The Petal Drift Gloves Free Pattern – A Knitted Garden of Ruffled Cuffs

Wrap your hands in the softest petals with these enchanting knitted gloves. The Petal Drift Gloves feature a cascading ruffle cuff that blooms from delicate lace into cozy warmth, creating a modern, romantic twist on classic handwear. Perfect for chilly spring walks or elegant winter evenings, these gloves transform a simple accessory into a statement piece. The combination of a blush pink main color with a cream ruffle evokes cherry blossoms in full bloom—delicate, airy, and utterly charming. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or a confident beginner ready to stretch your skills, this pattern offers a rewarding project with stunning results.

This free pattern is designed for a woman's medium (M) size, with adjustments for small (S) and large (L) included throughout. The gloves are worked from the cuff down to the fingertips, with the ruffle created through a lace pattern that naturally flares outward before being gathered back to glove width. The body is worked in smooth stockinette with a neat thumb gusset, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Fingering weight yarn in soft blush pink (e.g., Malabrigo Sock in "Rose") – approximately 350 yards for a pair
• Contrast Color (CC): Fingering weight yarn in cream (e.g., Malabrigo Sock in "Natural") – approximately 150 yards for a pair

Needles & Notions

• US Size 1 (2.25 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle for magic loop
• A spare needle for provisional cast-on
• Stitch markers (at least 4)
• Waste yarn or stitch holders for the thumb
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing the hem
• Scissors

Gauge

32 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Be sure to check your gauge before starting to ensure a proper fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked from the cuff down to the fingertips. The ruffle is created with a lace pattern that flares outward, then the glove body is worked in stockinette with a thumb gusset. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful pair of gloves in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• SSK: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• YO: yarn over
• PM: place marker
• SM: slip marker
• M1L: make one left (increase)
• M1R: make one right (increase)
• St(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• BO: bind off

Ruffle Cuff (Worked Flat, Then Joined)

Using CC and a provisional cast-on, CO 45 (49, 53) sts.

Row 1 (RS): K all.
Row 2 (WS): P all.
Row 3: K1, *YO, K2tog; repeat from * to end. (This creates a picot edge for later hemming.)
Row 4: P all.
Row 5: K all.
Row 6: P all.

Now begin the lace ruffle pattern (multiple of 4 + 1):

Row 7 (RS): K1, *YO, K2tog, K1, YO, K2tog; repeat from * to last 0 sts (end with K1 if needed).
Row 8 (WS): P all.
Row 9: K2, *YO, K2tog, K1, YO, K2tog; repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3.
Row 10: P all.
Row 11: K3, *YO, K2tog, K1, YO, K2tog; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 12: P all.
Row 13: K4, *YO, K2tog, K1, YO, K2tog; repeat from * to last 1 st, K1.
Row 14: P all.
Row 15: K5, *YO, K2tog, K1, YO, K2tog; repeat from * to last 0 sts.
Row 16: P all.

Repeat Rows 7-16 two more times (total of 3 lace repeats). The ruffle will naturally flare outward as you work the pattern.

Next, work a decrease row to bring the cuff back to glove width:

Row 17 (RS): K1, *K2tog; repeat from * to end. (You will have 23 (25, 27) sts.)
Row 18 (WS): P all.

Now switch to MC. Do not cut CC; you will use it for the thumb and tip later.

Joining and Working in the Round

Place sts onto DPNs, PM at the beginning of the round. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. The ruffle will be on the outside; the provisional cast-on edge will be folded up later.

Round 1: K all.
Round 2: K all.

Hand Body (Worked in Stockinette)

Work even in stockinette (knit every round) for 1.5 inches (2 inches for L).

Thumb Gusset (Right Glove)

Round 1: K1, M1R, K1, M1L, K to end of round. (2 sts increased)
Round 2: K all.
Round 3: K1, M1R, K3, M1L, K to end.
Round 4: K all.
Round 5: K1, M1R, K5, M1L, K to end.

Continue in this manner, increasing 2 sts every other round, until you have 13 (15, 17) gusset sts between the markers. The gusset sts are those between the two markers (place markers after the first increase and before the last increase).

Separate Thumb

Next round: K to first marker, remove marker, place the gusset sts (13/15/17) onto a waste yarn holder, CO 1 st (for the under-thumb gap), remove second marker, K to end of round. You now have 24 (26, 28) sts for the hand.

Hand Body (Continued)

Work even in stockinette for 2.5 (3, 3.5) inches from the thumb separation, or until the glove reaches the base of your fingers.

Finger Shaping (Worked in the Round)

Round 1: *K2tog, K to 2 sts before marker, SSK; repeat from * once more (for the two sides). (4 sts decreased)
Round 2: K all.

Repeat these two rounds until 8 (10, 12) sts remain. Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in end.

Thumb

Transfer the held thumb sts onto DPNs. Pick up and knit 1 st from the CO st at the under-thumb gap. You now have 14 (16, 18) sts. PM at the center of the picked-up st.

Work even in stockinette for 1.5 (1.75, 2) inches, or until the thumb reaches the middle of your thumbnail.

Next round: *K2tog; repeat from * to end. (7/8/9 sts remain)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in end.

Left Glove

Work the same as the right glove, but mirror the thumb gusset increases: work to the last 2 sts, M1R, K1, M1L, K1. (Place markers accordingly.)

Finishing

Fold the provisional cast-on edge up inside the cuff to form a hem. Sew the hem down using the CC yarn, catching the picot edge (the YO/K2tog row) to the inside of the glove. This creates a neat, elasticized edge that keeps the ruffle in place.

Weave in all ends. Block the gloves gently to open up the lace ruffle and even out the stitches. Lay flat to dry.

Sizing Adjustments

• For a smaller hand: Use fewer CO stitches (41) and fewer lace repeats (2).
• For a larger hand: Use more CO stitches (57) and add a 4th lace repeat.
• Adjust the length of the hand and thumb by trying on the glove as you go.

With their delicate lace ruffle and cozy fit, the Petal Drift Gloves are sure to become a favorite accessory. The romantic design makes them a wonderful gift for a loved one—or a delightful treat for yourself. Happy knitting!