Dual Cable Knit Fingerless Gloves Pattern
Originally published December 2021 · Updated September 2026 with full framework treatment, yarn substitute guide, and FAQ.
These dual cable fingerless gloves feature a striking two-color Fair Isle cable design that braids around each other in a yin/yang quality unique to this collection. Teen/adult sizing, unisex design, sport weight yarn, advanced beginner skill level. The pattern is available on Ravelry … part of Marly Bird's 4-piece Dual Cable Accessories Set.
⚡ Quick Answer:
These fingerless gloves are Advanced Beginner level and require sport weight yarn in 2 colors. The pattern instructions are available for purchase on Ravelry, where this design is part of Marly Bird's exclusive 4-piece Dual Cable Accessories Set.
Hey, bestie 💛 Have you ever seen a design that just has personality? That's what I love about these fingerless gloves. The arm portion features that signature yin/yang cable braiding in two contrasting colors … it's bold, it's unique, and it totally stands out. The hand section is simpler, letting the cables shine and keeping your fingers free to, well, do life. They're cozy but functional, stylish but handmade, and they're the perfect project to level up your cable skills.
The Dual Cable Knit Accessories Set 💖
These fingerless gloves are one piece of a matched collection designed to work together. Pair them with the Dual Cable Knit Hat, the Dual Cable Knit Scarf, and the Dual Cable Knit Boot Toppers for a fully coordinated, striking set. Each piece uses the same two-color Fair Isle cable technique, so once you understand the pattern, you can mix and match yarns and colors across the whole collection.
About the Dual Cable Design
The magic of this design is in the contrast. The arm portion features those braided dual cables that wind around each other in a yin/yang style, created by holding two colors and working Fair Isle cabling. The hand section simplifies intentionally … the cables give way to easier stitches that let your fingers move freely while keeping the design cohesive.
What makes this pattern so versatile is how unisex it truly is. There's no fitted shaping or gendered details … just a confident cable design that looks equally at home on anyone. The teen/adult sizing works across a range of hand sizes too, so you can gift these or make multiple pairs for different people in your life.
What Is Fair Isle Cable Knitting?
Fair Isle cable knitting is a technique where you use two colors of yarn simultaneously, working cables while maintaining the colorwork pattern. Instead of the traditional single-color cable cross, you're managing two strands at once as they wind around each other, creating that braided yin/yang effect.
In practice, you'll hold both colors as if you're working stranded colorwork (one in each hand, typically), and as you make your cable crosses, the colors naturally braid together. It looks complex, but it's really just a cable cross with two colors … and the visual payoff is totally worth the small learning curve.
This technique works beautifully on smaller projects like fingerless gloves and scarves because the cables and colorwork both get space to shine. You'll see the full effect quickly, which makes these perfect confidence-builders if you're exploring Fair Isle cables for the first time.
Yarn & Materials
Yarn required: Sport weight yarn, 2 colors. You'll need roughly 400–500 yards total, split between your two colors. Original pattern calls for Bijou Basin Ranch Himalayan Trail (yak/merino blend sport weight), which is discontinued, so substituting is key.
Yarn substitutes for sport weight (yak or yak-blend options):
Sport weight yak-blend yarn alternatives coming … for now, explore yak-blend options via your local yarn shop or Ravelry to match the original Bijou Basin Ranch fiber feel.
Other sport weight options that work beautifully: Malabrigo Rios (superwash merino, gorgeous colorways), KnitPicks Hawthorne DK (close to sport weight, affordable), or KnitPicks Gloss Fingering (fingering weight, also works for sport projects).
Notions
- US 6 (4mm) needles or size to match gauge
- Stitch markers
- Cable needle
- Tapestry needle / yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Eucalan Wool Wash (for yak/merino blends)
Get This Pattern
The full pattern instructions—stitch-by-stitch, with all the sizing details and cable charts—lives on Ravelry. Head over and add it to your queue. This is a pattern you'll reach for again and again, especially once you've mastered the Fair Isle cables.
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🪡 Ready to Go Deeper With Cables?
If these fingerless gloves have sparked a love for cable knitting, come deepen your skills in my Crossroads Cable Cardigan Workshop inside Marly Bird House. Complex cables, colorwork pairings, garment construction… the perfect next step! 💙
More Knit Patterns You'll Love
- Dual Cable Knit Hat
- Dual Cable Knit Scarf Pattern
- Dual Cable Knit Boot Toppers Pattern
- Mittens & Fingerless Mitts Roundup
- Rory Knit Hat (Free Pattern)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these if I'm new to cables?
Yes, but with a caveat. The pattern is labeled Advanced Beginner, which means you should have some comfort with basic knitting (increases, decreases, ribbing) and ideally some cable experience. If cables are brand new, consider practicing on a small cable swatch first, or starting with the Dual Cable Knit Hat, which has larger gauge and more forgiving stitch counts.
What if I can't find sport weight yak yarn?
Sport weight yak blends can be pricey and sometimes hard to source. Good alternatives include Malabrigo Rios (superwash merino, lighter and more affordable) or KnitPicks Hawthorne DK (close to sport weight, budget-friendly). The key is consistent gauge … so swatch before you start.
How long do these take to knit?
Fingerless gloves are quick projects. Most knitters finish a pair in 8–15 hours of knitting time, depending on your pace and experience with cables. That makes them perfect for weeknight projects or a focused weekend of knitting.
Can I make these as a gift?
Absolutely. The sizing is Teen/Adult and the unisex design means they work for anyone. If you're giving as a gift, pair them with the matching Hat, Scarf, and Boot Toppers for a stunning coordinated set. Your recipient will love the handmade investment.
What's the difference between fingerless gloves and fingerless mitts?
They're the same thing, just different names. Some people call them gloves, some call them mitts. This pattern is also known as the “Dual Cable Fingerless Mitts” on Ravelry … same pattern, two names.
Where do I find the pattern instructions?
Head to Ravelry! The pattern is available for purchase there: Dual Cable Fingerless Mitts on Ravelry. It's part of Marly Bird's exclusive 4-piece accessory set.
Final Thoughts
Dual Cable Fingerless Gloves are a standout project in the best way. They're bold, they're fun to knit, and once you make this pattern, you'll want the matching Hat, Scarf, and Boot Toppers. The Fair Isle cable technique looks way more complicated than it is, and you'll be so proud when you see that yin/yang braiding come to life. Go make something beautiful. 💛
#MMMDI #MarlyBird #DualCableKnit
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
Categories: Knitting, Marly Bird Premium Patterns
#marlybird Please check the links on page 5 of the pdf. I tried clicking them and they didn’t work. There were 3 links. 2 patterns and one said click here.