Balaclava Pattern
Digital DownloadThe balaclava pattern features a roll edge on the hood and neck opening, and shaping throughout. It is designed to bring together techniques covered in our foundation classes.
If you have a ribber, you may add a rib trim around the neck and face opening.
$6
FAQs
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A fully functioning standard gauge knitting machine.
Basic accessories including transfer tools, cast-on combs, weights etc.
Waste yarn.
Ribber attachment is optional.
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The balaclava has a relaxed fit. Refer to the schematic for detailed measurements.
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The sample was knitted on a standard gauge machine, using 100gms of Brown Sheep Naturespun Fingering (100% wool).
How to Knit the Balaclava
On-Demand ClassThis pattern is a great project for students to practice various shaping techniques, and rehanging with waste yarn. In case you need help with the techniques, and want some pointers along the way, this is the class for you.
The class has the project broken down into four chapters, with assignments, and relevant videos that demonstrate the required techniques to finish that chapter.
You can take the class at your own pace, or make it a weekly practice, however works for you. You will be able to return to the class anytime to refresh, or come back to where you left off when you are ready to knit.
You will also have access to our forum to post questions, and see fellow knitters’ adaptation to the pattern.
Chapter 1 – Yarn & Tension Swatch
You will be making tension swatches for the jersey (stocking stitch/stocknette) to match the gauge of the pattern with the yarn of your choice.
If you have a ribber, you may want to add a rib trim to the balaclava. Otherwise, follow the pattern and knit jersey (stockinette, stocking stitch) to create a roll edge.
Chapter 2 – Practice the Techniques
The Balaclava uses short rows, and various increasing and decreasing techniques that require some practice if you are not familiar with them. We recommend spending the time to practice these techniques individually with small swatches before diving into making the whole project. Otherwise, you may skip this chapter.
Chapter 3 – Knitting the Balaclava
After all the practice, you should be ready to knitting the panels. Follow the written pattern and graphs, use your tension swatch to find the tension that matches the gauge of the pattern, to make the Balaclava.
Chapter 4 – Assembly
We will connect the center panel to the shaped pieces. This can be done by hand sewing, using a linker, or rehanging seams on the machine to bind off. The trim will be knitted after rehanging the hood opening onto the machine.