Baby Bear Balaclava

Easy Ribbed Balaclava with Bear Ears

Skill Level: Beginner
Sizes: 0–3 months (3–6 months, 6–12 months)
To Fit Head Circumference: 14 (16, 18)" / 35.5 (40.5, 45.5) cm
Finished Height (cast-on edge to crown): 8.5 (9.5, 10.5)" / 21.5 (24, 26.5) cm

Yarn

Worsted weight yarn (approx. 100 (120, 140) yd / 90 (110, 130) m)
Sample uses soft washable wool or acrylic blend for baby comfort.

Needles

US 7 (4.5 mm) 16" circular needle and/or set of DPNs (or size to obtain gauge)
US 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles or DPNs for ears (optional)

Notions

Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, small amount of stuffing or yarn scraps for ears (optional)

Gauge

20 sts and 28 rnds = 4" (10 cm) in k2, p2 ribbing, measured slightly stretched.
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain gauge.

Abbreviations (US)

CO = cast on
k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit 2 together
BO = bind off
rnd(s) = round(s)
st(s) = stitch(es)
pm = place marker
RS = right side
WS = wrong side

Notes

• Worked from the neck up in the round, then flat for the face opening, then rejoined for the crown.
• Ribbing is extremely stretchy — the balaclava will fit a range of head sizes snugly and comfortably.
• Keep face opening edges neat; they form the visible frame around baby’s face.
• Ears are worked flat, seamed, and sewn on securely. Weave in all ends firmly for safety.
• Instructions are written for smallest size with larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number appears, it applies to all sizes.

Pattern

Neck

With circular needle, CO 56 (64, 72) sts. Pm and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 1: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Repeat Rnd 1 until piece measures 2.5" (6.5 cm) from cast-on edge.

Lower Face (continue in rounds)

Continue in established k2, p2 rib for a further 1" (2.5 cm).
Total length from cast-on now 3.5" (9 cm).

Face Opening

Next rnd (set-up): Work in rib across first 20 (23, 26) sts, BO next 16 (18, 20) sts in rib pattern for face opening, work in rib to end of rnd.
You now have 40 (46, 52) sts remaining.

Turn work and begin working back and forth in rows on these sts only:
Row 1 (WS): *P2, k2; rep from * to end (maintain rib as established).
Row 2 (RS): *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1–2 until face opening measures 2.75 (3, 3.25)" / 7 (7.5, 8.5) cm, ending after a WS row.

Rejoin for Forehead

Next row (RS): Work in established rib to end of row, then CO 16 (18, 20) sts using cable or backward-loop cast-on. Pm for new beginning of rnd and join to work in the round again.
56 (64, 72) sts.

Resume working in the round:
Next rnd: *K2, p2; rep from * to end (work the newly cast-on sts into the rib pattern: k2, p2 across them).
Continue in k2, p2 rib until piece measures 1.25 (1.5, 1.75)" / 3 (4, 4.5) cm from the rejoin (forehead height).

Total height from cast-on edge now approx. 7.5 (8.25, 9)" / 19 (21, 23) cm.

Crown Shaping

Change to DPNs when necessary. Maintain rib as long as possible, then switch to knit decreases.

Rnd 1: *K2, p2, k2, p2tog; rep from * to end. 49 (56, 63) sts.
Rnd 2: *K2, p2, k2, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 3: *K2, p2, k2tog, p1; rep from * to end. 42 (48, 54) sts.
Rnd 4: *K2, p2, k1, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 5: *K2, p2tog, k1, p1; rep from * to end. 35 (40, 45) sts.
Rnd 6: *K2, p1, k1, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 7: *K2tog, p1, k1, p1; rep from * to end. 28 (32, 36) sts.
Rnd 8: *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 9: *K2tog; rep from * to end. 14 (16, 18) sts.
Rnd 10: *K2tog; rep from * to end. 7 (8, 9) sts.

For size 0–3 months only: k2tog, k1, k2tog, k2tog — 4 sts remain.
For size 3–6 months: *k2tog; rep from * to end — 4 sts remain.
For size 6–12 months: k2tog three times, k1, k2tog — 5 sts remain; then k2tog, k1, k2tog — 3 sts remain.

Cut yarn, leaving a 8" tail. Thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure on WS.

(Inline check: start crown 56/64/72 → after Rnd 1: 49/56/63 → Rnd 3: 42/48/54 → Rnd 5: 35/40/45 → Rnd 7: 28/32/36 → Rnd 9: 14/16/18 → Rnd 10: 7/8/9 → final close to 4/4/3 sts ✓)

Bear Ears (make 2)

With straight needles or DPNs, CO 12 sts.
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 (WS): Purl.
Rows 3–8: Continue in stockinette (k on RS, p on WS).
Row 9: K2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
Row 10: Purl.
Row 11: K2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
Row 12: Purl.
Row 13: K2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
Row 14: Purl.
Row 15: K2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
Row 16: P2tog twice. 2 sts.
Row 17: K2tog. Fasten off.

Make a second identical piece for the back of the ear (or make 4 pieces total if you prefer double-thickness ears with a right and wrong side).

Assembly of each ear: Place two ear pieces WS together. Seam around the curved edge with mattress stitch or whipstitch, leaving the CO edge open. Lightly stuff with yarn scraps if desired (do not overstuff). Seam the CO edge closed. Repeat for second ear.

Finishing

Weave in all ends securely on the WS.

Attach ears: Position ears on top of crown, centered over the face opening and spaced approx. 2–2.5" (5–6.5 cm) apart (measure from inner edges). Pin in place. Using yarn tail or matching yarn, sew ears firmly to the balaclava through all layers with small, tight stitches. Reinforce attachment points.

Block lightly if desired by misting and shaping over a bowl or balloon of appropriate size; allow to dry. Do not flatten the rib texture.

Safety check: Ensure no loose ends or weakly attached ears remain.

Your Baby Bear Balaclava is ready! The stretchy rib hugs gently, the face opening frames baby’s face, and the bear ears add irresistible charm.