How to Crochet Braided Edge Fingerless Gloves

Materials & tools you'll need

Skill level: Intermediate. Uses US crochet terms — single crochet (sc), front loop only (fl), back loop only (bl).

Step 1 — Work the foundation chain

Make a slip knot and chain 22. Single crochet into the second chain from the hook, then continue single crocheting across the remaining chains to the end of the row. This foundation row sets the width of the glove rectangle, so keep your tension even — a chain that's too tight will make this first row difficult to work into.

Step 2 — Set up the pattern row

Chain five, skip one stitch, and single crochet back into the next stitch to reattach. Single crochet across the rest of the row, chain one, and turn. This row establishes the repeating structure you'll use throughout: a chain-5 loop at each end of the row, with single crochet stitches worked across the body in between.

Step 3 — Build the textured rows

For each new row, single crochet through both loops in the first and last stitch, and work front loop only (fl), then back loop only (bl) through the stitches in between — this alternating front-loop/back-loop technique creates the ribbed texture running through the body of the glove. At each end of the row, chain five and reattach with a single crochet to keep building the loose loops that will become the braid. Repeat this pattern row after row until you reach approximately row 32. If the piece still feels too tight to wrap comfortably around your hand at that point, add a few extra rows before moving on — the pattern is easy to extend to fit.

Step 4 — Weave the braid

Once your rectangle is the right length, work one more row — this is where the braid comes together. Take the chain-5 loop from two rows back and tuck it underneath the loop directly before it, then pull it back up and over. Repeat this under-and-over motion across every chain-5 loop along the edge so they interlock into a woven braid. Secure the last loop with a single crochet, then continue single crocheting across the remaining stitches to the end of the row. Chain one and pull the yarn tight to finish the row.

Step 5 — Assemble and finish

Fold the rectangle in half with the braided edge tucked to the inside. Insert your hook into the working loop and the first stitch on the opposite side, pull it through, and bring both yarn tails — the original starting tail and your working yarn — together. Slip stitch through the first three stitches on both sides to begin the seam. From there, slip stitch down just one side only for the next nine stitch columns, leaving the other side open — this gap becomes the thumb opening. Reattach at the ninth stitch and slip stitch through both sides again the rest of the way to the end, joining the seam fully closed from there. Secure your yarn, cut it, and weave in all remaining ends. Turn the glove right side out, and it's ready to wear.

Frequently asked questions

What are the expected dimensions of the braided edge fingerless gloves?
The finished gloves measure approximately 6 inches by 8 inches, which fits most adult hands comfortably.

How does the braiding technique work on these gloves?
Each texture row ends with a chain-5 loop left hanging free. On the final row, you thread each chain-5 loop underneath the loop before it and pull it back up and over, working your way across so the loops interlock into a woven braid, then secure the last loop with a single crochet.

Can I resize these gloves for a different hand size?
Yes. The pattern is worked flat as a rectangle, so if it feels too tight to wrap comfortably around your hand as you approach the final rows, simply add a few extra rows of the front loop/back loop pattern before starting the braid row.

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