The Dune Drifter Fingerless Gloves: A Free Knitting Pattern for Textured, Modern Shorties

Introducing the Dune Drifter Fingerless Gloves

Embrace the tactile beauty of sand-swept shores with these uniquely textured fingerless gloves. The Dune Drifter pattern uses a simple slipped stitch technique to create a mesmerizing, woven-like fabric that is both cozy and elegant. Perfect for transitional weather or as a stylish accessory, these "shorties" sit just below the knuckles, keeping your fingers free while your palms stay warm. The subtle, undulating pattern is reminiscent of wind-swept sand dunes, and the worsted weight yarn makes them a quick, satisfying project for adventurous beginners or intermediate knitters.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx 150-200 yards). Sample shown in Malabrigo Rios in 'Dusty' (a warm, dusty terracotta).
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles – set of 4 double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle for magic loop.
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holder or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving ends.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Achieving gauge is important for fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes & Fit

This pattern is written for three sizes: Small (Medium, Large). Finished palm circumference: 7 (7.5, 8) inches. Length: 6.5 inches. For a looser fit, go up a needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sl1: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back
• K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rnd(s): Round(s)
• M1R: Make one right (increase)
• M1L: Make one left (increase)
• PM: Place marker

Pattern Notes

• The gloves are worked in the round from the cuff up.
• The slipped stitch pattern creates a dense, warm fabric with a beautiful woven texture.
• Read all instructions carefully before beginning.

Cuff

CO 36 (40, 44) sts. Distribute evenly across 3 or 4 DPNs (or use magic loop). Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1.5 inches. This creates a snug, stretchy cuff.

Hand (Main Pattern)

Work the following 4-round repeat until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with Rnd 4:

• Rnd 1: *K2, Sl1, K1* repeat to end.
• Rnd 2: Knit all sts.
• Rnd 3: *Sl1, K3* repeat to end.
• Rnd 4: Knit all sts.

Tip: The slipped stitches should be slipped purlwise with the yarn held in back. This creates the woven texture.

Thumb Gusset (Right Hand)

Rnd 1 (Increase): Work in pattern across first 18 (20, 22) sts, PM, M1R, K1, M1L, PM, work in pattern to end. (2 sts increased – total 38, 42, 46 sts)

Rnd 2: Work in pattern across all sts (knit the knit sts, slip the slipped sts as established).

Rnd 3 (Increase): Work in pattern to marker, slip marker, M1R, knit to next marker, M1L, slip marker, work in pattern to end.

Rnd 4: Work even in pattern.

Repeat Rnds 3-4 until there are 13 (15, 17) sts between the markers. End with a Rnd 4.

Next Rnd (Separate thumb): Work in pattern to first marker, remove marker, place 13 (15, 17) thumb sts on a stitch holder or waste yarn, remove second marker, CO 1 st using the backward loop method, work in pattern to end. You now have 36 (40, 44) sts on the needles.

Hand (Continued)

Continue working in the established pattern (Rnds 1-4) until the piece measures 5.5 inches from the cast-on edge, or desired length to the base of your fingers.

Top Edging

Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 0.5 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern. Tip: Use a needle one size larger for binding off to ensure the edge is stretchy.

Thumb

Transfer the 13 (15, 17) thumb sts from the holder to DPNs. Pick up and knit 2 sts from the gap where you cast on the 1 stitch. (15, 17, 19 sts total)

Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 3 rounds. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Left Hand

Work the cuff and hand exactly as for the right hand, but place the thumb gusset at the end of the round. Work pattern across first 18 (20, 22) sts, then PM, M1R, K1, M1L, PM, work pattern to end. Continue as for the right hand.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block gently by soaking in lukewarm water, squeezing out excess, and laying flat to dry. This will open up the slipped stitch pattern and even out the stitches.

Enjoy your beautifully textured Dune Drifter Fingerless Gloves!