While Neil Gaiman’s Anansi Boys lets us get to know Mr. Nancy and family, it’s actually his book American Gods where we first meet Mr. Nancy. Gaiman describes him as wearing a “bright checked suit and canary yellow gloves.” While he only plays a brief role in American Gods, his charm and sense of humor make him a fast favorite character.
As a tribute to Mr. Nancy, knit up your own canary yellow gloves! They are quick to knit and fun to wear!
Intermediate
Men’s size small (medium, large)
Small = 6” (15 cm) circumference at wrist and about 7¾” (20 cm) long
Medium = 7” (18 cm) circumference at wrist and about 8” (20 cm) long
Large = 8” (20 cm) circumference at wrist and about 9” (23 cm) long
Knit Picks Swish DK (100% superwash Merino wool; 50 g/123 yd): 2 skeins in #24634 Semolina
Five size 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles
Three stitch holders
Stitch markers
29 stitches and 31 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch on size 4 (3.5 mm) needles
CO 52 (56, 60) sts and divide evenly onto four needles.
PM and join.
Work (k1, p1) rib for 10 (12, 12) rows.
Beginning with a knit row, work six St st rows.
First rnd (RS): K2, pm, knit around.
Note: It’s a good idea to use a different colored marker for the Thumb Gusset.
THUMB_GUSSET
Rnd 1: Knit to 1 st before marker, M1, k1, sm, k1, M1, knit to end—54 (58, 62) sts.
Rnds 2–4: Knit.
Repeat last four rnds 3 (4, 4) times more—60 (66, 70) sts.
Next rnd: Sl 6 (7, 7) sts before thumb gusset marker and place on holder, knit next 6 (7, 7) sts and place on holder, knit remaining sts—48 (52, 56) sts.
Knit around for 1¾ (2 2½)” [4 (5, 6) cm].
Note: As you knit the fingers for the gloves, it is a great idea to try them on to ensure a perfect fit!
FINGERS
INDEX FINGER
Sl 6 (8, 8) before marker and 6 (8, 8) sts after marker to working needles.
*Divide remaining 36 (36, 40) sts evenly onto two stitch holders.*
Knit around for 2¾ (3, 3)” [7 (8, 8) cm].
(K2tog) around to last 2 sts. Cut tail and pull through.
MIDDLE FINGER
Sl 6 (8, 10) from each stitch holder (see * to * above) onto working needles. Pick up and k2 sts between index finger and middle finger—24 (20, 20) sts remain on holders.
Knit around on 14 (18, 22) sts for 3 (3½, 3½)” [8 (9, 9) cm].
(K2tog) around to last 2 sts.
Cut tail and pull through.
RING FINGER
Sl 8 (7, 7) sts from each holder onto working needles. Pick up and k2 sts between middle and ring fingers—8 (6, 6) sts remain on holder.
Knit around on 14 (16, 20) sts for 2¾ (3, 3)” [7 (8, 8) cm].
(K2tog) around to last 2 sts.
Cut tail and pull through.
PINKY FINGER
Slip remaining sts from each holder to working needles. Pick up and k2 sts between ring and pinky fingers—8 (6, 6) sts.
Knit around for 2 (2½, 2½)” [5 (6, 6) cm].
(K2tog) around to last 2 sts.
Cut tail and pull through.
THUMB
Sl 12 (14, 14) sts from first holder onto working needles. Pick up and k4 (6, 8) sts. Knit around on 16 (20, 22) sts for 2½ (3, 3)” [6 (8, 8) cm].
(K2tog) around to last 2 sts. Cut tail and pull through.
Weave in all remaining ends and wear with flair, especially while going to karaoke nights!
