Maltese Bransle

While often presented as an English country dance, the Maltese Bransle actually originated during the Renaissance and is probably not English at all. While it’s a minimalistic circle dance with no partners and no change of positions, it’ll still give you quite the workout, with constant stamping, twirling, snapping, and clapping to faster and faster music! These fingerless gloves will leave your hands free to perform the dance, while offering a touch of decorative warmth with their twisted stitch and bobble motif. They’re also a quick knit that use a tiny amount of yarn.

Pattern has been tech edited and tested. Lace is charted only.

Finished Measurements: 4 ½ (5)”/[11.5 (12.75)] cm circumference (unstretched), to fit 7 (8)”/[18 (20) cm] hand circumference

Yarn: Malabrigo Sock (100% superwash merino wool; 100 g, 440 yd/402 m), Turner, 1 (1) skein

Needles: One set of 5 dpns, US 1 (2.25 mm) Or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Stitch marker Stitch holder or waste yarn Tapestry needle Blocking mats Rustproof pins

Gauge: 36 sts by 50 rnds = 4”/10 cm in Ribbed Columns patt, unstretched
24 sts by 50 rnds = 4”/10 cm in Ribbed Columns patt, stretched