Creating Fingerless Wedding Gloves: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fingerless gloves are a trendy and practical accessory, perfect for a wedding. They keep your hands warm while allowing your fingers the freedom of movement. You can make your own wedding gloves by repurposing an old pair of gloves or socks, or you can make them from scratch by sewing or knitting.

If you're making them from scratch, you'll need to create a pattern by tracing around your palm, wrist and arm on a sheet of paper. Cut the pattern out, allowing for a seam, and then use it to cut your fabric. Sew the pieces together, hem the edges, and you're done!

If you're repurposing an old pair of gloves, simply try them on and mark where you'd like the fingers to end. Cut the fingers off just above this line and hem the edges to prevent fraying. You can also cut the thumb off, or cut it shorter, if you prefer.

To make fingerless gloves from socks, cut off the foot part and then cut a small, vertical slit for the thumb hole. Try the glove on and adjust the thumb hole if necessary. Hem the cut edges for a neat finish.

Choosing the right fabric

When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your wedding gloves, there are several options to consider, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

Leather:

Leather is a classic and durable choice for gloves, offering flexibility, mouldability, and strength. The type of leather you choose will depend on the specific look and functionality you desire. Here are some options to consider:

• Cowhide: Cow leather is the thickest and most durable type of leather, making it an excellent choice for withstanding heat and moisture. It is commonly used in rigger gloves.
• Pig Leather: Pigskin leather has small holes from the pig's bristles, making it breathable. It is a good choice for dry environments as it is not completely waterproof.
• Goat Leather: Goatskin is thinner, softer, and more pliable than cow or pig leather, offering high dexterity. It is a suitable option when you need flexibility in your gloves.
• Deer Skin: Deer skin is known for its exceptional softness and dexterity, providing all-day comfort. However, it may not have the same lifespan as thicker leathers.

Synthetic Leather:

Synthetic leather is designed to resemble natural leather while offering added benefits such as water resistance. There are two main types of synthetic leather:

• Polyurethane (PU) Laminated: This type of synthetic leather is made by laminating PU onto a thin polyester or polyamide base, giving it a grain leather appearance. It is durable, water-repellent, and offers a good grip.
• Polyurethane (PU) Fibre Mixed: This variety is made by mixing PU fibre with polyester or polyamide, resulting in a soft, durable, and highly breathable fabric with a split leather appearance.

Cotton:

Cotton is a natural fibre that provides comfort and has a relatively good lifespan. It is often used in low-cost, light-duty gloves and can be blended with polyester to improve its durability. However, cotton doesn't absorb moisture effectively, which can lead to sweaty hands.

Polyester:

Polyester is a synthetic fibre known for its strength, elasticity, and shrink resistance. It is commonly blended with cotton to improve the comfort and durability of the gloves. Polyester also offers abrasion resistance, making it suitable for protective gloves.

Acrylic:

Acrylic is a synthetic fibre that mimics the soft feel of wool and is an excellent thermal insulator. It retains air particles, making it an ideal lining material for thermal gloves to keep your hands warm during winter weddings.

PVC:

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a durable plastic material that provides a good grip in both dry and wet conditions. It offers protection against water and several water-soluble chemicals, making it suitable for waterproof gloves. However, its protection against organic solvents is limited.

Nitrile:

Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that provides excellent grip and durability in dry, wet, and oily environments. It is flexible and comfortable, making it a popular choice for disposable gloves, especially for those with latex allergies.

Latex:

Latex is a natural rubber known for its extreme elasticity, durability, and grip. It is commonly used in disposable gloves due to its tight fit and dexterity. However, some people may have allergic reactions to the natural proteins in latex.

Neoprene:

Neoprene, also known by its brand name Chloroprene, is a synthetic rubber that offers good heat isolation and protection against oil, fat, organic hydrocarbons, and acids. It is an excellent choice for gloves requiring chemical protection.

Marking the cutting line

Choosing the Right Gloves

First, find a pair of gloves that you are willing to repurpose. They can be old or new, but ideally, they should be made from cotton, wool, angora, lambswool, or cashmere. Gloves with holes around the fingertips are perfect for this project, as you will be giving them a new lease of life.

Lay one glove on a flat, clean surface, such as a table. Using a ruler, measure across the fingers and mark the position you want to cut. Usually, this will be just before the knuckle starts. Use tailor's chalk or a pen to make the marks—chalk for dark gloves and pen for light-coloured gloves. Keep the ruler in place to ensure each finger is cut at the same point. Repeat this process for the other glove, making identical marks.

Cutting the Gloves

Now it's time to get your sharp fabric scissors. Carefully cut off the tops of the fingers, following the line you have marked. Cut about ¼ inch (0.64 cm) above your cutting line, as you will be hemming the gloves to prevent fraying. After cutting, your gloves should be the right length.

Stitching the Edges

Stitch up the edges of each finger to prevent the gloves from fraying further. This step can be a little tricky, but it is essential and shouldn't take too long. Try to match the colour of your stitching thread to the colour of the gloves. Any basic stitch, such as a hem stitch, will work well.

Final Fitting

Finally, try on your new fingerless gloves and check the fit. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure they are comfortable. Once you are happy with the fit, your gloves are ready to wear!

By marking the cutting line accurately and carefully following these steps, you can create stylish and comfortable fingerless wedding gloves from a regular pair of gloves.

Cutting the fingers

To make your own fingerless wedding gloves, you'll need to start with a pair of gloves. You can use an old pair or a new one, as long as you're willing to repurpose them. Gloves made from cotton, wool, angora, lambswool, or cashmere are all great choices.

• Try the gloves on and mark where you want the fingers to end. You will likely want to cut them at the first knuckle. Use tailor's chalk for dark gloves or a pen for light-colored gloves to draw a line across your fingers.
• Take the gloves off and cut 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) above your cutting line. This extra length is to account for hemming, which will prevent the fabric from fraying.
• Cut the thumb off at the middle or the base, depending on your preference. As with the fingers, you can put the glove back on and mark a cutting line before cutting.
• Hem the cut edges of the fingers and thumb. Working one finger at a time, fold the raw edge inward by 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) and sew using a loose running stitch or a hem stitch. Pull the glove on before knotting the thread to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Try the glove on again and make any necessary adjustments. Repeat the entire process for the other glove, ensuring that your markings and cuts are identical.

Your fingerless wedding gloves are now ready! This method is an easy way to give new life to old gloves or customize a new pair to your liking.

Hemming the edges

Preparation:

Before you begin hemming, gather your gloves, sharp fabric scissors, a needle, and thread. You can choose a thread colour that matches your gloves or opt for a contrasting colour for a unique touch.

Marking the Cutting Line:

Try on your gloves and decide where you want the fingers to end. Typically, you will cut them right at the first knuckle. Use tailor's chalk for dark-coloured gloves or a pen for light-coloured gloves to draw a line across your fingers as a cutting guide.

Cutting the Gloves:

Take off the gloves and cut carefully along the line you marked, about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) above it. This extra allowance is crucial for creating a comfortable hem. Remember to cut symmetrically, as you want both gloves to match.

Hemming the Fingers:

Now, it's time to hem the fingers. Work on one finger at a time. Fold the raw edge of the fabric inward by about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm). Secure it with a few stitches using a loose running stitch or a hem stitch. This prevents the fabric from fraying. Make sure to try on the glove before knotting the thread to ensure a comfortable fit. Adjust as needed, and repeat the process for each finger.

Hemming the Thumb:

You can choose to cut off the entire thumb or only a portion of it, depending on your preference. If you want to keep part of the thumb, mark a cutting line as you did for the fingers. Cut along the line and hem the thumb in the same way as the fingers. Fold the raw edge inward and secure it with a running stitch.

Final Fitting:

Try on your gloves again to ensure a comfortable fit. Make any necessary adjustments to the length or tightness of the hem. Once you are happy with the fit, repeat the entire process for the other glove, ensuring they are identical.

Final adjustments

Once you've cut and hemmed your gloves, there are a few final adjustments you can make to ensure they fit comfortably and look stylish.

First, try the gloves on and check the fit. Make sure the gloves are not too tight or too loose, and adjust the hems if necessary. You may also want to trim any loose threads for a neat finish. If you're happy with the fit, repeat the process for the other glove, ensuring they are mirrored perfectly.

Next, consider adding some embellishments to your gloves. You can sew on rhinestones, beads, or even attach some old jewellery to add a bit of sparkle. You can also leave the gloves plain if you prefer a more understated look.

Finally, if you're using a stretchy fabric like fleece or t-shirt material, you may want to skip hemming the edges. These fabrics don't fray, so you can simply cut the edges and leave them as they are. However, if you do choose to hem, use a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch to allow for stretch.

And that's it! Your fingerless wedding gloves are now ready to wear. Enjoy your handmade accessory and show it off at your next special event.

Frequently asked questions