The balaclava is worked seamlessly from the top down in stockinette stitch. The project begins with a Turkish Cast On, after which the hood is worked flat. The front shaping is created using German Short Rows. Once the short rows are complete, the stitches are placed on a spare cable or a piece of waste yarn. Stitches are then picked up around the face opening to work the face bands in 1x1 ribbing. Next, stitches are picked up along the side edges of the bands and joined with the held hood stitches. The stitch count is then reduced, and the neck is worked in 1x1 ribbing.

SIZES
S (M) L

Given sizes are designed to fit the head circumference of:
52–54 (55–57) 58–60 cm 20.5–21 (21.5–22.5) 23–24 in

How to choose a size?
Choose a size that best matches your head circumference.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
A – width across top of hood
25 (28) 31 cm 9.8 (11) 12.2 in
B – hood height excluding neck
27 (29) 31 cm 10.6 (11.5) 12 in
C – face opening height
30 (33) 36 cm 12 (13) 14 in
D – neck height
17.5 (18) 19 cm 6.9 (7.1) 7.5 in
E – width of front bands
10 (11.5) 13 cm 3.9 (4.5) 5.1 in

YARN

CASHMERINI (70% extra-fine merino, 30% cashmere)
50 g = 115 m 1.8 oz = 126 yds
Consumption: 3 (4) 5 skeins
Color: Natural (100)

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS
Circular needles:
4 mm US 6 / 80 cm 32 in
3.5 mm US 4 / 40 cm 16 in

Notions:
tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, spare cable or a piece of contrasting waste yarn

GAUGE:
20 sts x 26 rows/rnds = 10 x 10 cm 4 x 4 in
stockinette stitch worked flat and in the round, using 4 mm US 6 needles

24 sts x 30 rows = 10 x 10 cm 4 x 4 in
1x1 rib stitch worked flat and in the round, using 3.5 mm US 4 needles

The swatch should be washed and blocked flat, without stretching.