Update coming soon! This update will extend the pattern so you can use it for worsted-weight/DK yarn, too. The pattern price will increase slightly then, but you’ll get access to the new material if you’ve already purchased this pattern—thanks for the support!

This might be the best and most functional balaclava I’ve ever made: the flexibility of brioche rib makes it both very stretchy and form-fitting, and the eye/face opening doesn’t distort when you have the mask pulled up to protect your face from the cold.

It’s knit from soft wool sock yarn (merino wools are going to be perfect for this), so you have a full range of options from plain and traditional to the most wildly variegated or ostentatious neon you can find or dye.

The samples are shown in Cascade Heritage Sock in Charcoal and Cascade Heritage Wave in Plume! I think the second colorline is discontinued, but this pattern will work well with other colorful yarns in the same weight category.

Materials:

• 264-440 yards of sockweight yarn; the samples are shown in Cascade Heritage Sock in Charcoal and Cascade Heritage Wave in Plume
• 1 16” circular needles in US2-3/2.75-3.25mm, or size needed for gauge
• 1 set of DPNs in the same size needed for gauge
• tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• 4+ removable stitch markers

Gauge:
Gauge is 16 sts and 24 rows over 4”/10cm of brioche rib stitch, worked in the round and blocked lightly.

Measurements:
This balaclava pattern features small, medium, and large sizes, and should have a flat/relaxed circumference of 18(20, 22)“/46(51, 56)cm, to fit average adult head circumferences of 20-21(21-22, 23-24)”/51-54(54-56, 58-61)cm. They are all about 17.5”/44cm tall, and height is very easy to customize.