DIY Fingerless Gloves

Make a pair of fingerless gloves as a fashion accessory.

Fingerless gloves go by many other names, including arm warmers, wrist warmers and gauntlets. They can help keep your hands warm whether you are outside or just typing on your computer keyboard. They are useful to those with poor circulation and are also trendy and fashionable.



You can buy new knit fabric to make fingerless gloves with. But you can also recycle, or upcycle, a favorite old t-shirt or sweater into a pair of fingerless gloves.

For even easier DIY fingerless gloves you can cut socks or even tights into gloves.

All of these are made from knit fabrics which will give you the stretch you want for your gloves.

Things You'll Need

• Knit fabric
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Thread
• Pins
• Sewing machine or needle

Instructions

Knit Fabric Fingerless Gloves

1. Measure the width of your hand, from the side of your pinky to the side of your index finger. Double that measurement and add one inch for seam allowance. This will be the width of your fabric. Write this measurement down if you need to.

2. Decide on the length you want your gloves to be. They can cover just to your wrist or go up to your elbow, your shoulder or anywhere in between. Measure from just below your knuckles up to wear you want the gloves to end. Add an inch to this measurement to account for the hems at the top and bottom of the gloves.

3. Cut two pieces of knit fabric to the width and length you have determined.

4. Fold one of the pieces in half lengthwise. If there is a pattern on the fabric that you want to show then fold it so the right sides are together. Pin in place.

5. Decide where your thumb hole will be and how big you want it. This will generally be about two inches away from the top of the glove. The opening for the thumb hole will probably be about 1 1/2 inches big. Use pins to mark this area.

6. Stitch a seam with either the sewing machine or by hand with needle and thread until you reach the marked area for your thumb hole. Skip over that area, leaving a gap of about 1 1/2 inches for your thumb. Continue to stitch the rest of the seam.

7. Fold over the top edge of the gloves and pin into place. Sew all the way around to create a finished hem. Repeat this for the bottom edge of the glove.

8. Repeat all of the steps above for your second glove.

9. Turn your gloves inside out and put them on.

Socks or Tights Fingerless Gloves

1. Cut off the heels of a pair of socks or tights. If using tights, also cut off the top part of the tights, leaving only the legs.

2. Sew hems at the bottom and top of the gloves if you desire them. Or leave the edge raw.

3. Choose where you want your thumb hole to be. (About two inches down from your knuckles and about 1 1/2 inches long is ideal.). Cut that area. Put your gloves on.

Tips & Warnings

• Add lace, buttons or other embellishments to your gloves if you desire a custom look.

References

• Lilith eZine: Making Your Own Arm Warmers

Resources

• Burda Style: Arms Warmed
• Craftzine: Alice Wrist Warmer