https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/balaclava • Posted by Andrews McMeel
How better to pass a rainy weekend than knitting a balaclava? The hypnotic clacking of the needles is the soundtrack to our autumn eves. It is an act in preparation for the coming cold, before winter’s arrival. This knitting pattern is just the basic shape. You can change colors or add patterns using intarsia or any other advanced knitting technique. TIP: Using the appropriate colored yarn, whipstitch the center of the eye opening to create two separate eye sockets.
How better to pass a rainy weekend than knitting a balaclava? The hypnotic clacking of the needles is the soundtrack to our autumn eves. It is an act in preparation for the coming cold, before winter’s arrival. This knitting pattern is just the basic shape. You can change colors or add patterns using intarsia or any other advanced knitting technique.
TIP: Using the appropriate colored yarn, whipstitch the center of the eye opening to create two separate eye sockets.
—From Sweat Shop Paris by Martena Duss & Sissi Holleis/Andrews McMeel Publishing
Using contrast color and smaller needles, CO 72 sts. Row 1: K1, p1, repeat to end of row. Row 2: K1, p1, repeat to end of row. These two rows form the rib. After the first two rows, change to main color yarn. Continue on in rib until the work measures 10 cm (4 in). Change to larger needles. Begin with a knit row and continue in garter stitch (knit every row) for 3.5 cm (11/2 in). Next row : K15, inc1, k14, inc1, k14, inc1, k14, inc1, knit to end. You have 76 sts. Knit 3 rows. Next row : K16, inc1, k15, inc1, k15, inc1, k15, inc1, knit to end. You have 80 sts. Knit 3 rows. Next row : K16, inc1, k16, inc1, k16, inc1, k16, inc1, knit to end. You have 84 sts. Continue in garter stitch until the panel measures 6 cm (21/2 in). Next row , right side : Start knitting in the mouth or moustache using the intarsia design in contrast color, making sure that the design is knitted in the center of the panel. The intarsia design is worked in Stockinette stitch. Continue in garter stitch until the panel measures 13 cm (5 in) long. Next row : Change to contrast yarn and knit. Next row : K30, BO 24, k30. Next row : K30, CO 24, k30. Next row : Knit. Next row : Change yarn back to main color. Continue in garter stitch until the panel is 18 cm (7 in) long. Next row : K12, k2tog, k12, k2tog, k12, k2tog, k12, k2tog, k12, k2tog, knit to end. You have 79 sts. Next row : Knit. Next row : K11, k2tog, k11, k2tog, k11, k2tog, k11, k2tog, k11, k2tog, knit to end. You have 74 sts. Next row : Knit. Reduce in the same way, every other row, until you are knitting 4 then knitting 2 together. Then decrease the same way on every row until 6 or 7 stitches are left. Break yarn and thread through remaining 7 stitches. Pull up tight and fasten off securely. Making Up : Sew the back seam with the main color.