Cozy Cable Knit Fingerless Gloves: A Free Beginner-Friendly Pattern

There's something deeply satisfying about wrapping your hands in a pair of hand-knit fingerless gloves. They keep your wrists and palms toasty while leaving your fingers free for texting, typing, or sipping a warm drink. This cable knit pattern adds a touch of timeless elegance with its braided texture, making it a perfect accessory for cozy winter outfits or a thoughtful handmade gift.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind. While cables may look intricate, they are surprisingly simple to master with just a cable needle and a bit of patience. By the end of this guide, you'll have a beautiful pair of gloves that showcase your knitting skills and keep you warm all season long.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Having everything ready will make your knitting session smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx. 150-200 yards). A rich burgundy or any warm color works beautifully.
• Knitting Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles – either double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle for magic loop.
• Cable Needle: A small cable needle to hold stitches while creating the cable twists.
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and finishing.
• Stitch Markers: To mark the beginning of rounds and the thumb gusset.
• Stitch Holder: Or a scrap piece of yarn to hold thumb stitches.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the gloves fit properly.

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these abbreviations before starting. They will be used throughout the pattern.

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
• M1: Make one stitch (increase)
• BO: Bind off

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is for an Adult Medium size. We'll start with the right glove, then create the left glove as a mirror image. Take your time, and don't hesitate to refer back to the abbreviations as needed.

Right Glove

Cast On and Ribbing:

CO 36 stitches. Join in the round, being very careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.

Rounds 1-8: *K2, P2* repeat around. This creates a classic ribbed cuff that will hug your wrist.

Cable Pattern

Now we'll establish the beautiful cable pattern that runs along the back of your hand.

Round 9: *K4, P2* repeat around (36 stitches).

Round 10: *C4F, P2* repeat around. This is your first cable twist!

Round 11: *K4, P2* repeat around.

Round 12: *K4, P2* repeat around.

Round 13: *C4B, P2* repeat around. This twists the cable in the opposite direction.

Round 14: *K4, P2* repeat around.

Round 15: *K4, P2* repeat around.

Repeat rounds 10-15 until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a round 15. This ensures your cable pattern is complete before starting the thumb.

Thumb Gusset

The thumb gusset adds stitches gradually to create space for your thumb. We'll increase on one side of the round.

Next round: K1, M1, K1, M1, K2, P2, *K4, P2* repeat to end. (38 stitches)

Work 3 rounds even in pattern (knit the knit stitches, purl the purl stitches, and cable as established).

Next round: K1, M1, K3, M1, K2, P2, *K4, P2* repeat to end. (40 stitches)

Work 3 rounds even.

Next round: K1, M1, K5, M1, K2, P2, *K4, P2* repeat to end. (42 stitches)

Work 3 rounds even.

Next round: K1, M1, K7, M1, K2, P2, *K4, P2* repeat to end. (44 stitches)

Work 3 rounds even.

Next round: K1, M1, K9, M1, K2, P2, *K4, P2* repeat to end. (46 stitches)

Work 3 rounds even.

Next round: K1, M1, K11, M1, K2, P2, *K4, P2* repeat to end. (48 stitches)

You've now increased enough stitches for your thumb. The gusset should feel comfortable and roomy.

Separate Thumb

Now we'll separate the thumb stitches from the main body of the glove.

Next round: K13, place next 10 stitches on a stitch holder, CO 2 stitches, K2, P2, *K4, P2* repeat to end. (40 stitches)

Continue in pattern (knit the knit stitches, purl the purl stitches, and cable as established) until the piece measures 7 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a round 15. This gives your glove a comfortable length that covers your palm.

Finishing Ribbing

Rounds 1-8: *K2, P2* repeat around.

BO loosely in pattern. Binding off loosely ensures the top of the glove stretches comfortably over your hand.

Thumb

Place the 10 stitches from the holder onto your needles. Pick up and knit 2 stitches from the CO edge you made earlier. (12 stitches)

Knit in the round for 1 inch. This creates a cozy tube for your thumb.

Next round: *K2tog* repeat around. (6 stitches)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and pull tight to close. Weave in all ends.

Left Glove

Work the same as the right glove, but mirror the thumb gusset placement. Instead of starting the gusset after K1, start it before the last 3 stitches of the round. Follow the same increase pattern, but on the opposite side. This ensures the thumb sits correctly on your left hand.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all loose ends with your yarn needle. Block lightly to shape – this helps even out the stitches and gives your gloves a professional finish. Simply wet the gloves, gently press out excess water, and lay them flat to dry.

Congratulations! You've just created a beautiful pair of cable knit fingerless gloves. These make wonderful gifts for loved ones or a cozy treat for yourself. The intricate cable pattern looks far more complex than it is, and you'll be proud to show off your handiwork. Happy knitting!