This cosy balaclava is made in soft bouclé yarn. The abstract intarsia motifs are loosely arranged, giving the impression of being painted on knitted fabric.

SIZES
1 (2)

To fit a head circumference of approx. 21–22.75 (22.75–24.75)“ / 53.5–58 (58–63) cm.

The balaclava has a snug fit. If preferring a looser fit, size up.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Width: 7.5 (8.75)“ / 19 (22) cm.
Length: 11.75 (12.25)” / 29 cm (30.5) cm.

Note! The measurements are taken of the piece laying flat, sideways.

MATERIALS
Yarn: Boucle by Julie Asselin (70% alpaca, 30% Highland Peruvian wool, 240 yds / 219 m – 100 g).
MC: 1 skein of colourways Brume.
CC: 1 skein of colourways Mouton Noir.

Or approx. 140 (164) yds / 128 (150) m (in MC) and 17 (17) yds / 16 (16) m (in CC) of worsted-weight textured yarn or any yarn you obtain gauge with.

Alternatively, use another textured yarn, such as a blow yarn (e.g. CaMaRose Snefnug), or a light-weight mohair yarn held triple.

Needles: US 6 / 4 mm 24” / 60 cm circular needles (for main fabric) and a matching crochet hook (for Provisional CO). US 2.5 / 3 mm 24” / 60 cm circular needles (for rib).

Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders, waste yarn.

GAUGE
19 sts x 32 rows to 4” / 10 cm on US 6 / 4 mm needles in St St, after blocking.

CONSTRUCTION
This balaclava is knitted from the top down. First, a Provisional Cast-On is worked. Then, a small rectangle for the top is knitted. To knit the sides of the balaclava, stitches from one side of the rectangle and provisional cast-on are picked up and knitted. The sides are knitted in Stockinette Stitch intarsia, creating six small abstract shapes in a contrast colour. Stitches for the neck ribbing are cast on and worked. Finally, stitches are picked up and knitted for the ribbing around the face. Both ribbings are worked in a 2 x 2 Rib.