purlJam

# CLASSIC BALACLAVA

A cozy, warm balaclava perfect for winter weather. This beginner-friendly pattern uses simple knit and purl stitches to create a comfortable head and neck covering with an opening for your face. Worked flat with minimal seaming.

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (#4) yarn
- Approximately 250-300 yards
- Sample shown in wool or wool-blend for warmth

**Needles**: 
- US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles (for working flat)
- US 7 (4.5 mm) straight or circular needles (for working flat)

**Notions**:
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
- Scissors

## GAUGE

**18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on larger needles**

Gauge is important for proper fit. Take time to check your gauge and adjust needle size if necessary.

## SIZE

One size fits most adults
- **Finished circumference**: approximately 21" (53 cm), unstretched
- **Length from crown to shoulder**: approximately 18" (46 cm)
- **Face opening**: approximately 8" tall by 6" wide

## ABBREVIATIONS

- **k**: knit
- **p**: purl
- **k2tog**: knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- **ssk**: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- **kfb**: knit into front and back of stitch (increase)
- **RS**: right side
- **WS**: wrong side
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)
- **rep**: repeat

## PATTERN NOTES

- This balaclava is worked flat in two main pieces: the main body and the crown
- The ribbed edge at the bottom provides stretch and comfort around the neck and shoulders
- The face opening is created through short-row shaping
- One seam runs along the back of the head

## INSTRUCTIONS

### BOTTOM RIBBING (Neck/Shoulder Edge)

Using smaller needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm), **cast on 94 sts**.

**Ribbing Setup Row (WS)**: K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.

**Ribbing Row 1 (RS)**: P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.

**Ribbing Row 2 (WS)**: K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.

**Repeat Ribbing Rows 1-2** for a total of 12 rows (approximately 2 inches), ending with a WS row.

**Stitch count check**: 94 sts ✓

### MAIN BODY

Switch to larger needles (US 8 / 5 mm).

**Row 1 (RS)**: Knit all sts. **[94 sts]**

**Row 2 (WS)**: Purl all sts.

**Repeat Rows 1-2** until piece measures 6" (15 cm) from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

**Stitch count check**: 94 sts ✓

### FACE OPENING - FIRST SIDE

The face opening is created by working short rows on portions of the stitches.

**Row 1 (RS)**: K47, turn work (leaving remaining 47 sts unworked). **[Working on 47 sts only]**

**Row 2 (WS)**: P47.

**Row 3**: K47.

**Row 4**: P47.

**Continue in stockinette stitch** (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) on these 47 sts only for a total of 24 rows from start of face opening (approximately 4 inches), ending with a WS row.

**Next Row (RS) - Decrease Row**: K2, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. **[45 sts on needle]**

**Next Row (WS)**: Purl.

**Repeat last 2 rows** 4 more times. **[37 sts remain]**

**Continue in stockinette stitch** (no more decreases) for 12 more rows, ending with a WS row.

Break yarn, leaving sts on needle or transfer to stitch holder.

**Stitch count check**: 37 sts on first side ✓

### FACE OPENING - SECOND SIDE

With RS facing, join yarn to the 47 unworked sts from the main body.

**Row 1 (RS)**: K47.

**Row 2 (WS)**: P47.

**Continue in stockinette stitch** on these 47 sts for a total of 24 rows (approximately 4 inches), ending with a WS row.

**Next Row (RS) - Decrease Row**: K2, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. **[45 sts]**

**Next Row (WS)**: Purl.

**Repeat last 2 rows** 4 more times. **[37 sts remain]**

**Continue in stockinette stitch** for 12 more rows, ending with a WS row.

**Stitch count check**: 37 sts on second side ✓

### JOINING AFTER FACE OPENING

**Next Row (RS)**: K across all 37 sts of second side, then k across 37 sts of first side. **[74 sts total]**

**Math check**: 37 + 37 = 74 sts ✓

**Next Row (WS)**: Purl all 74 sts.

**Continue in stockinette stitch** for 8 more rows (5 rows total including joining row), ending with a WS row.

### CROWN SHAPING

The crown is shaped using decreases to create a rounded top.

**Decrease Round 1 (RS)**: *K7, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. **[66 sts]**
- Math check: 8 repeats of 9 sts (7+1 from k2tog) = 72 sts, plus 2 = 74 sts start
- After decreases: 8 decreases = 74 - 8 = 66 sts ✓

**Row 2 and all WS rows**: Purl.

**Decrease Round 2 (RS)**: *K6, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. **[58 sts]**
- Math check: 8 repeats = 64 sts + 2 = 66 sts start
- After decreases: 8 decreases = 66 - 8 = 58 sts ✓

**Decrease Round 3 (RS)**: *K5, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. **[50 sts]**
- Math check: 8 repeats = 56 sts + 2 = 58 sts start
- After decreases: 58 - 8 = 50 sts ✓

**Decrease Round 4 (RS)**: *K4, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. **[42 sts]**
- Math check: 8 repeats = 48 sts + 2 = 50 sts start
- After decreases: 50 - 8 = 42 sts ✓

**Decrease Round 5 (RS)**: *K3, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. **[34 sts]**
- Math check: 8 repeats = 40 sts + 2 = 42 sts start
- After decreases: 42 - 8 = 34 sts ✓

**Decrease Round 6 (RS)**: *K2, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. **[26 sts]**
- Math check: 8 repeats = 32 sts + 2 = 34 sts start
- After decreases: 34 - 8 = 26 sts ✓

**Decrease Round 7 (RS)**: *K1, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. **[18 sts]**
- Math check: 8 repeats = 24 sts + 2 = 26 sts start
- After decreases: 26 - 8 = 18 sts ✓

**Decrease Round 8 (RS)**: *K2tog; rep from * to end. **[9 sts]**
- Math check: 9 repeats of k2tog = 18 sts ÷ 2 = 9 sts ✓

**Final WS row**: Purl.

**Last Row (RS)**: *K2tog; rep from * to last st, k1. **[5 sts]**
- Math check: 4 decreases from 9 sts = 5 sts ✓

Break yarn, leaving a 12" tail.

## FINISHING

1. **Close crown**: Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining 5 sts. Pull tight to close the hole at the top. Secure with a few stitches on the wrong side.

2. **Back seam**: Fold balaclava in half with right sides together, matching the cast-on edge. Using mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method, sew the back seam from the cast-on edge all the way up to the crown. Take care to align the face opening edges neatly.

3. **Weave in ends**: Weave in all remaining yarn tails securely on the wrong side of the work.

4. **Block (optional)**: Gently hand wash in cool water with wool wash. Roll in a towel to remove excess water, then lay flat to dry, shaping the face opening as desired. Do not wring or twist.

## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

- **Check your gauge**: This is crucial for proper fit. If your balaclava is too tight, go up a needle size; if too loose, go down a needle size.

- **Face opening size**: If you need a larger or smaller face opening, work more or fewer rows in the face opening section before beginning decreases.

- **Yarn choice**: Choose a soft yarn that won't irritate your face. Wool, alpaca, or wool blends work well and provide warmth. Avoid scratchy yarns.

- **Neat seaming**: Take your time with the back seam. A neat seam will make your balaclava more comfortable and professional-looking.

- **Stitch markers**: Use stitch markers at the halfway point (47 sts) when working the main body to help you track the face opening division.

## VARIATIONS

- **Longer neck**: Add extra rows before starting the face opening for more coverage over shoulders.
- **Snugger fit**: Cast on 86 sts instead of 94 sts and adjust accordingly.
- **Stripes**: Work in stripes for a fun, colorful balaclava.

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**Pattern designed for beginner knitters | © 2024**

*Enjoy your cozy, handknit balaclava!*