Book Review: Easy Knitted Fingerless Gloves

A very welcome surprise parcel arrived from Tuttle Publishing, just as my craft creativity was waning to dangerously low levels.

A new Japanese craft book! The perfect antidote to my isolation ennui.

Easy Knitted Fingerless Gloves contains 21 Japanese knitting patterns for fingerless gloves, wrist warmers and arm warmers.

And because getting to the book store to flip through this delightful title is not really an option these days, I thought I’d treat you to a flip-through video.

This post contains affiliate links.

This book is jam packed full of knitting patterns that are just challenging enough to keep things interesting, but small enough to use up left over yarn ends. Perfect for crafting from your stash.

If you enjoy knitting you are going to love the patterns in this book.

This pattern is a delightful use for colourful sock yarn scraps.

Easy Knitted Fingerless Gloves Book Review

As you can see in the video, the book is divided up into 4 main sections:

• Knitting Projects
• Step-by-step photo tutorials
• Patterns and Charts
• Stitch Glossary

The Projects

At the front of the book are all the finished projects, photographed very attractively with most projects featured over a double page spread.

I’m a little bit in love with these. They remind me of the wrist warmers in Outlander.

This isn’t a book for absolute beginners. I’d recommend it more for knitters that are comfortable with basic techniques who want to push themselves a little further, without committing to a ‘big’ project.

It assumes knowledge of knitting in the round, either with DPNs or cable (magic loop), although it does contain several patterns that can be knitted on straight needles.

Fun colourwork knit on straight needles

There are patterns that include colourwork of varying complexity, both in the round and flat. Several cable knit projects, and other more simple projects that are ideal for learning new skills like inserting a thumb, or knitting in beads.

I decided to try my hand at a basic fingerless glove with a knit-in thumb. A first time for me.

This particular pattern was knit in the round. I used the magic loop method, and the thumb is added last using double pointed needles.

The step-by-step instructions for inserting the thumb were very helpful and I had no problem.

I used an assortment of yarn oddments, including some fine mohair and neon yarn held double for a little bit of extra interest.

The result of a couple of evenings knitting was quite a success I think. I love my new mitts and can’t wait to wear them when I head out for evening walks.

The bonus of wearing fingerless gloves is that you can still use your phone without any hassles.

Yarn weights used in the patterns vary from light fingering weight to bulky. There is a chart at the back that helps you choose the most suitable yarn for each pattern.

This helps because the yarns used in this book are only available in Japan, so I found that knitting a gauge swatch helped with choosing a suitable yarn/pattern.

Patterns & Charts

Rather than written (coded) instructions like the knitting patterns you may be used to, Japanese knitting patterns use mainly charts and diagrams.

I must admit, being a visual learner, I prefer this style of pattern a lot more, as you can clearly see what the finished product is meant to look like. It also makes the pattern easier to adjust if you want to increase or decrease the sizing.

Charts are much easier to follow than trying to count rows. You can easily see where you are in the pattern at just a glance, because it matches up with your work.

Most of the patterns only come in one size. I’m assuming an average size woman’s hand.

You could size up or down by changing needle size/yarn/gauge or adding a few extra stitches/rows.

Most of the gloves have minimal shaping apart from the thumb, so adjustments would be quite simple I think.

A handy stitch glossary (with associated chart symbols) is includes to remind you of any stitches included in the pattern.

There are also tutorials for several stretchy cast on and Bind off techniques.

I’ll be keeping this book handy as a useful reference for future knitting projects.

Easy Knitted Fingerless Gloves – Final Thoughts

I love this book! I’ve got my eye on a few more glove projects and think I may tackle the short Outlander style cable knit next.

Available in Australia from all good bookstores and online booksellers. See links to purchase below:

Here are my 5 reason why you should add this book to your shopping cart:

1. Beautifully photographed with modern yet classic designs.
2. Patterns that are not intimidating but just challenging enough to keep things interesting and learn something new.
3. Clear and well written instructions.
4. Perfect projects for using up small amounts of yarn.
5. Quick knits for almost instant gratification.

WHERE TO BUY

Buy from NewSouth Books and Dymocks (AUS)
Buy from Book Depository with free international shipping
Buy from Amazon (US)

Easy Knitted Fingerless Gloves : Stylish Japanese Knitting Patterns for Hand, Wrist and Arm Warmers
Format Paperback | 84 pages
by Nihon Vogue (Various designers) Translation by Cassandra Harada
Publisher – Tuttle Publishing
Language – English
ISBN 9784805315170

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• The Cat Lover’s Craft Book
• 501 Enchanting Embroidery Designs
• Tunisian Crochet Workshop

LOVE IT? PIN IT!

This post contains affiliate links. The featured book was supplied by the publisher for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.