Lace Gauntlets with Nupps

 These Gauntlets are quick and fun to make in a couple of evenings, and look much harder than they are.  The first few nupps will go slowly, but they get easier.  Check out the hints section.

Yarn:  Victory Ranch Misti Alpaca Worsted click here to see our selection! 109 yds in 50 gram ball or handspun to meet gauge click here to see our selection! 

Needles:  Set of four size 3.75 mm double point needles & 3 mm needles for ribbing if desired

Gauge:  5 st per inch in stocking stitch

Cast on:  Make a slip knot a generous 2 yards from end of yarn and place on needle (this will not count as a stitch).  Use the yarn double thickness to knit on 45 st (15 on each needle).  By turning the stitch clockwise a bit it will slide on the end of the LH needle with the RH needle ready to knit the next stitch. Drop the tail end and work with the yarn coming from the ball.  You are now working with a single yarn.  You are beginning at the finger edge.

1)    sl the slip knot to the last needle (by stitch #45), then k44 st, k slip knot tog with last stitch.  This makes an invisible join.  45 stitches (15 per needle)

2)    p all stitches

3)    p all stitches

4)    Chart:  Begin following chart at line one and work 30 rows.  The first row reduces number of stitches to 14 per needle (42 st)

Work 5 more rows of 1 x 1 rib (k1, p1)(Change needles here if tighter rib is desired.)

Bind off loosely to preserve stretch of ribbing.  I use the needle bind off.  Leaving a long tail, pass needle through 2 st purl wise and back through end stitch k wise.  Drop off end st.  Repeat for all stitches.  Do this loosely and it makes a stretchy edge.  If you pull it tightly, you will not be able to get the gauntlet on!

Finishing:  Work in all ends.   If desired, fold along center of one of the designs and work a chain about 1 inch long between front and back.  This can be made using the tail left from the cast on.  This connects front to back at the thumb.

Hints:  Nupps (u sound as in duty) are used in Estonian Lace.  Work these stitches very loosely.  On the rounds where these are knit together, I find it easier to slip 4 stitches as to purl, k the 5^th through the back loop, slip 4 stitches over until all five are hanging on the stitch.  By counting stitches you will not catch the yo in the nupp.  If you drop a nupp on the knit together row, drop the working yarn.  Pull out any looped st remaining on the nupp and reknit it.  All st are on RH needle ready to work.

There should be enough yarn to knit 8 to 10 more rounds of 1 x 1 rib for each gauntlet if desired.