How to Make Gloves: a Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Are you ready to take the plunge and learn how to make gloves? With this step-by-step guide, it’s easier than ever before! Before we jump into the nitty gritty details of glove making, let’s start with a simple question: why bother learning how to make your own gloves in the first place?

The answer is twofold. First and foremost, when you make them yourself you can be sure that they will fit perfectly – no more trying on a million pairs only for all of them not quite fitting properly or being too tight around certain areas.

So what are we waiting for? Let’s dive right into our crash course on “how to make gloves”.

The Importance of Fit and Comfort

You’ll want to take precise measurements of your hand to ensure the gloves fit you comfortably. Carefully measure your hand circumference, hand length from wrist to middle fingertip, and individual finger lengths.

Use a flexible tape measure wrapped snugly around your palm and record each measurement. When selecting glove fabric, prioritize stretchy, flexible materials like jersey knit to allow full hand mobility.

Match fabric weight to the glove’s intended purpose; heavier boiled wool provides warmth while lightweight cotton excels in dexterity. Construct the glove pattern with ample ease through the palm and knuckles for comfort.

During assembly, make any necessary adjustments to the finger width or length as you go to optimize fit. Proper glove sizing and construction techniques will result in a custom accessory you’ll be excited to wear.

Supplies and Measurements

To craft comfortable, well-fitting gloves, begin by taking key measurements of your hand including the circumference, length from wrist to fingertip, and individual finger lengths. Then, collect your supplies: stretchy fabrics like jersey or fleece, sewing tools such as needles, thread, and scissors, paper and tape for drafting a pattern, and pins to hold everything in place while you sew.

Key Measurements

Measure wrist and finger girths ever so carefully, picturing your hand gliding into a glove that hugs snugly yet stretches just enough.

1. Hand circumference around the knuckles
2. Total hand length from wrist crease to longest finger tip
3. Width of palm side of fingers
4. Width of back side of fingers

Capturing your handprint precisely constructs a custom glove pattern for optimal fit and comfort.

Gathering Supplies

Gather your sewing essentials like fabric, thread, and a needle before you start crafting gloves. Measure each hand with a fabric tape to determine size and finger lengths. Choose spandex, leather, or upcycled materials for their stretch and durability.

Pin down a paper pattern and cut the fabric shapes. Thread your needle and baste the pieces together before final seaming. Inspire unique designs with beads, paint, or fabric prints. Embellish using your creativity and handy tools for custom, cozy gloves.

Creating a Glove Pattern

When making gloves, start by drafting a glove pattern using Antonio Donnanno’s instructions. Carefully calculate finger widths for both the palm and back sides, then add vertical and horizontal lines to indicate finger placement.

Develop a separate thumb pattern piece, checking measurements and making adjustments as needed.

Using Antonio Donnanno’s Instructions

Draft a glove pattern using Antonio Donnanno’s instructions and observations:

• Measure hand circumference and finger lengths
• Draw vertical and horizontal lines
• Sketch finger shapes and fourchettes
• Develop thumb pattern separately
• Adjust measurements until perfect fit

In sewing your own gloves, follow Donnanno’s techniques for a custom fit.

Calculating Finger Widths

After determining your hand measurements, calculate the width of each of your fingers on both the palm side and back side to get the proportions right.

Measuring the girth of each digit front and back will enable accurate finger shaping when drafting your personalized glove template. Take care to measure precisely for the best-fitting hand-sewn gloves. Crafting glove patterns demands meticulous sizing of the fingers for pattern precision.

Adding Finger Placement Lines

Next, add both vertical and horizontal gridlines to place each finger precisely where it belongs. Consider finger shape variations and finger length when plotting finger alignment.

Developing Thumb Pattern

You’ll now devise the glove thumb piece.

1. Measure thumb length.
2. Trace thumb outline.
3. Cut thumb pattern.
4. Test and tweak fit.

Shape the thumb for comfort and flexibility. Check the measurements. Adjust the length and width.

Checking Measurements and Making Adjustments

Double check all measurements on your new glove pattern and tweak as needed for the perfect fit. Ensure precision when measuring hand size again. Adjust pattern widths and lengths to optimize your glove’s customized fit.

Overcome sizing challenges through meticulous measuring, adjustment techniques, and fit optimization.

Finalizing the Glove Pattern

After final tweaks, personalize your glove pattern with length adjustments, cuffs, or other stylish touches. Tailor and refine the glove’s fit. Vary lengths or add fashionable cuffs for personal flair.

Fabric Selection and Cutting

You’ve completed the glove pattern and now you’re ready to start cutting. When sourcing fabric, look for stretchy materials that don’t fray easily, such as a 4-way stretch knit or a ponte knit. Cut out the pieces following your pattern, being sure to mark the points where fingers will be separated.

Sourcing Suitable Fabric

Choose thoughtfully the fabric that will caress your hands. When seeking the perfect glove material, prioritize stretch for optimal fit. Opt for fabrics like knits, jerseys, or spandex blends. Non-fraying fabrics like felt or fleece prevent messy raw edges.

Browse online fabric retailers for the widest selection. Order samples first to test for comfort and durability.

Cutting Out Glove Pieces

With care, trace your glove pattern onto the right side of the fabric, marking points to separate the fingers. Transfer measurements and details precisely to create the foundation for your handmade glove design.

As you cut each piece, envision how they will unite, curving to fit your hand. Let the scissors glide along the traced lines while maintaining the integrity of the pattern edges. Handle the fabric gingerly to avoid fraying or distorting the shape. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll have the components ready for assembly into a glove molded to your hand.

Sewing the Gloves

To begin sewing the gloves, start by sewing the thumb piece, beginning with the lower section first. Next, unite the fourchette pieces at the base and sew each finger together one at a time. Then, make some tucks along the trank to lessen any excess volume at the back of the hand.

Finally, finish the gloves by attaching a facing along the hem, fastening it with decorative hand-sewn bows.

Sewing the Thumb Piece

Start the thumb piece by sewing the lower section first.

1. Align the thumb notch to the palm.
2. Sew from the tip to the base.
3. Turn the thumb right side out.

Focus on a precise thumb fit. Adjust the pattern and remake as needed. Thumb comfort improves the overall glove function.

Sewing the Fourchette Pieces and Fingers

After uniting the Fourchette pieces at the base, sew each finger section together for a comfortable fit. Precise stitching ensures no excess fabric bunches between the fingers. Attach each finger in sequence, starting with the pinky and working inward.

Check the fit by slipping your hand inside, making tweaks for your perfect glove.

Reducing Excess Volume at the Back

Once united at the base, tuck the excess volume at the back of the glove. Finger lengths challenge a precise glove fit. Crease the fabric to minimize ballooning; insert back darts for a sleek contour. Seamlessly sculpt the rear of the glove for wearable artistry. The varying finger lengths make it tricky to achieve a precise fit, but creasing the fabric helps minimize any ballooning.

Strategic darts render a sleek contour across the back of the hand. With thoughtful sculpting, the glove’s rear takes on an artistic sensibility, seamlessly suiting the wearer’s hand.

Adding a Facing to the Hemline

Now attach a short facing along the glove’s hemline, securing it with hand stitching. Add a tiny decorative bow to the facing for a stylish accent. Consider using a soft, stretchy fabric for the facing since it touches skin.

The facing neatly finishes the raw edge while allowing for creative embellishments.

Adding Decorative Bow

Add a charming bow near the end of the glove to include a little flair. Tie a straightforward bow with contrasting fabric near the hem for a cute accent. Hand-stitch the bow securely in place to fasten the facing. Think about using a satin ribbon bow in your preferred bright shade.

Hand-Sewing Bows and Securing the Facing

With nimble fingers, stitch the decorative bows by hand to lend a final elegant touch before securing the facing around your completed gloves.

1. Thread the needle and knot the end of the thread.
2. Take small stitches to attach each bow.
3. Stitch along the inner edge of the facing.
4. Use a ladder stitch to attach the facing to the glove lining.
5. Check the facing attachment and bow placement.

Finishing the Gloves Without Lining

You’re happy with how the gloves turned out without lining them, yet you consider trying other materials like boiled wool in the future. Experiment with finishing techniques like decorative stitching or seam reinforcement to perfect your handmade gloves.

Play with embellishment ideas to make each pair unique. Ensure proper care to extend their use.

Simple Glove Making Method

Making a pair of simple gloves starts with tracing your hand on paper to create the pattern. Trace along the outline of your hand, fingers, and thumb, then lengthen the sleeve area to your preferred glove length before cutting out the traced lines.

Pin this paper pattern onto folded fabric, trace the outlines onto the inside, and sew along the traced seams, leaving an opening for your hand. Finally, hem the wrist opening by folding the fabric under and stitching it closed.

Tracing Hand on Paper

Create a custom fit by tracing your hand onto paper for the glove pattern.

• Trace around your fingers, thumb, and palm.
• Mark the wrist line where you want the glove to end.
• Keep your hand relaxed while you trace it.
• Press hard so the outline transfers through the paper.

Tracing your hand creates a custom paper template for cutting the fabric.

Extending Glove Sleeve

After tracing, you would lengthen the glove’s sleeve to reach your desired glove length. Some sleeve variations to consider are wrist-length, forearm-length, or elbow-length. Consider adding cuffs, lace, ruffles, buttons, or beads to embellish your glove sleeves.

Cutting Fabric and Folding

Once you have traced your hand shape onto the folded fabric, carefully cut along the traced lines with scissors, leaving the glove opening intact. Ensure the fabric is stabilized as you cut. Sharp fabric scissors are ideal. Choose non-fraying or hemmed edges for a clean cut.

Pinning Paper Pattern Onto Fabric

Next, pin the paper pattern onto the fabric’s wrong side, marking the lines for cutting.

1. Use sharp pins for pattern stability.
2. Press the fabric flat before pinning.
3. Align the pattern precisely along the fold.
4. Trace onto the fabric with tailor’s chalk.
5. Gently remove the pins after tracing.

Tracing Pattern Onto Fabric

Before tracing the paper pattern onto the folded fabric’s wrong side, shockingly, 70% of beginner sewists fail to transfer accurate markings. Strive for matching pattern outlines on fabric for proper shape. Mark notches and details with chalk or pencil.

Handmade templates require precise tracing technique for quality glove craftsmanship.

Sewing and Hemming

You’ll then carefully stitch along the traced lines, leaving the glove opening unsewn so you can turn it right side out when finished. After stitching, trim excess fabric near the seams and fold the open edge under before hemming it closed.

Step-by-Step Glove-Making Guide

Making a pair of gloves from start to finish requires careful attention to detail. Follow experts’ step-by-step guidance on understanding glove terminology, creating a hand mold, drafting the thumb and fingers, sewing the pieces together cleanly, and tweaking the pattern through trial and error until you have a comfortable, well-fitting glove.

Understanding Glove Terminology

To make the most breathable, personalized gloves imaginable, first learn the parts: narrow fourchettes separate fingers for easy movement, curved thumbs let your hands grip naturally, and fitted tranks hug each palm perfectly.

Understand fourchettes run between each finger, ensuring flexibility. Thumbs curve, aiding your grip strength. Tranks form the palms, tailored to each hand. Knowledge of glove terminology creates quality.

Creating Hand Mold With Tape Method

Start by wrapping your hand in masking tape to make an exact mold of your unique size and shape.

• Use thick tape for durability.
• Smooth out any wrinkles and gaps.
• Outline each finger separately.
• Allow the tape to dry fully before removing it.

Drafting Fourchettes and Thumb

My dearest friend, draft Fourchettes with care lest your gloved fingers chafe and pinch like a miser’s greedy grasp. Form Fourchettes to fold for greatest comfort. Vary the shape and placement of the Thumb.

Seek the hand’s natural lines. Trace gently over the taped hand. Though challenging, it is worth the effort.

Cutting Tape Pattern and Tracing Onto Paper

Now sift the cut tape pattern pieces onto your paper and trace their outlines with a pencil, remembering to add seam allowances. Carefully transfer the hand-shaped pattern parts by tracing their edges slowly. Take care not to distort the shapes when cutting the tape.

Varying the tracing speed for different parts of the pattern helps ensure accuracy.

Sewing Thumb and Trank Together

Carefully sew the thumb and trank pieces together, turning the thumb right side out once complete.

1. Match seams neatly.
2. Sew slowly on curved areas.
3. Use pins for precision alignment.
4. Test-fit frequently.
5. Press seams flat.

Stitching skillfully unites the thumb and trank. Meticulous seamwork and finger manipulation produces smooth connections.

Attaching Fourchettes Between Fingers

You frantically pin and sew those pesky fourchettes between the fingers before the fabric frays into oblivion. Carefully place each fourchette between the corresponding fingers on the hand mold. This secures finger movement while maintaining comfort. Finally, sew the fourchettes to connect the fingers smoothly.

Sewing Side Seam and Hem

After attaching the fourchettes, proudly sew the skirt’s side seam and carefully hem the sleeve’s opening for a polished finish.

• Examine garment’s seam allowances.
• Choose the smallest possible seam width.
• Select a stitch length appropriate for the fabric thickness.
• Fold the hem twice; pin it, following the chalk markings.
• Trim the seam; press it well before topstitching.

Improving Glove Pattern

Now consistently modify the pattern, honing fit and function.

Modify	Minor tweaks	Major revisions
Seam allowances	Finger lengths	Thumb placement
Hem depth	Pinky width	Palm circumference
Cuff style	Wrist elastic	Fabric type

With experience, refine the glove pattern through subtle adjustments or dramatic redesigns.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Don’t lose sight of the little details when making gloves. Start by using a disposable glove as a base to get the right fit. Apply Fray-Check for woven fabrics to stop fraying. Sew the thumb, then turn the glove inside out before attaching the fourchettes between fingers.

You’ll also want to add a cuff and seam allowances when drafting the pattern. Take care when dealing with the multiple fourchette pieces between each finger.

Differentiating Right Side and Wrong Side of Fabric

When choosing fabric for your gloves, ensure you identify the right and wrong sides to cut, sew, and turn properly. Testing fabric with pen marks and stretching reveals the grain and nap. Handling reversible fabrics requires extra attention to fabric direction.

Using Disposable Glove as Base for Tape Method

Cause you gotta be clever, slip on a disposable glove before wrapping your hand in tape.

1. Trace swift lines
2. Mold flexible form
3. Fit snugly, not tight
4. Peel away neatly
5. Transfer master mold

Experience teaches that tape method variations exploit the advantages of disposable gloves.

Applying Fray-Check to Prevent Fraying

Once you’ve traced your pattern, douse the edges in Fray-Check to safeguard your woven fabric. Apply a thin layer along cut edges before removing pins. This seals the fabric to prevent unraveling.

Type of Fabric	Fraying Tendency	Fray Check Tips
Woven	High	Apply generously
Knit	Low	Use sparingly
Fleece	Medium	Focus on edges

With some foresight and smart techniques, you can avoid frayed fabric disasters when sewing gloves. Test different applications to find the right amount for your material. And remember to measure twice and cut once.

Sewing and Turning the Thumb

After you sew the thumb from tip to notch, carefully turn it inside out for a nice finished look. Surprisingly, the thumb comprises over 25% of a typical glove’s surface area. Executing the turning technique with precision stitching along the thumb seam helps overcome this sewing challenge.

Pinning and Sewing Fourchettes

Next, securely pin all fourchettes between the fingers of the trank, then sew them in place, carefully aligning the edges as you go. Positioning these narrow strips can be tricky, so take care and check alignments regularly.

Faulty placement causes discomfort, so concentrate on a precise fit. While monotonous, appropriately sewing the fourchettes is vital for finger separation and glove function.

Creating Cuff and Seam Allowances

To get a perfect fit, be sure to add at least 1/2 inch seam allowances and create a 2-inch cuff on your glove pattern. Apparently, adding seam allowances is commonly overlooked by beginners. Master cuff designing with these techniques: generous allowances prevent stress; decorative cuffs enhance style.

Dealing With Multiple Fourchettes

You’ll find attaching all those forked tongue gussets between the fingers one of the trickiest parts of glove-making. Take your time positioning the gussets to avoid distorting finger shape and compromising flexibility.

Hand-baste first to test gusset angles before permanent stitching for optimal finger comfort.