Terracotta Stripe Thumb-Gusset Fingerless Gloves Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
These fingerless gloves are a warm, earthy hug for your hands, worked in a simple tube with a small thumb gusset so they stay put without any fiddly shaping. Wide sunset ombre stripes in terracotta, rust, and golden yellow are separated by raised front-post rows, giving the gloves a cozy, textured look that feels as good as it looks. They are designed for advanced beginners who are comfortable with half double crochet and ready to try front-post stitches and a thumb opening. Slip them on for cool morning walks, coffee runs, or typing at a chilly desk, and enjoy a quick, satisfying project you can finish in an evening or two.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Bulky (5) weight yarn, approx. 120 yds total. Color A (Terracotta): 50 yds; Color B (Rust): 40 yds; Color C (Golden Yellow): 30 yds. A wool or wool-blend bulky yarn gives the coziest feel.
- Hook: 6.5 mm (K/10.5) crochet hook, or the size needed to match gauge.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
- Finished size: Fits a palm circumference of 7–8 inches; length is 7 inches.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- fpdc – front-post double crochet (worked around the post of the stitch below, from the front, to create a raised ridge)
- sk – skip
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- R – round
Gauge
12 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in hdc. Work a small swatch in hdc and measure it flat; if you have more stitches than 12 in 4 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.
Tips Before You Start
- Make both gloves at the same time, or at least keep your notes handy, so the stripe order and thumb placement match exactly.
- When you work the fpdc rounds, keep your tension relaxed; pulling too tight will make the ridge pucker and narrow the tube.
- Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round so you never lose your place in the joined rounds.
- Try the glove on after the cuff and again before the thumb opening to confirm the fit before you commit to the gap.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make 2 gloves.
Cuff (Color A)
R1: Ch 24, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring. Ch 2, hdc in each ch around, join with sl st to first hdc (24 sts).
R2: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (24 sts).
R3: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (24 sts). Change to Color B.
Body
R4: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (24 sts).
R5: Ch 2, fpdc around each st, join (24 sts).
R6–8: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (24 sts). Change to Color C.
R9: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (24 sts).
R10: Ch 2, fpdc around each st, join (24 sts).
R11–13: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (24 sts). Change to Color A.
R14: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (24 sts).
R15: Ch 2, fpdc around each st, join (24 sts).
R16–18: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (24 sts).
Thumb Opening
R19: Ch 2, hdc in next 3 sts, ch 5, sk next 5 sts, hdc in next 16 sts, join (19 hdc + 5 ch).
R20: Ch 2, hdc in each hdc and in each ch around, join (24 sts).
R21: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (24 sts). Change to Color B.
R22: Ch 2, fpdc around each st, join (24 sts).
R23: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (24 sts). Fasten off.
Thumb (Color A)
Join Color A to the first skipped st of R19.
R1: Ch 2, hdc in same st and in next 4 sts, hdc in side of R19, hdc in next 5 sts of R20, hdc in side of R19, join (12 sts).
R2: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (12 sts).
R3: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join (12 sts). Fasten off.
Edging (Color B)
Join Color B to the top edge.
R1: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join (24 sts). Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Each glove is worked in one piece, so there is no seaming to do. Weave in all ends on the wrong side with your tapestry needle, taking care to secure the joins at each color change so they do not loosen with wear. Block lightly by misting the gloves with water and patting them into shape flat, or steam them gently without pressing the ridges flat. Let them dry completely before wearing.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the three colors for any ombre or solid palette you love; just keep the same yardage split so the stripes stay balanced.
- Add an extra hdc round or two above the thumb opening for a longer glove that covers more of the fingers.
- Work the edging in a contrasting color, or add a round of sc in Color C for a brighter pop at the fingertips.
