This knitting pattern is in English

The November Balaclava Mini is worked from the top down in fisherman’s rib. First, a square is worked for the top of the head. Then stitches are picked up and knitted along the sides of the square and the balaclava is worked back and forth to under the chin, where it is joined in the round. At the end, a rib edge is worked around the face opening.

The balaclava has a feminine fit, as it covers the ears, but not the forehead or sides of the face. Note that the measurements given for the finished balaclava are for after it has been washed. The hat should be washed before wearing as the fisherman’s rib grows giving the hat the correct size.

Begin by working a swatch to determine which needle size you need to achieve the correct gauge. Wash and block the swatch before taking any measurements.

Sizes: 0-1 (1-2) 2-7 years

Head circumference: 44-46 (46-49) 49-54 cm [17¼-18 (18-19¼) 19¼-21¼ inches]

Gauge: 16 sts x 36 rows = 10 x 10 cm [4 x 4 inches] in fisherman’s rib on 4.5 mm [US7] needles before washing; the equivalent of 14 sts x 36 rows = 10 x 10 cm [4 x 4 inches] in fisherman’s rib on 4.5 mm [US7] needles  after washing, as fisherman’s rib grows with washing and wear (note that 36 rows in fisherman’s rib are counted as 18 knit sts).

Circular needles: 4.5 mm [US7] / 40 and 80 cm [16 and 31½ inches]

Materials: 50-100 (100) 100 g Peruvian Highland Wool by Filcolana (50 g = 100 m [109 yds]) or Peer Gynt by Sandnes Garn (50 g = 91 m [98 yds]) held together with med 25 (25) 25 g Silk Mohair by Isager Yarn (25 g = 212 m [232 yds]) or Tynn Silk Mohair by Sandnes Garn (25 g = 212 m [232 yds]) or Tilia by Filcolana (25 g = 212 m [232 yds]) or Brushed Lace by Mohair By Canard (25 g = 212 m [232 yds])

Difficulty: ★ ★ ★ (3 out of 5)