Tutorial: How to Make Gloves – Master Patterns, Sewing & Design in 10 Steps (2024)

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Feeling Intimidated by the Concept of Glove-Making? Don’t Be.

In this 10-step tutorial, you will master glove patterns, sewing, and design processes. You will learn how to draft a hand outline, place fourchettes, and create thumb pieces.

We will go over the basics of cutting out patterns onto paper, transferring them, attaching components, techniques for sewing fourchettes, adding those final touches, and enhancing your glove design.

Glove Pattern Basics

Are you ready to get started making gloves? I always begin with the fundamentals of pattern design.

In this project, you’ll need to calculate the width of the back side: Half of rectangle width + 4mm.

Step 1 — Calculate finger portions width when divided with planned calculation.

Step 2 — Take 7mm off each pinky and ring finger line for a good fit. Remember, accuracy is important when it comes to drawing your glove pattern.

You aren’t creating a hand-shaped silhouette; you’re creating a second skin. Think of it as comfort made possible by sculpting with fabric.

Every measurement, from the overall dimensions to the placement of the fingers, impacts the functionality and style of the glove. Master these basics, and you’ll be on your way to making others green with glove envy.

Drafting the Hand Outline

Now that you’ve grasped the basics, it’s time to get your hands dirty with drafting. Grab some duct tape and wrap it around your hand, creating a snug second skin. Don’t worry, you’re not mummifying yourself – this is the foundation of your pattern.

Once you’re taped up, use a marker to trace the outline of your hand onto the tape. Be precise; every curve matters. When you’re done, carefully cut along the lines and remove the tape from your hand. You’ve just created a 3D mold of your mitt!

Flatten this out on paper and trace around it. Voila! You’ve drafted your hand outline. This paper pattern will be your glove-making roadmap, so handle it with care.

Fourchette Placement

Now, outline your hand and then proceed with the fourchette position. These important parts sew the fingers of your gloves in order to give flexibility and comfort.

Start tracing a loop from your pinkie to your index finger, following the natural curves between your digits. This will help to define the basic shape of your fourchette design. One strip will do for easier drafting, while several fourchettes give a more period-accurate appearance.

Your fourchettes can be any shape, but slight the ends toward the fingertips. You may also want to play around with different materials until you hit on a stretch versus stability ratio that works for you.

Keep in mind that proper fourchette placement really affects the fit of your glove, so don’t rush this part—it will greatly affect the comfort and functionality of your final product.

Thumb Piece Drafting

Now it’s time to draft your thumb piece. First, locate the thumb hole on your glove pattern.

Measure the length of your thumb from the base to tip, and mark this on your pattern. You can add about 1/4 inch seam allowance around. Your thumb shape should be curved a bit, following the basic outline of your natural digit.

Keep in mind that the thumb piece will slightly overlap with the fourchette, so allow for this in your drafting. Make sure that the thumb length is balanced to the finger length.

As you’re drafting, remember that a good thumb piece can make or break whether the glove fits well. Take your time here – a properly drafted thumb piece will make all of the difference in comfort and functionality.

Cutting Out the Pattern

Now that you have drafted your glove pattern, it’s time to cut one out. Take your scissors and carefully follow the lines you have drawn. Don’t forget to add seam allowances while you cut—about 1/4 inch or 6mm will be OK.

Also, take extra care with the shaping of the fingers—for smooth curves in particular, which will make sewing gloves a lot easier later on. Cut out the fourchettes so they’re the same length as the fingers. Don’t forget the thumb piece!

Fabric selection plays an important role here: select something easy to work with for your first attempt. Check your measuring techniques while you cut, doubling up to ensure accuracy.

This step sets the foundation of your gloves, so take time and be precise in measurement. You’re just one step away from becoming the master of glove-making!

Transferring to Paper

Now that you’ve cut out your pattern, it’s time to transfer it to paper. Choose a sturdy paper that can withstand multiple edits.

Grab a sharp pencil and hold it with a relaxed grip for better control. Carefully trace the outline of your duct tape pattern onto the paper, ensuring accuracy at every curve and angle. Pay special attention to the degrees of freedom around joints.

As you trace, add seam allowances – typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch – around all edges except the hem. This extra fabric will give you room to sew without compromising fit.

Make preliminary edits as needed, smoothing out any rough edges or inconsistencies. Remember, precision at this stage will save you headaches later.

Your paper pattern is the blueprint for your gloves, so take your time and get it right.

Attaching the Thumb

Now it’s time to tackle the thumb—the trickiest part of glove-making! You’ll want to be pretty exact and patient. Line up the thumb piece with the hole on the thumb side of the palm, and pin, making sure seam allowance is consistent. Carefully sew along this curved edge, matching the length of your thumb to your pattern.

Remember to make vertical lines for additional strength. Never rush; remember, a thumb is fitted like an important part of the glove fitting comfortably on your hand. You’re one step closer to becoming a glovemaker!

Sewing the Fourchettes

Now that you’ve attached the thumb, it’s time to get on to the fourchettes. These little strips of fabric between your fingers really do make all the difference in how well a glove fits.

Start by pinning your fourchette pieces to the trank of the glove. Match them up very carefully and make sure they have the same shape as your hand. In leather gloves, only one fourchette strip is used for easier sewing. If using knit materials, multiple fourchettes will enhance flexibility.

Insert the fourchettes in your glove by sewing from the base of each finger down to the tip. Make sure the length and tension of stitches are somewhat the same.

Take note that it’s both the placement and shape of the fourchette that really make a great difference in comfort and fitting. Don’t rush through this process—at times, even the most minute detail pays off in the final result.

Final Touches and Hemming

Now that you have sewn major parts of your gloves, add those finishing touches to make them really professional.

Begin by adding hem width to the glove opening, fold nicely and stitch for a clean finish. Then comes excess volume—make back side tucks, and it will give your gloves a sleeker line.

Don’t forget to add fingertip notches for better movement and comfort. Add a V-shape at the back of the glove for that stylish, finishing touch—this not only looks nice but can add flexibility.

If you want to be adventurous, dip your toes into some simple decoration on your glove with top stitching or a buttonhole stitch along the edges; a small bow at the wrist can be a cute detail.

Enhancing Your Glove Design

Now that you’ve got the basics down, take your glove to a whole new level. Experiment with fourchette design for added flexibility. Slap on one tape strip for simplicity or a few pieces for period authenticity.

Play around with materials: Stretch puts comfort first; sumptuous options like leather bring on the class. Make it longer or shorter, wrist length or opera gloves—the choice is yours. And don’t forget the pinkie—just because it’s often overlooked doesn’t mean that it’s not essential for a great fit.

A seamless lesson on glove-making wraps up with how to allow for seam allowance in gloves while sewing by machine so they adequately fit the wearer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)