The Farmhouse Balaclava is an elegant and folky accessory inspired by American log cabin quilting and Shetland colorwork traditions.

The modular knit hood uses small amounts of yarn to transform the head into a canvas for color and abstract design while the corrugated ribbing combines simple k2, p2 stitches and colorwork to make a beautiful collar.

Crafters around the world have always been resourceful. This design is a small homage to the creative genius of two distinct crafting communities.

American log cabin quilting dates back to the Civil War era and originally used up precious delaine fabric scraps that were difficult to piece together in the usual manner. Log cabin quilts are stunning symbols of shelter, protection, and resourcefulness.

Corrugated ribbing is a classic Shetland knitting element and is as practical as it is beautiful. The striping within the ribbing uses up small amounts of yarn with a powerful aesthetic effect. It also makes a sturdy, double thick fabric; a beautiful combination of artistry and ingenuity.

I hope the Farmhouse Balaclava connects you to the crafters that came before us and provides you the opportunity to play with their techniques and make your own unique interpretation.

Size
One Size. For detailed measurements see Schematic photo.
Sample shown on a person with a 22”/ 55.9 cm circumference head and a 12.75”/ 32.4 cm circumference neck.

Pattern supplies simple solutions on increasing the circumference of the corrugated ribbing for a wider collar.

Supplies
Yarn
Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift (Fingering weight, 100% Shetland wool, 115 yds, 105 m, 25g)
1 ball each:

Color A - Flame
Color B - Laurel
Color C - Chartreuse
Color D - Dusk

Alternative Yarn
Fingering weight. Alternative yarn requirements are approximate estimates. Final quantities will be determined by your personal tension, any modifications you make to the pattern, and your specific yarn. Always have a little more yarn available than you think you’ll need.

Color A - 51 yds/ 47 m
Color B - 42 yds/ 39 m
Color C - 51 yds/ 47 m
Color D - 60 yds/ 55 m

Needles
Needle A: US 4/ 3.5 mm circular needle, 16”/ 40 cm
Needle B: US 2/ 2.75 mm circular needle, 16”/ 40 cm

Notions
Tapestry needle, stitch markers (2), removable stitch marker (1)

Gauge
Garter Stitch
23 sts x 40 rows in 4”/ 10 cm on US 4/ 3.5 mm needles
Corrugated Ribbing
24 sts x 32 rows in 4”/ 10 cm on US 2/ 2.75 mm needles

Construction
The Farmhouse Balaclava starts with log cabin modular squares. Those squares are joined together with more modular knitting sections to form the head covering. The modular section on the top of the head uses German short rows to shape the crown. The 2x2 corrugated ribbing neckband starts at the base of the head covering. The contrast color of the purl stitches changes every few rows to create symmetrical striping. The face band stitches are picked up and knit around the face hole and use German short rows to seamlessly attach the face band to the ribbing.

This pattern is for knitters with intermediate to advanced knitting experience. The pattern has been test knit and professionally tech edited.