Handmade crochet arm warmers with colorful retro stripes in brown, orange, yellow, mint, and white. Free fingerless gloves pattern for beginners.

Free Crochet Arm Warmers Pattern – Easy Retro Fingerless Gloves

Need a quick and cozy project with a fun pop of color? This free crochet arm warmers pattern is beginner-friendly, stylish, and super easy to follow. With just double crochet stitches and simple ribbing, you’ll have a comfy pair of retro-inspired fingerless gloves in no time.

Whether you’re staying warm on chilly days, making handmade gifts, or stocking up for craft fairs, these arm warmers are sure to be a hit. Scroll down for the full free pattern.

Pin image showing colorful retro stripe crochet arm warmers with white base and bold rainbow colors. Text overlay reads “retro stripe arm warmers – free crochet pattern.”

Why you’ll love this pattern

  • Beginner-friendly – Uses basic double crochet stitches with simple post-stitch ribbing
  • Quick to make – Great for last-minute gifts or market prep
  • One size fits most – Stretchy and flexible for a comfortable fit
  • Retro color scheme – Bold and fun with a modern vintage vibe
  • Perfect for gifting or selling – People love handmade winter accessories!

Make it a matching set!

Want to turn this into a thoughtful gift or best-seller for your next craft show? Pair these retro crochet gloves with my matching crochet pom pom beanie pattern!

Both patterns feature the same retro color palette and ribbed edging, making them the perfect duo for winter. Whether you’re gifting a set or selling handmade bundles, this cozy combo is sure to stand out.

A colorful crochet pom pom beanie with bold retro stripes in brown, orange, yellow, mint, and white. The hat features a textured ribbed brim and a fluffy white faux fur pom pom on top.

Free crochet arm warmers pattern details

Skill level

Beginner – This easy arm warmer pattern uses only double crochet stitches and simple post-stitch ribbing, making it perfect for newer crocheters.

Materials needed

  • Crochet hook size I-9 (5.5 mm) – or the size needed to match the gauge
  • Worsted weight yarn (#4 medium yarn) – in white, brown, orange, yellow, and mint (approx. 160 yards total)
  • Yarn needle – for weaving in your yarn ends
  • Scissors – for trimming yarn and finishing your project
  • Stitch markers – optional but helpful for marking rounds or thumb placement

Finished size

One size fits most teens and women. The arm warmers have a flexible, stretchy fit that comfortably accommodates most adult women’s hands.

Gauge

9 rounds and 15 stitches = 4 inches

✅ Too many stitches? Try a larger hook
✅ Too few stitches? Try a smaller hook

Crochet abbreviations

  • dc = double crochet
  • FPdc = front post double crochet
  • BPdc = back post double crochet
  • ch / chs = chain / chains
  • st / sts = stitch / stitches
  • sl st = slip stitch

Pattern notes

  • The starting chain does not count as a stitch
  • Join each round with a slip stitch to the first dc
  • The arm warmers are worked in the round, from the fingers downward
  • Round 6 creates the thumb hole using chains and skipped stitches
  • The pattern is written in US terms

How to make post stitches

Post stitches create the stretchy, structured ribbed brim of this fingerless gloves crochet pattern:

  • FPdc (front post double crochet): Yarn over, insert your hook from front to back around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and complete a double crochet
  • BPdc (back post double crochet): Yarn over, insert your hook from back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and complete a double crochet
Close-up of colorful crochet arm warmers with retro stripes in white, brown, orange, yellow, and mint. Beginner-friendly fingerless gloves pattern.

Crochet arm warmers pattern instructions

Start with white yarn.
Round 1: Ch 28 and join to form a ring. Ch 2 and dc in each chain. Join. (28 stitches)
Switch to brown yarn.
Round 2: Ch 2, dc in each stitch, join. (28 stitches)
Switch to orange yarn.
Round 3: Ch 2, dc in each stitch, join. (28 stitches)
Switch to yellow yarn.
Round 4: Ch 2, dc in each stitch, join. (28 stitches)
Switch to mint yarn.
Round 5: Ch 2, dc in each stitch, join. (28 stitches)
Switch to white yarn.
Round 6: Ch 2, dc in the next 24 stitches, leave the last 4 stitches unworked, ch 8, join. (24 stitches + 8 chains)
Round 7: Ch 2, dc in each stitch and each chain, join. (32 stitches)
Rounds 8-15: Ch 2, dc in each stitch, join. (32 stitches)
Switch to brown yarn.
Round 16: Ch 2, dc in each stitch, join. (32 stitches)
Switch to orange yarn.
Round 17: Ch 2, dc in each stitch, join. (32 stitches)
Switch to yellow yarn.
Round 18: Ch 2, dc in each stitch, join. (32 stitches)
Switch to mint yarn.
Round 19: Ch 2, dc in each stitch, join. (32 stitches)
Switch to white yarn.
Round 20: Ch 2, dc in each stitch, join. (32 stitches)
Rounds 21-23: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc, repeat from * alternating around. Join. (32 stitches)
Fasten off and use a yarn needle to weave in the yarn tails.

Front view of two colorful crochet arm warmers with ribbed cuffs and rainbow-inspired stripes. Free crochet pattern for beginners.

Frequently asked questions

What size are these crochet arm warmers?
This pattern is written in one size that fits most teens and adult women. The stretchy ribbed cuff and flexible fabric provide a comfortable fit for a variety of hand sizes.

Can I adjust the size of the arm warmers?
Yes! To make the arm warmers larger or smaller, adjust the starting chain in multiples of 2. Be sure to check your gauge and test the fit around your hand before continuing.

What yarn works best for this pattern?
Use a worsted weight (#4) yarn. Acrylic yarn is a great choice for durability and warmth, but cotton or blended fibers also work well depending on your climate and preference.

Do I need to know any advanced stitches?
Nope! This is a beginner-friendly pattern that uses just double crochet stitches and basic front/back post stitches to create the ribbing. It’s a great project for newer crocheters.

Is there a matching hat pattern available?
Yes! This crochet arm warmers pattern was designed to match my retro striped crochet pom pom beanie pattern. Pair them together for a cozy winter gift or craft show bundle.

Can I sell the finished arm warmers?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern. I just ask that you credit Lovable Loops as the designer and link back to the original pattern when possible.


More crochet patterns you’ll love

If you enjoyed making these cozy arm warmers, here are more beginner-friendly projects to keep your hands warm all season long:


Let’s connect!

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Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa

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