Materials and Cuts
Different materials used in the making of a glove need to be cut and stitched through different methods to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit. The different types of cut patterns and sewing style used in the making of GM leather gloves include:
Thumb Types
Gunn Cut vs Clute Cut
Cuff Styles
Wrist Styles
Thumb Types
Thumb designs have a significant impact on the functionality and comfort of a leather glove. The most common thumb cut patterns are:
Keystone
Sewn-in as a separate piece for improved dexterity.
Straight
A continuous leather strip with a sewn seam around the thumb.
Wing
The thumb is sewn to the side of the glove.
Welted Wing
Sewn to the side but with welts to offer a stronger grip.
Gunn Cut vs Clute Cut Patterns
The way a glove is cut determines its dexterity and how it can be used efficiently for its intended purpose. There are two types of cut patterns, each fulfilling specific usage requirements.
In the Gunn cut pattern, the entire back, palm, little finger and index finger are cut from one piece of leather. The two middle fingers are cut from another piece and sewn separately to reduce bulkiness and increase dexterity. This cut pattern is ideal for work instances where a stronger grip is required with a perfectly fit glove that offers better wear and comfort.
In the Clute cut pattern, the palm of the glove is free of stitching with all four fingers cut from the same leather piece. For the backside, each finger is cut on a separate piece of leather. This form of the cut pattern allows for greater flexibility and a roomier fit.
Cuff Styles
There are multiple types of cuff styles, designed for specific uses.
The style you choose depends on your daily usage, your preference for protection, and your comfort level.
These are:
Gauntlet
This provides wrist and forearm protection usually measuring 4½” in length with an open cuff which allows for ventilation and easy removal.
Knit
Holding firmly to the wearer’s wrist, this cut prevents glove slippage and allows for a firm fit while protecting the wearer from dust and debris.
Open
Cut slightly away from the wrist, the open style allows for easy slip on and off action.
Rubberized
A glove cut that adds a rubber layer between two layers of fabric offering basic protection from water and detergent.
Safety
With a safety cuff measuring 2½” in length, it provides additional protection to the wrist and allows for ventilation plus easy removal.
Self-Hemmed
Medium and lightweight, self-hemmed gloves have a fine fitting and are stitched by folding the material just once.
Wrist Styles
How a wrist style is stitched impacts glove fit and comfort levels. Three most common wrist style cuts are:
Elastic
An elastic band is sewn into the wrist part providing improved fitting.
Velcro
A pull-up band that allows for easy adjustment of glove fit.
Ball & Tapes
Helps keep out debris and allow for comfortable fit adjustment.