The most recent warming accessory I’ve seen worn is the knitted balaclava. Usually associated with keeping children’s heads warm in winter, the balaclava became a chic accessory for adults in the last couple of years. The knitted balaclava hood can be paired with any outfit and comes in a range of colors to suit any mood. The knitted balaclava pattern free it’s a fast and fun project to knit and very easy to knit, the pattern only uses the knit stitch and the purl stitch.
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For my Knitted Balaclava, I’ve used almost 100 g of Baby Merino Dk Navy, 5mm circular needles ( 2 pairs or 1 pair and 1 double-pointed 5mm needle), and a 3.5 mm needle for the ribbing.
Baby Merino DK is a wonderful yarn of 40% merino wool, 40% acrylic, and 20% polyamide. The combination results in the yarn being incredibly soft and airy. A perfect combination where acrylic and merino wool show their best qualities and the polyamide adds durability to the yarn. The thickness and character of the yarn make it very easy to knit with.
The combination of wool and polyamide makes the yarn both light and warm, perfect for accessories like hats, mittens, and scarves. Baby Merino Soft is well-suited for both crocheting and knitting, and you can use it for a variety of projects.
Abbreviations:
K= knit;
P= purl;
st= stitch;
sts= stitches;
RS= right side;
WS= the wrong side.
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Abbreviations:
K= knit;
P= purl;
st= stitch;
sts= stitches;
RS= right side;
WS= the wrong side.
The video tutorial for the stockinette stitch:
Gauge for the stockinette stitch: 20 stitches and 26 rows to 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches).
Size: to fit a 55-58 cm head.
The pattern for the knitted balaclava:
Cast on 30 stitches on the 5 mm needle.
1. Row 1: knit to the end, turn;
2. Row 2: purl to the end, and turn.
Continue to knit the stockinette stitch for 38 rows (15 cm/ 6 inches). Break the yarn, don’t secure the last stitch.
For the next step, you’ll need another pair of knitting needles in the same size (5mm) or a double-pointed needle in the same size (5mm). With the right side facing you:
- If you’re using a double pointe needle, move all the stitches on that needle (30 stitches), and with the circular knitting needle join the new yarn and pick up 21 stitches along the right side. Start to pick up the stitches with the edge opposite to the 30 stitches. Knit across the 30 stitches from the double-pointed needle and then continue picking up 21 stitches along the left side.
- I you’re using another pair of circular knitting needles leave all the stitches on the first pair and with the second pair of circular knitting needles join the new yarn and pick up 21 stitches along the right side. Start to pick up the stitches with the edge opposite to the 30 stitches. Knit across the 30 stitches from the first pair of circular knitting needles and then continue picking up 21 stitches along the left side.
Now you should have 72 stitches. Turn and continue to knit back and forth as follows:
1. Row 1: purl to the end, and turn, you should have 72 stitches;
2. Row 2: knit to the end, and turn, you should have 72 stitches;
3. Row 3: purl to the end, and turn, you should have 72 stitches.
Repeat the pattern from row 2 for another 57 rows (23 cm/ 9 inches).
The neck:
With the 5mm circular needles knit all 72 stitches as follows:
1. Round 1: knit all stitches and continue by casting on 32 stitches. Now you need to have 104 stitches on your needles.
Start the next round to knit with the 3.5 mm needle.
2. Round 2: *p1, k3*, repeat to the end. Place a marker for the beginning of the round and continue to knit.
3. Round 3: p2, k1, *p3, k1*, repeat to the last stitch and p1;
Repeat the pattern from row 2 for 24 more rows. Cast off, cut the yarn and weave in the ends.
The rib around the face opening:
Pick up 1 stitch in every stitch along the face opening with the 3.5 mm circular needle, you should have 104 stitches. Start picking up the stitches from the right side of your work (which will be the left corner of the chin) to the left of your work. Place a marker on your right needle and continue to knit as follows:
1. Round 1: *p1, k3*, repeat to the end.
2. Round 2: p2, k1, *p3, k1*, repeat to the last stitch and p1;
Repeat the pattern from round 1 until you have 10 rounds. Cast off, cut the yarn and weave in the ends.
The video tutorial for the rib:
I recommend washing the Knitted Balaclava by hand or on the washing machine at a maximum of 30 Celsius degrees, I prefer 20 Celsius degrees for all my knitted items.
I hope you enjoyed the knitted balaclava and I can’t wait to see your projects made with this new project. Also, feel free to tag me when you share your project on Instagram or Facebook, or you can use the hashtag #turquoisewithvanilla.
Here is a list of my patterns that you might enjoy as well:
- Velvet twist headband;
- Herringbone Infinity scarf;
- Lace knit scarf;
- Champagne knitted top;
- Summer knitted crop top;
- Summer Vine lace knitted top.
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