The Solar Flare Lattice Fingerless Gloves Free Pattern – A Radiant Cable Knit with Openwork Sunbursts
The Solar Flare Lattice Fingerless Gloves Free Pattern – A Radiant Cable Knit with Openwork Sunbursts
Wrap your hands in the warmth of a hand-knitted sunrise with these stunning fingerless gloves. The Solar Flare Lattice pattern features a breathtaking combination of braided cables and delicate eyelet sunbursts that truly resemble rays of sunlight dancing across your hands. Worked in a golden-ombre palette that transitions from soft buttercup yellow to rich amber, these gloves are as cozy as they are beautiful—the perfect statement accessory for chilly autumn mornings, crisp winter commutes, or anytime you want to add a touch of artisan warmth to your outfit.
This pattern is thoughtfully designed for adventurous beginners and intermediate knitters alike. The combination of cable work and lace creates a textured, dimensional fabric that looks far more complex than it actually is. Plus, with fingerless construction, you'll maintain full dexterity while keeping your palms and wrists toasty—ideal for typing, texting, or sipping your favorite warm beverage.
Materials Needed
Before you begin your knitting journey, gather the following supplies:
Yarn
- Worsted weight yarn in 3 shades of golden yellow:
- Buttercup (soft yellow) – 50g
- Marigold (medium gold) – 50g
- Amber (deep golden orange) – 50g
- Total yarn needed: approximately 150g (50g of each shade)
- Tip: Choose a yarn with good stitch definition, such as a wool or wool-blend, to make the cables and lace really pop.
Needles
- US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles – either a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle long enough for the magic loop method
- Size needed to obtain gauge (adjust needle size if necessary)
Notions
- Stitch markers (at least 4)
- Cable needle
- Waste yarn or stitch holder (for thumb stitches)
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
- Scissors
Gauge
- 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking)
- Always knit a gauge swatch first to ensure your gloves fit perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked from the cuff up to the fingers, with a thumb gusset incorporated into the design. The cable and lace pattern is provided in written form below. Use stitch markers to keep track of pattern repeats—this will make your knitting much easier and more accurate.
Abbreviations
- K = knit
- P = purl
- K2tog = knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- SSK = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- YO = yarn over (creates an eyelet hole)
- 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
- M1L = make 1 left (increase)
- M1R = make 1 right (increase)
- PM = place marker
- SM = slip marker
Special Stitch Pattern (worked over 12 stitches)
This is the heart of the Solar Flare design—a 24-row repeat that combines cables with lace eyelets to create those beautiful sunburst motifs.
- Row 1 (RS): C4F, K4, C4B
- Row 2 and all even rows (WS): Purl all stitches
- Row 3: K2, C4B, C4F, K2
- Row 5: K1, YO, SSK, K6, K2tog, YO, K1
- Row 7: K2, YO, SSK, K4, K2tog, YO, K2
- Row 9: K3, YO, SSK, K2, K2tog, YO, K3
- Row 11: K4, YO, SSK, K2tog, YO, K4
- Row 13: K3, K2tog, YO, K2, YO, SSK, K3
- Row 15: K2, K2tog, YO, K4, YO, SSK, K2
- Row 17: K1, K2tog, YO, K6, YO, SSK, K1
- Row 19: K2, C4F, C4B, K2
- Row 21: C4B, K4, C4F
- Row 23: K4, C4B, C4F, K4
- Row 24: Purl
Note for working in the round: When working this pattern in the round (as we do for the gloves), all even rows are knit instead of purled. The cable and lace pattern remains exactly the same—just remember to knit those even rows!
Glove (Make 2)
Cuff
- With Buttercup yarn, cast on 48 stitches.
- Distribute evenly on double-pointed needles (16 stitches per needle) or prepare for magic loop on a circular needle.
- Join in the round, being very careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.
- Work K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches (approximately 14 rounds). This creates a snug, stretchy cuff that will keep your gloves in place.
Main Body (switch to Marigold yarn)
- Round 1: Knit all stitches.
- Round 2: *Work the 12-stitch special pattern (starting at Row 1), repeat from * around (you will have 4 complete repeats of the pattern).
- Continue working the special pattern in the round, repeating Rows 1-24. Remember: even rows are knit (not purled) when working in the round.
- Work until the piece measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after Row 6 or Row 18 of the pattern (so that the next row you work is a cable row). This ensures your thumb gusset starts at a visually pleasing point in the pattern.
Thumb Gusset
The thumb gusset adds stitches gradually to create room for your thumb. Follow these steps carefully:
- Round 1: K1, PM, M1L, K1, M1R, PM, knit to end of round. (You've now increased 2 stitches between your markers—these are your gusset stitches.)
- Round 2: Work the pattern as established, knitting the gusset stitches (the stitches between your markers) in stockinette stitch (knit every round).
- Round 3: K1, SM, M1L, knit to the next marker, M1R, SM, knit to end of round. (Increase 2 stitches again.)
- Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 until you have 13 stitches between the markers. Your gusset should measure about 2.5 inches long.
Separate Thumb
- On the next round: Work to the first marker, remove the marker, and place the 13 gusset stitches onto a waste yarn holder or stitch holder.
- Remove the second marker.
- Cast on 1 stitch (for the under-thumb gap). This prevents holes from forming at the thumb junction.
- Continue working the pattern around the remaining stitches. You should now have 48 stitches total back on your needles (36 original stitches + 12 remaining from the gusset area + 1 cast-on stitch = 49? Let's recount: 48 original - 13 gusset stitches + 1 cast-on = 36 + 12 = 48 stitches. Yes, 48 stitches total.)
- Work even in pattern until the glove measures 7 inches from the cast-on edge (or your desired length to cover the base of your fingers).
Finger Section (switch to Amber yarn)
- Work K2, P2 ribbing for 1 inch (approximately 7 rounds). This creates a neat, stretchy opening for your fingers.
- Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as you bind off). A loose bind-off ensures the opening is comfortable and flexible.
Thumb
- Place the 13 gusset stitches back onto your needles.
- Pick up and knit 3 stitches from the cast-on edge of the under-thumb gap. You should now have 16 stitches total for the thumb.
- Work K2, P2 ribbing for 0.5 inch (approximately 4 rounds).
- Bind off loosely in pattern.
Finishing
- Weave in all ends using your tapestry needle. Be sure to weave securely so nothing unravels with wear.
- Block gently to open up the lace and cable details. Wet blocking works beautifully for this pattern—soak the gloves in lukewarm water with a drop of wool wash, gently squeeze out excess water (never wring!), lay flat to dry, and shape while damp.
Second Glove
Repeat the entire process for the second glove, but mirror the thumb gusset placement. Instead of starting the gusset at the beginning of the round, work one full pattern repeat first, then begin the gusset. This ensures the thumbs face correctly when worn—one on each hand!
Tips for Success
- Use stitch markers liberally. They're your best friend for keeping track of pattern repeats and the thumb gusset.
- Count your stitches regularly. The lace sections (Rows 5-17) involve decreases and yarn overs that maintain stitch count, but it's easy to accidentally drop or add a stitch. Check after each pattern row.
- Practice the cable stitches first. If you're new to cabling, do a quick swatch with just the C4F and C4B stitches to build confidence before starting the gloves.
- Keep your yarn tension consistent. When switching between Buttercup, Marigold, and Amber, make sure your tension stays even to avoid puckering at the color changes.
- Try on as you go. The beauty of knitting in the round is that you can easily slip the glove on to check the fit before binding off.
These Solar Flare Lattice fingerless gloves make a wonderful gift for a loved one—or a delightful treat for yourself! The golden ombre gradient is universally flattering and pairs beautifully with autumn coats, cozy sweaters, and everything in between. Once you've completed your first pair, you'll find yourself reaching for them every time the temperature drops.
Happy knitting, and may your hands always be wrapped in sunshine! 🌞