beginner knit balaclava

by @madeinthemoment (emma ujifusa)

Gauge:
15 stitches and 20 rows = 4inx4in

Materials:
1 skein of worsted weight yarn
16 inch 6.0mm needles. I used these ones.*
Yarn needle
Scissors

*if you have different weight yarn or different sized needles, see the note at the end of the
pattern for how to adjust

Neck ribbing:
1. Using the longtail cast-on method, cast on 72 stitches.
2. Work 20 rows in 2x2 rib. (or until your work measures 4.5in long)
3. Cast off 25 stitches (6 in.). This will be the front of the hood.

Hood:
1. Work 35 rows (6 in.) in stockinette stitch
a. For the stripe pattern: work 6 rows in one color and then 2 rows in the other
color.
2. Work 11 rows (2 in.) with a center decrease:
a. Mark the middle 3 stitches. Knit or purl these 3 middle sts together on every row.
4. Repeat until you have 20 st left on your needles.
5. Cast off all stitches.

Ribbing around the hood:

1. Pick up 84 stitches around the edge of the hood using this pattern:
a. Pick up 3 sts, skip 1
2. Work 5 rows (1 in.) in 2x2 rib and then cast all sts off.
3. Weave in the ends and enjoy!

If you post about this anywhere, please tag me (@made.in.the.moment)! I love seeing your
finished pieces :)

Variations:
If you are working with a different yarn weight or needle size, here are the measurements of my
finished piece:
Ribbing is 16in around and 4.5in long
6in. of stockinette st until you decrease and then decrease for 2in
Ribbing around the face is 1in

If you only have straight needles:

Cast on and knit the neck ribbing flat. Then when casting off for the part that goes under the
chin, cast off all the stitches on one side. Knit the hood and do the decreases as outlined in the
video. With the work still flat, pick up stitches along the edge and knit the ribbing all the way
around the face. This should cinch the work in a little so it no longer lays flat. Then when you're
done with all of that you can just seam it up to close it.