Warm Your Paws: Fingerless Cat Paw Crochet Gloves
Hello, fellow makers! If you are looking for a project that combines cozy functionality with a touch of whimsical charm, you have come to the right place. These fingerless gloves are a favorite among the crochet community because they offer the perfect balance of warmth and dexterity. Whether you are typing away at your desk, sipping a hot latte, or scrolling through your phone, these gloves keep your wrists and palms toasty while leaving your fingers free to move.
The standout feature of this design is, of course, the adorable cat paw print on the palm. By using a simple appliqué technique, we can transform a classic pair of fingerless mitts into a playful accessory that expresses your love for our feline friends. This project is beginner-friendly, quick to whip up, and makes a heartfelt gift for any cat lover in your life. Let’s grab our hooks and get started!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Medium weight (Worsted/Size 4) yarn. You will need approximately 150 yards of your Main Color (MC) for the gloves and 20 yards of a Contrast Color (CC) for the paw pads.
- Hook: 4.0mm (G/6) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing appliqués.
- Extras: Stitch markers and sharp scissors.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- ch: chain
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- BLO: back loop only
- sl st: slip stitch
- inc: increase (two stitches in the same space)
- Notes: This pattern is worked from the cuff up. The cuff is worked in rows, and the body is worked in continuous rounds. The paw pads are crocheted separately and sewn onto the palms at the end.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Part 1: The Ribbed Cuff (Make 2)
- With Main Color, ch 11.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (10 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO across. (10 sts)
- Repeat Row 2 until the cuff measures approximately 6.5 to 7 inches when slightly stretched (usually 28-32 rows).
- Fold the cuff in half so Row 1 and your last row meet. Sl st across the edges to join into a circle. Do not fasten off.
Part 2: The Body of the Glove
- Round 1: Ch 1. Sc evenly around the edge of the cuff (one sc per row end). Join with a sl st to the first sc. (Approx 30-32 sts)
- Round 2-8: Ch 1. Sc in each st around. (32 sts)
- Round 9 (Thumb Hole): Ch 1. Sc in the first 26 sts, ch 5, skip the remaining 6 sts of the round. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Round 10: Ch 1. Sc in each sc and each of the 5 thumb-hole chains. (31 sts)
- Round 11-15: Ch 1. Sc in each st around.
- Round 16: Hdc in each st around. This creates a slightly softer edge for the fingers.
- Fasten off and weave in your ends. Repeat for the second glove.
Part 3: The Paw Print Appliqués
You will need one Large Pad and four Small Toe Pads for each glove (use Contrast Color).
Large Palm Pad:
- Make a magic ring.
- Round 1: Ch 2, work 12 dc into the ring. Join with sl st.
- Round 2: Ch 1, [sc, hdc, dc] in next st, [dc, hdc, sc] in next st. Sl st in remaining sts to create a slightly heart-like shape. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Small Toe Pads (Make 8 total):
- Make a magic ring.
- Work 6 sc into the ring. Join with a sl st. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Placement: Lay your gloves flat with the thumb hole on the side. Pin the large pad to the center of the palm and the four small toe pads in an arc just above it. Ensure they are symmetrical on both gloves.
- Sewing: Use a whip stitch or a running stitch to attach the pads. Keep your stitches small and neat so they don’t show through on the inside of the glove.
- Sizing: To make the gloves larger or smaller, simply add or subtract rows in the cuff section. The body of the glove will naturally follow the size of the cuff.
- Tension Check: Ensure your thumb hole isn’t too tight. If you have a larger thumb, increase the number of chains in Round 9.
- Softness: If using wool yarn, give your finished gloves a gentle “block” by soaking them in cool water with a bit of wool wash and laying them flat to dry. This will soften the stitches and make the paw pads sit perfectly flat.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: