The Cotswolds Hedgerow Gloves: A Free Knitting Pattern for Textured, Two-Tone Fingerless Mitts

Embrace the Rustic Charm of the Cotswolds Hedgerow Gloves

There’s something magical about the English countryside in autumn—the layered browns, muted greens, and soft greys of a winter hedgerow. The Cotswolds Hedgerow Gloves capture that exact feeling in a pair of richly textured, two-tone fingerless mitts. Using a clever slipped-stitch pattern, these gloves create a woven, almost tapestry-like fabric that is both warm and visually stunning. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter looking for a quick, satisfying project or a confident beginner ready to try colorwork without the stress of carrying two yarns at once, this pattern is for you. The result is a cozy, handcrafted accessory that pairs perfectly with a chunky sweater and a hot cup of tea.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All measurements are for a Women’s Medium (to fit a 7–8 inch hand circumference). To adjust the size, simply add or subtract stitches in multiples of 4.

Yarn

• Color A (Slate Grey): Approximately 150 yards of worsted weight wool or wool blend. Suggested: Cascade 220 Superwash in a heathered grey.
• Color B (Heather Moss): Approximately 100 yards of worsted weight wool or wool blend. Suggested: Cascade 220 Superwash in a muted green.

Needles & Notions

• US Size 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles (or a circular needle for the magic loop method).
• A spare needle of the same size for the cable cast-on (optional, but helpful).
• Stitch holders or waste yarn (to hold palm stitches).
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.
• Scissors.

Gauge

22 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for a good fit. If your gauge is off, change needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Note: These gloves are worked flat (back and forth) from the cuff up, then seamed. The textured pattern is created by slipping stitches, which pulls the yarn across the fabric to create a woven effect. The thumb gusset is worked in Stockinette stitch.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• sl1: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back (on RS) or in front (on WS)
• k2tog: Knit 2 together (decrease)
• M1L: Make 1 left (increase)
• M1R: Make 1 right (increase)
• BO: Bind off
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rep: Repeat
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side

Cuff (Make 2 Alike)

1. With Color A, CO 40 stitches using the cable cast-on method (or your preferred stretchy cast-on).
2. Row 1 (RS): *K2, P2; rep from * to end.
3. Row 2 (WS): *P2, K2; rep from * to end.
4. Repeat Rows 1–2 until the cuff measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Main Body (Worked Flat, Back and Forth)

Switch to Color B for the first pattern row.

1. Row 1 (RS): With Color B, K all 40 sts.
2. Row 2 (WS): With Color B, P all 40 sts.
3. Row 3 (RS): With Color A, K1, *sl1, K3; rep from * to last 3 sts, sl1, K2.
4. Row 4 (WS): With Color A, P1, *sl1, P3; rep from * to last 3 sts, sl1, P2.
5. Row 5 (RS): With Color B, K all 40 sts.
6. Row 6 (WS): With Color B, P all 40 sts.
7. Row 7 (RS): With Color A, K3, *sl1, K3; rep from * to last st, K1.
8. Row 8 (WS): With Color A, P3, *sl1, P3; rep from * to last st, P1.
9. Repeat Rows 1–8 for pattern. Work even in pattern for 2 inches from the cuff, ending with a WS row (Row 2, 4, 6, or 8).

Thumb Gusset (Worked on a Separate Section)

1. Next Row (RS): Work in pattern across the first 20 sts (these will be the back of hand). Place the remaining 20 sts on a holder or waste yarn for the palm. Turn work.
2. Work even in pattern on these 20 sts for 1 inch, ending with a WS row.

Thumb Opening

1. Next Row (RS): K1, M1R, K to last st, M1L, K1. (22 sts)
2. Work even in Stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) for 1.5 inches.
3. Next Row (RS): K1, k2tog, K to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. (20 sts)
4. Next Row (WS): P all 20 sts.
5. BO all 20 sts loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail for seaming.

Palm Section

1. Rejoin Color A (or the appropriate color for the pattern row you left off on) to the 20 held palm sts with the WS facing.
2. Work even in pattern for 2 inches from the thumb opening, ending with a WS row. Tip: To ensure the pattern matches the back of the hand, begin the palm pattern on the same row of the 8-row repeat as you left off on the back-of-hand section.

Top Edging

1. Switch to Color A.
2. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1 inch, ending with a WS row.
3. BO loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls). Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail for seaming.

Finishing

1. Seaming: Using the long tail from the top edging and a tapestry needle, sew the side seam of the glove from the top edge down to the cuff. Use a mattress stitch or a simple whip stitch, matching the pattern rows carefully. Repeat for the second glove.
2. Weave in ends: Weave in all remaining yarn tails on the wrong side of the fabric, securing them well.
3. Blocking: Gently hand wash the gloves in cool water with a mild wool wash. Lay flat to dry, gently shaping them to open up the slipped-stitch texture. Do not wring or twist.

Your Cotswolds Hedgerow Gloves are now complete! Slip them on and enjoy the cozy, handcrafted warmth of the countryside, no matter where you are.