Balaclava To Go

Balaclava To Go Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Balaclava To Go is a knitted balaclava hat designed by Dana Kikic Nemmert. This is a head-covering garment that provides warmth and coverage for the head, face, and neck area. The design features colorwork elements created through the use of multiple yarn colors, making it both functional and visually interesting.

Craft and Technique

This pattern uses the knitting craft exclusively. The balaclava is worked in the round using the magic loop method, which allows knitters to create seamless, circular garments on shorter needles. The construction technique involves color changes throughout the piece, incorporating multiple yarn colors to create a patterned design.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate skill level:

• Stockinette stitch - the primary stitch used for the main fabric
• Knit front back (kfb) - an increase stitch for shaping
• Knit two together (k2tog) - a decrease stitch for shaping

These stitches are worked in rounds, with markers used to track the beginning of each round and pattern repeats.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Balaclava To Go is designed to work with DK and worsted weight yarns. The specific yardage breakdown includes approximately 3/4 hank of main color (MC), 1/4 hank each of CC1 and CC4, with the remaining yardage distributed among CC2 and CC3 (contrast colors). The pattern shown uses:

• MC (Main Color): De rerum natura in the colorway Sel
• CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in Typewriter
• CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in Tartan
• CC3 (Contrast Color 3): Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in Snowbound
• CC4 (Contrast Color 4): Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (colorway not specified in excerpt)

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires circular knitting needles in two sizes: 3.5mm (US4) and 4.5mm (US7), with lengths of either 60cm/24in or 80cm/32in to accommodate the magic loop method. Additional tools include a blunt-end tapestry needle (darning needle) for finishing and weaving in ends. Needle size should be adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17-18 stitches by 24-25 rows over 10x10 cm (4x4 inches) in stockinette stitch using worsted weight yarn, measured after washing and blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished balaclava to fit correctly.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. The intermediate difficulty reflects the combination of working in the round, managing multiple yarn colors, and executing shaping techniques through increases and decreases.