Beate Balaclava

The **Beate Balaclava** is a slightly oversized balaclava – designed to perfectly combine the qualities of a hood and a snug balaclava. It has a seamless look with a rounded fit around the back of the head. The pattern includes instructions for two variations of the balaclava – with or without an i-cord edge around the face opening. **Intermediate level** – *The pattern features links to a step by step video of casting on and knitting the top of the balaclava, as well as videos showing the general techniques used* The balaclava is knitted top-down in stockinette stitch and finished with a ribbed edge, completed with an Italian tubular bind-off. It is cast on using Judy’s Magic Cast On, and the upper part of the balaclava is shaped using German short rows. For the top of the hat you need: 2x 4mm circular needles *or* 1 long 4mm circular needle *or* 4 mm double pointed needles. To achieve the most seamless look possible, I recommend using a textured yarn, such as brushed alpaca, bouclé, or mohair, as these types of yarn hide any visible traces of the increases. With a smoother yarn, a few increases at the top of the hat will be visible. Feel free to share your Beate Balaclava on social media using the hashtag #BeateBalaclava, or tag me on Instagram (@bjorholm.lyhne) and TikTok (@bjorholm.knitwear). I love seeing your creations! ♥ **SIZING** The pattern is available in sizes 1 (2) 3, and can be adjusted based on your preferred looseness or your head measurement. *HEAD MEASUREMENTS* – Measured at forehead level, for a fit similar to that shown in the photos. You can size down for a tighter fit or size up for a more hood-like fit. 1 54 – 56 CM 2 57 – 59 CM 3 60 – 62 CM **GAUGE** 16 sts / 10 cm on 4 mm needles **YARN SUGGESTIONS** *The yarn consumption is calculated without the icord edge, if you wish to knit the edge you will need a bit more yarn than indicated.* **65** (85) **100** g Ballerina Chunky Mohair from Sandnes Garn (135m / 50g) **50** (65) **80** g Bouclé (175m / 50g) *held together with* **25** (33) **40** g Alpaca 1 (400m / 50g) from Isager Garn **80** (100) **120** g Snefnug from CaMaRose (110m / 50g) **50** (60) **70** g Coeur d'Angora (108m / 25g) *held together with* **50** (60) **70** g BB Mérinos (200m / 50g) from Fonty **65** (85) **100** g Brushed Alpaca Silk (140m / 25g) from Drops (held double) **YARN CONSUMPTION** **160 m** (210 m) **260 m** ***THIS PATTERN HAS BEEN TEST-KNITTED IN ALL SIZES*** German translation by Katharina Sokiran.