Enchanted Lace Fingerless Gloves Free Pattern – A Knitted Moonlit Garden

Wrap your hands in the delicate beauty of a moonlit garden with these lacy fingerless gloves, featuring an intricate leaf-and-vine motif that dances across the back of your hand. Knitted in a soft, heathered yarn, they are the perfect accessory for cozy evenings and creative mornings. This intermediate-level pattern will guide you through creating a botanical masterpiece that combines elegance with functionality, keeping your fingers free while your wrists stay warm and stylish.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or an ambitious beginner ready to expand your skills, these gloves offer a rewarding project with stunning results. The combination of stockinette palm and lace-paneled back creates a beautiful contrast that showcases the yarn's texture and the pattern's intricate details.

Materials Needed

Before you begin your knitting journey, gather the following materials:

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn in a soft heather sage green (approximately 150-200 yards)
• Choose a yarn with good stitch definition to showcase the lace pattern
• A slightly fuzzy yarn with natural sheen works beautifully for this project

Needles

• US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles – set of 4 double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needle for magic loop method

Additional Supplies

• Stitch markers (at least 4)
• Stitch holder or waste yarn for thumb stitches
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Blocking mats and pins (for finishing)
• Mild soap for blocking

Gauge

• 22 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking)
• Adjust needle size if necessary to achieve correct gauge

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pattern Information

Size: Women's Medium (7.5 inch hand circumference, 7 inch length). Adjust by changing needle size or adding/removing stitches in multiples of 4.

Abbreviations:

• CO – cast on
• K – knit
• P – purl
• K2tog – knit two together
• SSK – slip slip knit
• YO – yarn over
• PM – place marker
• SM – slip marker
• Rep – repeat
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• M1L – make one left (increase)
• M1R – make one right (increase)

Special Stitch Pattern – Leaf Lace Panel (worked over 12 stitches)

This beautiful leaf-and-vine motif creates the signature look of these gloves. Work the following rows to create the lace panel:

Row 1 (RS): K2, YO, SSK, K6, K2tog, YO, K2

Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches.

Row 3: K3, YO, SSK, K4, K2tog, YO, K3

Row 5: K4, YO, SSK, K2, K2tog, YO, K4

Row 7: K5, YO, SSK, K2tog, YO, K5

Row 9: K4, K2tog, YO, K2, YO, SSK, K4

Row 11: K3, K2tog, YO, K4, YO, SSK, K3

Row 13: K2, K2tog, YO, K6, YO, SSK, K2

Row 15: K1, K2tog, YO, K8, YO, SSK, K1

Row 16: Purl.

Repeat rows 1-16 for the lace panel pattern.

Right Glove

Step 1: Cast On and Join

CO 40 sts. Distribute onto needles (10 sts per needle if using DPNs). Join in the round, being careful not to twist. PM at beginning of round.

Step 2: Ribbing

Work K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches (approximately 14 rounds). This creates a snug, comfortable cuff that will keep your gloves in place.

Step 3: Hand Body Setup

Round 1: K14, PM, work Leaf Lace Panel Row 1 over next 12 sts, PM, K14.

Continue in this manner: knit the first 14 sts (palm side), work the lace panel over the middle 12 sts (back of hand), knit the last 14 sts. Work the lace panel rows as established, purling on WS rounds (which are actually all knit rounds in the round, so you will work the lace pattern as written but remember that all rounds are RS – so for the 'WS' rows, simply knit them instead of purling).

Step 4: Work Even

Work even until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a completed row 8 or 16 of the lace pattern. This ensures you're at a good point to begin the thumb gusset.

Step 5: Thumb Gusset

Round 1: K14, PM, work lace panel, PM, K1, M1L, K12, M1R, K1 (gusset stitches between markers).

Round 2: Work even (knit the gusset stitches, keep lace pattern).

Round 3: K14, work lace, K1, M1L, K14, M1R, K1.

Continue increasing every other round in this manner, working the gusset stitches in stockinette, until you have 20 gusset stitches between the markers (total 56 sts). The increases create a wedge shape that will accommodate your thumb.

Step 6: Separate Thumb

Next round: K14, work lace panel, K1, place next 20 gusset sts on a stitch holder or waste yarn, CO 2 sts (bridge), K remaining sts (which should be 14). You now have 40 sts for the hand.

Step 7: Hand (continued)

Continue working the hand as established (lace panel on back, stockinette on palm) until the hand measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge, or desired length to the base of the fingers (usually 1 inch before desired total length).

Step 8: Finger Ribbing

Work K2, P2 ribbing over all 40 sts for 1 inch. Bind off loosely in pattern. This creates a comfortable, stretchy edge that won't restrict movement.

Step 9: Thumb

Place the 20 thumb stitches onto needles. Pick up and knit 2 sts from the bridge (CO edge). Total 22 sts. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 0.5 inch. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Left Glove

Work the same as the right glove, but mirror the thumb gusset placement. Place the thumb gusset after the lace panel (i.e., after the 14 palm stitches, work lace, then start the gusset). To mirror, work the gusset increases as: K1, M1R, K12, M1L, K1 (instead of K1, M1L, K12, M1R, K1). All other instructions remain the same.

Finishing

Step 1: Weave in Ends

Weave in all ends carefully using a tapestry needle. Make sure to secure them well so they don't come loose with wear.

Step 2: Blocking

Block the gloves gently to open up the lace pattern. To block:

1. Soak in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap
2. Gently squeeze out excess water (never wring or twist)
3. Lay flat on a towel and roll to remove additional moisture
4. Shape to measurements on blocking mats
5. Pin the lace panels to open the eyelets and define the leaf pattern
6. Allow to dry completely before removing pins

Tips for Success

• Mark your place: Use a row counter or marking thread to keep track of where you are in the lace pattern, especially when working the thumb gusset simultaneously.
• Check your gauge: The lace pattern will relax and open up after blocking, so don't be alarmed if it looks tight before blocking.
• Practice the lace panel: If you're new to lace knitting, practice the 12-stitch panel on a swatch first to familiarize yourself with the pattern.
• Keep tension even: When working with DPNs, pay extra attention to the stitches at the needle junctions to avoid laddering.

These Enchanted Lace Fingerless Gloves make a wonderful gift for a loved one or a special treat for yourself. The botanical motif and soft, heathered yarn create a piece that's both practical and beautiful – perfect for sipping tea on a cool evening, typing at your desk, or adding a touch of handmade elegance to any outfit. Happy knitting!