Designing your own fingerless gloves pattern

If you've always wanted to design your own crochet pattern, fingerless gloves are honestly a great way to start. They can be pretty basic and easy to make, and just about any crochet stitch goes along with them. The idea of my post here is to help walk you through a simple process of writing your first pattern! Before we get started, be aware that you will get annoyed, have to start over, have to write stuff down, and have to do some simple math! Anyway, here are a list of supplies that are good to have on hand when writing a pattern:

• A notebook/paper
• A pen/pencil/writing utensil
• Yarn (can be of different weights)
• Crochet hooks in several sizes
• Measuring tape
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Tapestry/yarn needle
• Knowledge on different crochet stitches
• A calculator

Make sure to write things down as you go and make as many notes as possible! Remember, you have to make two of these! If you don't know many crochet stitches, no problem! You can make something look original just using the very basics of crochet!

Deciding Measurements

Picture in your head what you would want the gloves to look like. Are they long, short or somewhere in between? Do they fit tightly or loosely? This step is pretty important. You will need to measure out your arms and hands in these defining areas: (consider how far up your arm you want these to be)

• The widest part of your hand
• Your wrist
• Your thumb width
• Your forearm
• Elbow

Make sure to write down these measurements first and foremost, because they are important when considering many parts of your work. Make sure you can at least get them over the widest part of your hand. If you want these to be a bit tighter, consider stretchy yarns.

Deciding which yarns and hook sizes to use

There are so many different yarns out there that can be used for this project! Here are some things to consider when picking out a yarn:

• How does it feel on your hand? Make sure you can deal with the fabric feel on your skin.
• Would you like these to be bulky or lighter?
• Would you like a gradient yarn, to switch colors, neutral colors that go with every outfit, or some color that stands out?
• Is the yarn stretchy? Will it fit over your hand if you crochet your gloves a little tighter?

Now, for the hook. Depending on your tension, you may have to switch up your hooks on different parts of the gloves. I use a smaller hook for the wrist cuffs and one size up for the hand.

Tension and Gauge

Tension and gauge need to be looked at closely while you are working simply because you want these gloves to be as close to the same size as possible! Keep your measuring tape handy while crocheting and check your gauge after each row.

Which stitches?

Almost any stitch can look good on these gloves, but consider a few things...

• Can you work that stitch in the round?
• Which stitches do you want to do to make the wrist cuffs?
• Consider the amount of stitches you are working on each round vs the amount you need to work that stitch. Do they add up?
• You will need to create a hole for the thumb.. will that stitch work with your thumb hole easily? This part may take trial and error.
• If you are mixing stitches, do you like the way they look together?

The wrist cuffs

There are many ways to make brims or cuffs, but the two most popular are:

• Fpdc/bpdc
• Back loop crocheting

Try making a swatch of each and decide which looks better. Something to consider: Back loop crocheting is a stretchier option and more beginner friendly!

The thumb hole

The thumb hole can be as simple as making enough chains to fit the width of your thumb and then skipping that many stitches. However, you can go back to that hole and create a "sleeve" if you don't want to leave the thumb fully exposed.

The fingers

For your fingers, decide if you want to have a hole/sleeve for each finger or have them all open. If you decide to have separate holes for each finger, remember to measure width of fingers and length that you'd like each sleeve to be (how far up your finger you'd like to go).

Left vs. Right

Some simple patterns do not have to be adjusted and can be made universally for both hands, but other designs may have to have the thumb hole/finger holes rows be reversed. Make sure to count stitches when you get to these sections

Do I own this pattern?

Any pattern you create is 100% yours. You will be putting a lot of thought into making these, you deserve the credit! However, make sure the pattern is truly yours... if you make something inspired off of someone else's work, or tweak a pattern that already exists, it's not truly yours. Be creative and come up with your OWN. I may do a post on this later.

Writing the pattern

Writing out the pattern once you've finally finished is actually the easier part. Take some time to go over your notes and plan it in your head. If you want to publish your pattern:

• Make sure every stitch is talked about in your pattern
• Make a notes section and add the notes you took that were important to you!
• If you used a fancy stitch, consider adding a tutorial (with pictures if desired or possible) in the pattern! If you are charging for you pattern, this is especially great because it looks like people are getting their money's worth.
• Make sure to list all the supplies and measurements you took after everything was finalized.
• One thing I like to do is to add the correct amount of stitches one should have at the end of a round. Sometimes it can be easy to increase or decrease so having a total number can really help your readers.
• Reread your pattern at different times of the day before publishing. Give yourself 24 hours. If possible, have someone proofread your work or test your pattern!
• Pricing your pattern: consider materials, time, but also how much work you put into writing the pattern out. If you just include a simple pattern and nothing more, consider letting it be free or very cost.

Feel free to comment or email me at craftytuesdaycrochet@aol.com if there is something you'd like me to add or questions you have! I will be more than glad to help! Please do not expect immediate responses, as some questions may require me to do some research or work!