Willow Wisp Criss Cross Fingerless Gloves Free Pattern – Textured Knitted Hand Warmers

Wrap Your Hands in Woven Warmth: The Willow Wisp Criss Cross Fingerless Gloves

There’s something deeply satisfying about knitting a pair of fingerless gloves. They’re quick, practical, and endlessly customizable—the perfect canvas for exploring new stitch patterns. Today, I’m thrilled to share the Willow Wisp Criss Cross Fingerless Gloves, a pattern that transforms a simple cable motif into a stunning, woven texture reminiscent of willow branches swaying in the breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned intermediate knitter looking for a rewarding weekend project or a confident beginner ready to tackle your first cables, these hand warmers are sure to become a favorite in your wardrobe.

This pattern features a striking criss cross cable design that flows across the back of the hand, while the palm stays smooth and comfortable. The result is a glove that’s as beautiful as it is functional—perfect for chilly morning commutes, cozy coffee shop writing sessions, or simply adding a touch of handcrafted elegance to your winter layers. Let’s dive into the details and get those needles clicking!

Materials Needed: Gathering Your Supplies

Before we begin, let’s make sure you have everything you need. This project is wonderfully portable and requires minimal supplies, making it ideal for knitting on the go.

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease) in a soft sage green or dusty rose – approximately 150 yards. The sample shown uses a beautiful sage green that perfectly complements the organic, woven texture of the cables. However, this pattern truly shines in any solid or semi-solid colorway that allows the stitch definition to pop.

Needles & Notions

• US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles – or size needed to obtain gauge. You can use double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle for magic loop, whichever you prefer for knitting in the round.
• Cable needle – a small, double-pointed needle or specialized cable needle to hold stitches while you work the crosses.
• Stitch markers – to mark the beginning of the round and the thumb gusset increases.
• Stitch holder or waste yarn – to hold the thumb stitches while you work the hand.
• Tapestry needle – for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Getting the correct gauge is crucial for ensuring your gloves fit snugly and comfortably. Take the time to knit a swatch and adjust your needle size if necessary.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Knitting Your Willow Wisp Gloves

Now, let’s get to the fun part! This pattern is worked in the round, from the cuff up. The instructions below are for the Right Glove, with notes for the Left Glove at the end. The pattern includes sizes Small/Medium (Medium/Large), with adjustments noted in parentheses.

Abbreviations You'll Need

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

Getting Started: The Cuff

CO 36 (40) stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Ribbing: Work K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a nice, stretchy cuff that will keep your gloves securely in place.

Main Body: The Criss Cross Pattern

Now we begin the beautiful textured pattern. This is a simple 4-round repeat that creates the woven, braided effect.

• Round 1: *K4, P2* repeat around.
• Round 2: *C4F, P2* repeat around.
• Round 3: *K4, P2* repeat around.
• Round 4: *C4B, P2* repeat around.

Repeat Rounds 1-4 until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge. You'll see the criss cross pattern emerging beautifully, with the purl stitches creating lovely vertical channels between the cables.

Thumb Gusset: Shaping for Comfort

Now we'll add increases to create space for your thumb. This is called a gusset, and it ensures your gloves fit comfortably and allow for natural movement.

Next Round: Work in pattern to the last 2 stitches of the round, M1, K2, M1. (2 stitches increased)

Continue in pattern, working the increased stitches as knit stitches. Increase every 4th round in this manner until you have 10 (12) stitches between the markers for the thumb. You'll notice the increases form a nice wedge shape on the palm side of the glove.

Separating the Thumb

Once your thumb gusset is complete, it's time to separate the thumb from the hand.

Work in pattern across the hand stitches, then place the thumb stitches (10 or 12) on a stitch holder or waste yarn. Cast on 2 stitches over the gap (for the bridge). Continue in pattern on the remaining stitches until the glove reaches the base of your fingers (about 1 inch less than desired total length).

Finger Opening: A Polished Finish

To create a neat, finished edge for the finger opening, we'll work a bit of ribbing.

Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1 inch. BO loosely in rib. This stretchy bind-off ensures you can easily slip your hand in and out of the glove.

Knitting the Thumb

Now let's give that thumb some attention!

Place the held thumb stitches back on needles. Pick up 2 stitches from the cast-on bridge. Work in stockinette stitch (knit all rounds) for 1 inch. BO loosely.

Knitting the Left Glove

To create a mirror image, work the left glove the same as the right glove, but place the thumb gusset at the beginning of the round instead of the end. This ensures the thumb gusset sits on the correct side for your left hand.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle, being careful to secure them well. Block lightly to even out the cables and give your gloves a professional, polished look. Lay them flat to dry, gently shaping them to their proper dimensions.

And there you have it—a beautiful pair of Willow Wisp Criss Cross Fingerless Gloves! These make wonderful gifts for friends and family, or a lovely treat for yourself. The textured cable pattern is addictive to knit, and you'll find yourself reaching for these gloves all season long. Happy knitting!