purlJam

# BASIC MACHINE-KNIT GLOVES

## MACHINE_SETUP

**Machine Type:** Standard gauge flat-bed knitting machine with ribber (Brother, Silver Reed, or similar)
**Bed Configuration:** Main bed and ribber aligned at pitch 5
**Needles:** Use needles -25 to +25 on main bed, corresponding ribber needles
**Carriage Setup:** 
- Main carriage: KC II, set both part buttons to N
- Ribber carriage: Set to slip position initially
- Start carriage at COL (carriage on left)
**Tension Settings:** 
- Main bed: T6 for body, T4 for ribbing
- Ribber: T4 for ribbing, T5 for body
**Tools Needed:** Transfer tool, latch tool, ravel cord (60cm), waste yarn, claw weights (6-8 pieces), cast-on comb

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** 200g (7oz) worsted weight yarn (approximately 400m/440yd)
**Suggested Yarns:** Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Wool-Ease, or similar worsted weight
**Notions:** 
- Yarn needle for finishing
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Measuring tape
- Steam iron and pressing cloth

**Sizes:** Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)
**Hand Circumference:** 18cm (20cm, 22cm, 24cm) / 7" (8", 8.5", 9.5")
**Finished Length:** 23cm (24cm, 25cm, 26cm) / 9" (9.5", 10", 10.25")

## GAUGE_AND_TENSION

**Gauge:** 18 stitches and 26 rows = 10cm (4") in stockinette at T6
**Ribbing Gauge:** 20 stitches = 10cm (4") in 1x1 rib at T4
**Important:** Always knit a gauge swatch first and adjust tension as needed for your specific machine and yarn combination.

## RIBBED_CUFF

**Cast On (All Sizes):**
1. Using waste yarn, cast on with ravel cord method over 36 (40, 44, 48) needles, centered on main bed
2. Knit 6 rows waste yarn at T10, ending COL
3. Knit 1 row ravel cord
4. RC 000, change to main yarn, T4

**Establish Ribbing:**
1. Bring up corresponding ribber needles for all needles in work
2. Set ribber carriage to knit position
3. Rehang stitches: every other stitch to ribber, maintaining 1x1 pattern
4. RC 000-030: Knit 30 rows 1x1 ribbing at T4
5. Hang claw weights evenly along needles

## BODY_ROWS

**Shape Hand Section:**
1. RC 030: Change to T6, knit in circular on both beds
2. RC 030-080: Knit 50 rows even for hand length
3. At RC 050: Mark center 8 stitches for thumb gusset placement

**Thumb Gusset Increases:**
1. RC 050: Using transfer tool, increase 1 stitch each side of marked center stitches (10 stitches total)
2. RC 055: Increase again (12 stitches)
3. RC 060: Increase again (14 stitches)
4. RC 065: Increase again (16 stitches)
5. RC 070: Place thumb stitches on waste yarn, cast on 4 stitches over gap using e-wrap method

**Continue Hand:**
1. RC 070-090: Knit 20 rows even
2. Maintain circular knitting on both beds

## FINGER_SHAPING

**Index Finger:**
1. RC 090: Place stitches for 3 fingers on waste yarn, keeping 12 (13, 14, 15) stitches for index finger
2. Cast on 2 stitches over gaps using e-wrap
3. RC 000-025: Knit 25 rows on index finger stitches
4. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight

**Middle Finger:**
1. Return 12 (13, 14, 15) stitches from waste yarn to needles
2. Pick up 2 stitches from base of index finger
3. Cast on 2 stitches for other side
4. RC 000-028: Knit 28 rows
5. Finish as for index finger

**Ring Finger:**
1. Return 12 (13, 14, 15) stitches from waste yarn
2. Pick up 2 stitches from base of middle finger  
3. Cast on 2 stitches for other side
4. RC 000-025: Knit 25 rows
5. Finish as for previous fingers

**Little Finger:**
1. Return remaining stitches from waste yarn to needles
2. Pick up 2 stitches from base of ring finger
3. RC 000-020: Knit 20 rows
4. Finish as for other fingers

**Thumb:**
1. Return thumb stitches from waste yarn to needles
2. Pick up 4 stitches from hand opening
3. RC 000-022: Knit 22 rows
4. Finish as for fingers

## FINISHING

**Seaming:**
1. Remove work from machine carefully
2. Using mattress stitch, seam any gaps between fingers
3. Weave in all yarn tails securely
4. Turn glove inside out to check seams

**Blocking:**
1. Dampen gloves lightly with spray bottle
2. Place over glove blocker or stuff with tissue paper
3. Allow to dry completely in shape
4. Steam lightly if needed, using pressing cloth

**Second Glove:**
Repeat all instructions for second glove, ensuring thumb gusset is positioned for opposite hand.

## ABBREVIATIONS

- **COL** - Carriage on Left
- **COR** - Carriage on Right  
- **RC** - Row Counter
- **T** - Tension setting
- **KC** - Knit Carriage
- **N** - Normal position
- **cm** - centimeters
- **g** - grams
- **m** - meters
- **yd** - yards
- **st(s)** - stitch(es)
- **e-wrap** - single loop cast-on method
- **1x1 rib** - alternating knit and purl stitches

**Pattern Notes:**
- Always test tension settings on your specific machine
- Keep consistent weight distribution while knitting
- Check row counter regularly to maintain proper shaping
- Take breaks to prevent hand fatigue during long knitting sessions
- Practice thumb gusset increases on a swatch first if you're new to the technique