Crocheting baby gloves might sound like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the craft—but trust me, it’s not as tricky as it seems. In fact, it’s one of those small, sweet projects that’s perfect for beginners. Whether you’re making a thoughtful baby shower gift or just want to try your hand at something adorable and functional, baby gloves are a great way to get hooked (pun intended) on crochet.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know, step by step. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well on your way to making a pair of baby gloves that are not only cozy and warm but also made with love.

Overview

Crochet has a way of wrapping people in comfort—literally. And when it comes to babies, comfort is everything. Baby gloves (or baby mittens, depending on who you ask) serve multiple purposes. They keep little fingers warm, protect their delicate skin from scratches, and, let’s be honest, they look absolutely adorable.

Unlike crocheting full-sized adult mittens, baby gloves are small, manageable, and quick to finish. Plus, they require only a small amount of yarn and minimal shaping—perfect if you’re still mastering the basics like chaining, single crochets, or working in the round.

But what makes baby gloves especially beginner-friendly is their flexibility. You don’t need to follow an exact stitch count to a T for them to still turn out cute and functional. The key is to use soft, non-irritating yarn, and pay attention to the fit—not too tight, not too loose.

And here’s the best part: once you get the hang of it, you’ll probably end up making more. Because every baby deserves handmade warmth, and nothing says “I care” like a glove that fits in the palm of your hand.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need to Crochet Baby Gloves

Before you begin, it’s important to gather all your tools and materials. Don’t worry—you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment. Here’s a simple breakdown to make sure you’re prepared:

Optional: A pattern! But you can totally go freestyle once you get the hang of the basics.

Now, a quick word about yarn: This is the one place you don’t want to go cheap. Babies have delicate skin, so make sure the yarn is super soft and labeled as baby-friendly or anti-pilling. Cotton blends and acrylic baby yarns are excellent choices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crocheting Baby Gloves

Alright, now for the fun part! Here’s a super beginner-friendly way to crochet a basic pair of baby gloves. We’ll go fingerless style for ease, with the option to close the top later.

Step 1: Start with a Magic Ring or Chain

You’ll begin by creating a base:

• Make a magic ring and chain 2. (Or if that feels tricky, just chain 4 and slip stitch to form a ring.)
• Work 8–10 half double crochets (HDC) into the ring.
• Slip stitch to join the round.

This is your glove’s base.

Step 2: Increase for the Palm

You want to slowly make the round larger so it can fit a baby’s hand:

• Round 2: 2 HDC in each stitch around (total 16–20 stitches)
• Round 3: 1 HDC in next stitch, 2 HDC in the next (repeat around)

Keep increasing until your circle is roughly 2.5 inches in diameter for newborns.

Step 3: Build the Sides

• Now that you have the base, stop increasing.
• For the next 6–8 rounds, simply work 1 HDC into each stitch around.

This will give you a nice little cup-shaped structure—basically the body of the glove.

Step 4: (Optional) Add a Thumb Hole

Want to go the extra mile? Leave a space for a tiny thumb:

• When you reach the thumb round, chain 2 and skip 2 stitches to leave a hole.
• On the next round, crochet into the chain space instead of those skipped stitches.

If this sounds intimidating, you can skip it. Babies don’t need thumb mobility much at that stage!

Step 5: Finish the Top

You have options:

• For fingerless gloves: Just finish here and weave in your yarn tail.
• To close the top: Do a decrease round (HDC2TOG all the way around), then fasten off and cinch the hole closed with your yarn needle.

Step 6: Make the Second Glove

Same as the first! The beauty of baby gloves is they don’t need to be perfectly symmetrical. Just make sure the sizing is close.

Step 7: Add Details (Optional)

Want to make them special?

• Sew on a bow or small applique
• Add a contrasting trim at the wrist
• Crochet a little string to connect the gloves (classic baby style!)

FAQs

How big should baby gloves be?
For newborns, aim for about 2.5 inches wide and 3.5–4 inches long. Babies grow fast, so err on the slightly larger side if you’re unsure.

Can I crochet gloves without a pattern?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of crochet. You can freestyle a pair using the steps above and just measure as you go. Patterns help, but they’re not required.

What type of yarn is best for baby gloves?
Use soft, washable yarn that’s labeled baby-safe. Acrylic blends, cotton blends, and anti-pilling yarns are all great. Avoid anything scratchy or fuzzy that could irritate a baby’s skin.

How long does it take to crochet a pair?
If you’re focused, you can finish a pair in about 1 to 2 hours—faster once you’ve made a few. They’re great for quick weekend or evening projects.

Can I machine wash baby gloves?
Yes—if you use machine-washable yarn. Most baby yarns are designed to be washable, but always double-check the label.

Crocheting baby gloves might start as a sweet little idea, but it can quickly become a favorite go-to project. It’s quick, beginner-friendly, and loaded with heart. You don’t need to be a crochet expert to make something special—just a bit of yarn, a hook, and a willingness to try.

What’s even better is that you’re creating something practical and meaningful. Whether you’re giving these gloves as a gift or making them for your own little one, there’s a certain magic in stitching love into something handmade.

So grab your yarn, get cozy, and enjoy the process. And remember—it’s okay if they’re not perfect. It’s the love behind every stitch that really matters.