Aurora Borealis Fingerless Gloves Free Knitting Pattern

Wrap your hands in the swirling colors of the northern lights with these cozy, textured fingerless gloves. The unique colorwork and ribbed cuff make them a stylish and practical accessory for chilly days. This pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to dip their toes into colorwork, but with clear instructions, even a confident beginner can tackle this project successfully. The vibrant teal, turquoise, and lavender palette evokes the magic of the aurora, creating a stunning handmade gift or a treat for yourself.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience. This project is worked flat and seamed, making it easy to customize the length.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors:
  • Color A (deep teal) – approximately 150 yards
  • Color B (bright turquoise) – approximately 150 yards
  • Color C (soft lavender) – approximately 150 yards
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch holders or scrap yarn, stitch markers.

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Always knit a swatch to ensure your gauge matches, as this will affect the final fit of the gloves.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat and seamed, making it easy to customize the length. The colorwork chart is provided in the instructions below. Make 2 gloves, ensuring the thumb is on the correct side for a mirror image.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches knitwise, then knit them together through the back loop)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rep: Repeat
• M1: Make one (pick up the bar between stitches and knit it through the back loop)
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side

Cuff

With Color A, CO 36 sts.

Row 1: K2, P2 across.

Rep Row 1 until the cuff measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge. End with a wrong-side row.

Hand

Switch to Color B.

Row 1 (RS): K across.

Row 2 (WS): P across.

Rep Rows 1-2 until the piece measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.

Thumb Gusset

Continue in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) with Color B.

Row 1 (RS): K17, place a marker, M1, K1, M1, place a marker, K18. (38 sts)

Row 2 (WS): P across.

Row 3 (RS): K to first marker, M1, K to second marker, M1, K to end. (40 sts)

Row 4 (WS): P across.

Rep Rows 3-4 until you have 12 sts between the markers. (48 sts total)

Separate Thumb

Next Row (RS): K to first marker, remove marker, place the next 12 sts on a stitch holder or scrap yarn, remove second marker, K to end. (36 sts)

Hand (continued)

Continue in stockinette stitch with Color B until the piece measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.

Colorwork Band

Switch to Color C.

Row 1 (RS): K across.

Row 2 (WS): P across.

Row 3 (RS): K across.

Row 4 (WS): P across.

Now, work the colorwork chart (see below) over the next 12 rows, using Color B and Color C as indicated. The chart is worked in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS). Remember to carry the unused yarn loosely across the back of the work to avoid puckering.

Colorwork Chart (12 rows, 36 sts)

Row 1: *K3 in Color B, K1 in Color C* rep from * to end.

Row 2: *P1 in Color C, P3 in Color B* rep from * to end.

Row 3: *K2 in Color B, K2 in Color C* rep from * to end.

Row 4: *P2 in Color C, P2 in Color B* rep from * to end.

Row 5: *K1 in Color B, K3 in Color C* rep from * to end.

Row 6: *P3 in Color C, P1 in Color B* rep from * to end.

Row 7: *K3 in Color C, K1 in Color B* rep from * to end.

Row 8: *P1 in Color B, P3 in Color C* rep from * to end.

Row 9: *K2 in Color C, K2 in Color B* rep from * to end.

Row 10: *P2 in Color B, P2 in Color C* rep from * to end.

Row 11: *K1 in Color C, K3 in Color B* rep from * to end.

Row 12: *P3 in Color B, P1 in Color C* rep from * to end.

Top Ribbing

Switch to Color A.

Row 1 (RS): K2, P2 across.

Rep Row 1 until the ribbing measures 2 inches. Bind off in pattern.

Thumb

Place the 12 thumb sts from the holder onto a needle. With Color B, pick up and knit 2 sts from the base of the thumb (to avoid a hole). (14 sts)

Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row.

Switch to Color A.

Row 1 (RS): K2, P2 across.

Rep Row 1 for 1 inch. Bind off in pattern.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Fold the glove in half with right sides together. Sew the side seam from the cuff up to the thumb, then sew the thumb seam. Turn right side out. Repeat for the second glove, making sure the thumb is on the correct side (mirror image). Block gently to shape.

Your Aurora Borealis Fingerless Gloves are now complete! The striking geometric diamond pattern in turquoise and lavender against the deep teal ribbing creates a truly unique accessory. These gloves make a wonderful gift for a loved one or a special treat for your own winter wardrobe. Enjoy the cozy warmth and the beautiful colors that capture the magic of the northern lights.