How to Crochet Ribbed-Cuff Fingerless Gloves

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Start the ribbed cuff

Begin with a slip stitch, leaving a long tail so you'll have enough yarn to sew the piece together later without needing to rejoin any. Chain 11, then single crochet into the second chain from the hook and continue across, leaving you with 10 stitches. At the end of the first row, chain 1 and turn.

Step 2 — Work the cuff rows in back loop only ribbing

Work in the back loop only from here on, inserting your hook into the second part of the V (the back loop) for every single crochet stitch — this is what creates the ribbed texture. Continue for as many rows as needed to make a rectangle long enough to wrap around your wrist; about 26 rows is typical, but adjust the length for your own hand size or the recipient's. Once the rectangle is done, cut your yarn, pull it through, and double-check the fit around your wrist.

Step 3 — Switch colors and begin the hand portion

On the side with the short tail, attach your second color. The cuff height at this point is about 7 centimeters, adjustable by changing the initial chain size — start with a chain of 11, or use a larger number for a taller cuff. Single crochet in the back loops only for one row all the way around the entire rectangle, starting at any corner, to begin the hand portion.

Step 4 — Continue the hand portion to length

Continue single crocheting around, changing colors again if you'd like, until the piece reaches the desired length for the hand. Bind off and weave in any loose ends before moving on to assembly.

Step 5 — Sew the pieces together, leaving a thumb opening

Fold the fingerless glove in half with the ribbed cuff on the outside and the single crochet portion on the inside. Sew along three edges using a blanket stitch or another method you prefer, leaving an opening along the fourth edge for the thumb to pass through.

Step 6 — Turn right-side out and finish

Turn the piece right-side out so the seams sit on the inside, and your fingerless glove is complete. Repeat all steps to make a second glove for the matching pair.

Frequently asked questions

Can I adjust the height of the cuff on ribbed-cuff fingerless gloves?
Yes — the cuff shown here is approximately 7 cm tall, but you can adjust the height by changing the initial chain size. A larger starting chain will produce a taller cuff, and a smaller one will produce a shorter cuff.

Can I use different colors for the cuff and hand portion of the gloves?
Absolutely. This project uses one color for the ribbed cuff and switches to a second color for the single crochet hand portion, but you can choose any colors you like — it's also a great way to use up leftover yarn scraps.

Why does working in the back loop only create a ribbed texture?
Single crocheting into just the back loop of each stitch, rather than both loops, leaves the front loops standing proud as raised ridges across each row. Worked over many rows, this produces the stretchy, ribbed look and feel typical of a cuff.

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