I was wondering for some time what to design for the first issue of the Finnish webzine Ulla in 2015. Then I found the perfect yarn from Nappi ja Nauha in Kuopio, Finland. I decided to knit a thick balaclava for a toddler using garter stitch and short rows. Our own toddler likes to take off all the other hats, but balaclavas stays on head. Thus the name Sipi, Stay In Place. This thing connects it to the theme of the issue, “modern times”.

If you want to get bigger balaclava you can use thicker yarn and bigger needles.
You get smaller balaclava when using thinner yarn and smaller needles.

Gauge
13 sts and 28 rows garter stitch (flat knitting) = 10 cm (4 in)
13 sts and 20 rows stockinette stitch (flat knitting) = 10 cm (4 in)

Needles
7 mm (or to obtain gauge), circular needles 100cm long for magic loop technique or 40/50 cm hat circu

PINK BALACLAVA
Main color: Pro Lana Milano (100% merino wool; 50 g / 50 m), 97 g light pink (37)
Effect color: Pro Lana Milano (100% merino wool; 50 g / 50 m), 14 g ochre (22)

BROWN BALACLAVA
Main color: Pro Lana Milano (100% merino wool; 50 g / 50 m), 97 g dark brown (11)
Effect color: Pro Lana Milano (100% merino wool; 50 g / 50 m), 14 g light green (74)

(2 skeins the main color and 1 skein effect color)

Thanks for my test knitters knittineer and arualmaria!