Rivulet Handwarmers

Rivulet Handwarmers by Vickie Hartog

What is Being Made

The Rivulet Handwarmers are a pair of knitted hand warmers designed to provide warmth and comfort for the hands and wrists. This project creates two matching hand warmers with a finished circumference at the palm of approximately xx inches. The design features a thumb opening for practical wear and incorporates decorative wave pattern detailing throughout.

Project Overview

This is a knitting project suitable for knitters with intermediate skill level. The hand warmers are constructed in the round using a straightforward cast-on and join method, with the majority of the pattern work consisting of repeated wave pattern rows. The design includes both stockinette stitch sections and patterned sections, making it an engaging project that combines basic knitting fundamentals with charted colorwork or textured pattern work.

Techniques Used

• Casting on and joining in the round without twisting
• Marker placement for tracking round beginnings
• Working from a stitch graph or chart (Wave Pattern graph)
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases on right-side rows
• Transitioning from circular knitting to flat knitting for thumb opening construction
• Repeating pattern rows to build fabric depth and visual interest

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch: Forms the foundation of the stockinette sections
• Purl stitch: Creates texture and is worked on alternating rows in the base pattern
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease used for shaping and pattern definition
• Wave Pattern stitches: Worked from a charted graph that repeats across the hand warmer width, creating a flowing, undulating visual effect

Materials and Tools

The Rivulet Handwarmers require 33 grams of Manos del Uruguay Silk Wool yarn in a DK weight, offering a luxurious blend of silk and wool fibers. This yarn weight and fiber content provide excellent drape, warmth, and a refined finish suitable for close-fitting hand wear.

Needles required are 4.5mm double-pointed needles (dpns) or long circular needles, depending on your personal preference for working in the round. The pattern accommodates both needle styles, allowing knitters to choose the method most comfortable for their working style.

Pattern Structure

The hand warmers begin with a cast-on of 40 stitches joined in the round. The first two rows establish a stockinette base with knit and purl rows. From Row 3 onward, the Wave Pattern graph is introduced and worked repeatedly across the circumference. The pattern graph is worked twice per round to complete the full width of the hand warmer. Rows 7 through 22 involve repeating the wave pattern rows (rows 3-6) four additional times, building substantial fabric with consistent patterning. The pattern then transitions to flat knitting to create an opening for the thumb, adding functional design to the aesthetic piece.