Simple Fingerless Gloves & Arm Warmers With Patterns

This is a simple instructable for making beautiful & warm fingerless gloves or arm warmers. This should take you less than an hour to make one pair. Once you make one, you'll be able to make more faster and with ease. I've included several of my personal patterns (in PDF form) for your use. One pattern is a size small, the second one is a kids size small (for ages 3-5) and the last pattern is for arm warmers (without thumb slots) and is a size small. Enjoy!

Step 1: Gather Materials Needed

Materials Needed:

• Polar Fleece or similar material (1/4 yard)
• Sewing machine - I love the Brother CS6000i
• Scissors
• *Cutting Board & Rotary Cutter are optional but highly recommended (This is the only way I cut material - it saves a lot of time, but be careful as blades are sharp)

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Step 2: Layout Pattern & Cut It Out

Choose a pattern - I have included 3 PDF patterns with this instructable. Two patterns are for a size small and the last one is a child size small (age 3-5). If you want to be sure about the sizing - the small measures approximately 7 1/2 inches around the palm of the hand underneath the fingers (the part of the fingerless glove where the top connects with the thumb area - measuring all the way around and back to that point). The size small wrist measures approximately 6 to 6 1/2 inches around. If you would like to increase the size to a medium, you can print out the pattern and add 1/2 an inch on both sides - an an inch to make it a large. It may take some practice to get your right size, but if you plan on making more gloves it is nice to have some that fit well.

Cutting the Fabric - be sure to lay out the fabric so that the direction of the stretch is horizontal to your project - so it allows for some stretching and room for your hands. You can fold your fabric and layout your pattern piece, pin it,  then cut it out and repeat.

Preparing the cut fabric - if your fabric has a dull side, make sure that is on the outside now - so after you sew it, then turn it right-side out - the non-dull side will be showing on your finished product.

Step 3: Sew the Seams

Sew the seams - I recommend a quarter inch seam allowance on all sides except for the thumb seam. Gradually decrease the seam size once you near the thumb area - to 1/8 in. seam allowance. Careful to reinforce the stitches by going back and forth or going over the entire seam twice. It is up to you. No need to sew the top or bottom of the gloves - the fleece will not fray.

For beginners - If you are having issues with the thumb area or concerned about sewing it, my recommendation is to try the arm warmer pattern first. It's extremely simple - and I prefer them over the ones with the thumb slots.

Shortening the thumb - Everyone's hands are different. If the thumb slot is too long, use your scissors (carefully) or rotary cutter to slice a piece off to shorten it. Be sure to go over your stitches again.

Step 4: Finishing Touches & Done!

Finishing Touches - You can trim the excess seam or leave it as is. If you trim it, use a rotary cutter to be safe and do not cut too close to your seam. If you don't do that, it is fine too - just be sure to cut little half triangles out of the seam bottoms - so your seam does not poke out.

Turn the gloves right-side out - and you are done!

* Kids gloves - I included one kids template with a little cat decal. I drew the cat decal myself. If you want to use it, cut it out carefully and pin it to some felt & cut it out. Then if you want to have the same affect as the gloves in my picture, you would need to cut that kitty in half - placing one half on one side of a glove and the other half on the other glove. Sew it by hand or machine, add some buttons for eyes (if you like) and sew the seams last! They are adorable!