Pulse Point

Pulse Point Mittens by Holli Yeoh

What is Being Made

Pulse Point is a knitted mitten pattern designed by independent designer Holli Yeoh. The pattern offers flexibility in construction: you can knit just the brightly patterned cuffs to create wrist warmers that cover the pulse points on your wrists, or you can complete the full mittens for complete hand coverage. The design emphasizes the practical benefit of warming pulse points, which allows warmed blood to circulate through your body for efficient temperature regulation.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This intermediate-level knitting project features entrelac worked in the round as the primary technique. Entrelac is a sophisticated stitch pattern that creates a distinctive woven or basketweave appearance through a series of short rows and strategic yarn overs. Working entrelac in the round—rather than in flat pieces—adds complexity and requires careful attention to stitch placement and directional changes.

The main fabric is worked in stockinette stitch in the round, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in stockinette stitch in the round on the larger needle and blocked.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Pulse Point is designed for worsted weight yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from approximately 65 yards for the smallest size (hand circumference 5 ½ inches) to 185 yards for the largest size (hand circumference 9 ½ inches).

The pattern requires the following needles and notions:

• 3.25 mm (US 3) circular needles, 32 inches (80 cm) long
• 4 mm (US 6) circular needles, 32 inches (80 cm) long
• 4 mm (US 6) double-pointed needles (optional, for smaller circumferences)
• Stitch markers
• Stitch holder or scrap yarn
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern provides nine size options to accommodate various hand circumferences: 5 ½, 6, 6 ½, 7, 7 ½, 8, 8 ½, 9, and 9 ½ inches. This range ensures a proper fit for children through adults with larger hands. Additional finished measurements are referenced in the pattern notes.

Skill Level and Pattern Approach

Pulse Point is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore more complex stitch work. The entrelac technique requires understanding how to work short rows, manage directional changes, and maintain consistent tension throughout the pattern. The modular nature of entrelac—where you complete small blocks in sequence—makes the technique manageable despite its apparent complexity.