.
Loosely bind off stitches knitwise.
GLOVES ONLY
Knit evenly until Thumb measures 1½ (1¾, 2, 2¼) inches, or to tip of your actual thumb.
Next Round: [K1, k2tog] 6 (7, 7, 7) times, k1 (0, 0, 2). [13 (14, 14, 16) stitches remain]
Next Round: [K2tog] 6 (7, 7, 8) times, k1 (0, 0, 0). [7 (7, 7, 8) stitches remain]
Cut yarn and thread it through remaining stitches.
FINISHING
Weave in the ends, using long tails to close gaps and holes at the base of each finger.
Make another identical glove.
Gently wet block and enjoy!
LEARN ABOUT CYGNET + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
Our Cygnet yarn makes this project extra special. A fingering-weight yarn in an exquisite blend of 70% undyed white cashmere and 30% natural-color baby alpaca, Cygnet’s five straight-from-nature shades span a range of soft gray-browns, like a bevy of baby swans! You will love the warmth, the softness, and the drape, but most of all, you will love the natural beauty.
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of free Cygnet knitting patterns and cast on!
More Fingering-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of fingering-weight yarn
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop cashmere yarn (What makes cashmere so special? Learn all about this amazing fiber in our guide to cashmere yarn!)
- Shop alpaca yarn
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Hi, Purl Soho team,
I want to make the gloves for someone with a 9 in palm circumference. Will the largest size fit them?
I’m assuming that they should be worn with some negative ease.
Thank you!
Hi Daniela,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend making the Adult Large size for someone with a 9-inch palm circumference. Gloves and mittens generally fit best with a little bit of negative ease actually, so that they’re snug around your hand!
All the best,
Lili
I want to substitute a different yarn and I am knitting a swatch. I am using KnitPicks Stroll Fingering yarn with 2.75 mm needles. I am wondering whether to knit the swatch stockinette flat or in-the-round. Or do I switch yarn.
Hi Jayne,
You can absolutely knit this pattern in a different yarn! We recommend swatching in the round since this project is knit in the round. That’ll make for the most accurate gauge prediction!
All the best,
Lili
Can I make this pattern for a man? Is the largest for a man? Or do you have a similar pattern for a man?
Hi JC,
Thanks for reaching out! You could definitely knit this pattern for a man! Hand size and finger length can vary a lot from person to person, so we recommend having the recipient of the gloves test the fit, if possible, as you work on them. I also recommend comparing the finished glove measurements with your recipient’s hands to see if they will fit, bearing in mind that knit fabric has a bit of stretch as well! If you need to increase the size of the gloves overall, something you can try is knitting with a slightly thicker yarn, such as a sport weight (Cygnet is a fingering weight yarn), as well as increasing your needle size a bit. Swatching and comparing your gauge with that of the pattern’s is a great way to double check how this will affect the final measurements of your project if you’re interested in using thicker yarn and needles. I hope this helps!
All the best,
Cat
I have a question about the pattern
For the fingerless gloves, at the end of PINKY, it says to go to RING FINGER. Is that correct? I was wondering if UPPER PALM would be next.
In any case, the RING FINGER instructions have confused me.
Cable cast on three, turn work then knit three, where do I knit those three?
I’m very confused. Sorry.
Hi Mary,
Thank you for writing in! For the fingerless gloves, you will work the PINKY section followed by the FINGERLESS VERSION ONLY section in which you will bind off before moving on to UPPER PALM. After you work the UPPER PALM section, you will move on to the RING FINGER section. Here, you will be casting on 3 stitches to complete the circumference of your ring finger. To do this you will need to add the additional stitches while on the wrong side while distributing the other stitches similarly to the instruction for the pink finger. I hope this helps better explain the steps to completing your glove but please let me know if you have any other questions!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Dear Purl Soho,
Is there a difference between “pick up stitches” and “pick up and knit stitches”? I’m comparing the last instruction in the MIDDLE FINGER and INDEX FINGER sections. Thank you for any clarification!
Hi B,
When you pick up stitches, you are simply placing them on your needles TO BE knit. When you pick up and knit, you are knitting each stitch as you pick them up 1 by 1. I hope this helps clarify but please let me know if you have any other questions and I would be happy to help!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Thank you for your reply. Going to the Upper Palm rather than directly to the Ring Finger makes sense.
However I still don’t understand the Ring Finger.
How can you “cable cast on 3 stitches onto another DP needle? Turn then knit 3 stitches with another needle” then knit last 6 – then join in the round. I’ve tried several times. ( I’m not a new knitter.)
Can you simply the instructions? Or A video would be helpful.
Hi Mary,
We don’t currently have a tutorial on this specific technique but we like to think of this similarly to the way you would work the stitches of a sweater at the armhole. You start by knitting the first part of your finger stitches in the round, place the following stitches on hold (for the rest of the palm), cable cast on 3 stitches (for the distance between the pinky and ring finger), and then continue knitting the circumference of the finger. You will then work up to your desired height and bind off.
I hope this helps but we are always happy to have another look should more questions arise!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Thank you,
The Middle Finger instructions are slightly better than the Ring finger.
Could the fingerless version be worked up with one skein of linen quill?
Hi Tara,
Thank you for writing in! You could definitely use a skein of Linen Quill to make the fingerless version! Linen Quill has 439 yards per skein making it great for any of the sizes in the pattern as well! I hope this helps!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Hi there. Can the fingers of the fingerless version be knit in a different color?
Hi Annalea,
Yes, you can knit the fingers in another color! That’s a fun idea!
All the best,
Lili
Hi
I have a question regarding the pattern where it states “turn the work so the wrong side faces you and cable cast on …” Does this mean to turn the work inside out, as the wrong side is inside the cuff and I am knitting in the round.
Thank you
Theresa
Hi Theresa,
Thanks for writing in! You don’t need to turn the work inside out, just turn it so you’re looking down into the inside of the glove. To do this, just switch which hands are holding each needle! Your right needle should now be in your left hand and vice versa. Hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you. I will try this.
Best,
Theresa
Hello. The materials lists US 2 needle, 3mm. But the US 2 is 2.75mm and the US 2.5 is 3mm. I’m trying to purchase the materials from Purl Soho. Which needle size should I be using?
I am a beginner but I was able to follow and figure out the pattern for one of the slip stitch dish towels, as my first project. I want to try a pattern that is less repetitive. Do you think this okay for a beginner to try?
Hi Sahar,
Thanks for writing in! The metric sizes we indicate in our patterns might differ from what you’re used to since different needle companies sometimes assign the millimeter measurements to different US sizes. These inconsistencies, while frustrating, are very common when comparing needles, so when in doubt, rely on metric sizes…they’re standardized! And as long as you find needles with which you can achieve the correct gauge, those will work for the pattern!
I think the Very Classic Gloves will be an exciting challenge for an advanced beginner! This pattern includes some special techniques, but nothing you can’t master without a little practice beforehand. I’d recommend taking a look at all the tutorials that are linked throughout the pattern and practicing anything unfamiliar on scrap yarn before beginning your project. I hope this helps you prepare for this project, and as always, we’re here to help if any questions come up along the way!
All the best,
Lili
Any tips for doing the cable cast on left handed? I cannot get it to work no matter how I try it. It gets very twisted and leaves a between the two cast on stitches when I work the next round.
Hi Joy,
I’m so sorry that you’re running into trouble with this technique! Would you mind sharing a photo of your work with us so we can better visualize what’s going on? You can reach us directly by sending an email to [email protected].
All the best,
Lili