Into The Hoods Balaclava

*[**Into the Hoods**][1] was our Fall ‘25 mystery knit-a-long that offered a whopping six hooded patterns in one knitting adventure! Over each of the four clues, knitters worked through the suspense of creating a hood without knowing exactly where the trail would lead. Each knitter chose their own path—picking between the Balaclava, Dickey, or Scarf style, and deciding whether to work in a single color or two coordinating colors.* **Check out the [Dickey][2] and [Scarf][3] versions of Into the Hoods, too!** *(Purchase all three patterns for $15.00, discount shown in cart!)* And now, the mystery is revealed! This pattern is the Balaclava version, it includes instructions to knit it in a single color or in two colors.This is a versatile accessory that does double duty. Wear it as a cozy cowl around your neck, or flip it up to cover your nose and mouth when the wind really bites. The pattern includes detailed video tutorials to help you on your knitting adventure. Into The Hoods Balaclava is worked from the top down. It starts with a rectangle that uses an i-cord cast-on and my signature Lola’s Pick Up Line technique. The body of the hood flows off of this base towards the neck. Then you join into the round and knit a tube that becomes a cowl AND a face covering. The optional casing and drawstring let you cinch it up around your face, keeping the cold out and the warmth in. **MATERIALS** **One-Color** Approx. 460 yards [421 meters] of DK, Worsted, or Aran weight yarn **Two-Color** MC- Approx. 300 yards [274 meters] of DK, Worsted, or Aran weight yarn CC- Approx. 260 yards [238 meters] of same weight yarn as your MC **Ndl A-** Two US Size 8 [5 mm] double pointed needles, or one size larger than needed to obtain gauge **Ndl B-** US Size 7 [4.5 mm] 36 inch [91 cm] or longer circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge **Ndl C-** US Size 6 [4 mm] 16 or 20 inch [41 or 51 cm] circular needle, or one size smaller than needed to obtain gauge Length of stitch saver at least 30 inches [76 cm] long Stitch markers Optional- Digital Scale, 5 mm crochet hook **FINISHED MEASUREMENTS** Depth of Hood at Top (without casing)- approx. 8 inches [20 cm] Height of Hood- approx. 10 inches [25 cm] Height of Cowl Neck (easily adjustable)- approx. 11 inches [28 cm] Circumference of Cowl Neck- approx. 18.5 inches [47 cm] **GAUGE** 18 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch, lightly blocked on ndl B > Like Laura’s designs and interested in her clubs? [Sign up to receive email updates][4] so you don’t miss out on tutorials, new patterns and kits, and subscriber-only special offers! PLUS new subscribers get a coupon code for 15% off all of my independently published patterns when you sign up! [1]: http://www.nelkindesigns.com/IntoTheHoods [2]: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/into-the-hoods-dickey [3]: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/into-the-hoods-scarf-aka-scoodie [4]: http://www.nelkindesigns.com/index.cfm/listJoin?mlistid=85