10 Balaclava Knitting Patterns

One of the hottest fashion trends this season is the balaclava - even Vogue is talking about this unique garment.

As a knitter, do you ever look at fashion trends and think, “I can knit that!”

I do! So, this article is all about balaclavas that you can hand knit yourself.

Your first question may be, what is a balaclava?

A balaclava is a head warmer that is part hat/part neck warmer combined.

Balaclavas can be knitted using very fine weight yarn and worn under helmets or hard hats. They can also be knitted using medium to chunky weight yarns and worn alone.

Some have a slit opening just for the eyes to keep the rest of the face warm during winter weather.

Other balaclavas are more of a hoodie-style. They have an open face that keeps the head, ear, and neck warm.

Whichever style you choose, you’ll be warm and on-trend this season!

Balaclavas are great for snowboarding, skiing, or anywhere that gets cold and windy.

I’ve rounded up 10 cozy balaclavas for you to choose from in styles to knit for the entire family.

Be sure to check out projects #1 and 10, they are both FREE patterns.

10 Balaclava Patterns to Knit

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Please note: many of the projects in this post are knit using two yarn weights held together at the same time. You can choose to knit the pattern using the two recommended weights OR you can choose the weight that the combined weights equal.

For example the pattern may use fingering weight + lace weight = sport weight. You can choose to use the fingering or lace weight held together OR you can use a sport weight yarn.

#1. BB Balaclava Free Knitting Pattern

Knit the hottest fashion trend of the season!

You’ll be fashion forward in the BB Balaclava. This seamless pull-on hood fits teens-adults.

Uses worsted weight yarn

Designed by Jung min Choi

#2. November Balaclava Knitting Pattern

November is a sophisticated Balaclava project worked in an allover fisherman’s rib stitch.
This top-down knit has a feminine fit, as it covers the ears, but not the forehead or sides of the face.

This is the adult version. There’s also a children’s version available.

Uses worsted + lace = aran weight yarn

Designed by PetiteKnit

#3. Baby Bear Balaclava Knitting Pattern

The Baby Bear Balaclava is a cute children’s balaclava with rounded bear ears. Worked with two strands together at a small gauge, and fitting snugly around the face and neck, it makes a nice and warm accessory for those colder months (and one that the littlest ones won’t be able to pull off easily!).

For extra warmth and softness, the Baby Bear Balaclava is designed to be worked with a strand of merino and a strand of mohair together, except for the face band, to ensure that no fluffy fibers get too close to the child’s face.

The Baby Bear Balaclava is worked in one piece, both in the round and back and forth, and uses short row shaping. Two neck options are included, for a ribbed neckband or an extended neckwarmer.

Uses fingering + lace = sport weight yarn

Designed by Pernille Larsen

#4. Ronja Balaclava Unisex Knitting Pattern

This convertible balaclava/beanie hat features a fairisle pattern on the crown that uses four shades of DK weight yarn and can be knitted in any color combination you can dream up.

The hat is worked in the round using double-pointed or circular needles as preferred.

Uses DK weight yarn

Designed by Arne & Carlos

#5. Matching Balaclava Knitting Pattern

The pattern is using brioche knit stitches only (not a single brioche purl stitch!) and is made in one piece.

The balaclava can be worn in different ways, covering mouth and nose or not. If you pull it back it looks like a hood, it is up to you how to wear it. Definitely it is very warm and squishy and if you are using a neutral color it becomes a part of your daily wardrobe next winter.

The Balaclava is very stretchy, slightly slouchy and well-fitting at the same time. It’s important to note that there is no 4-stitch-decrease to be knit. You can do it, knitters! 
The hat can be knit in multiple sizes by changing the number of stitches, or needle size and gauge; Block the finished balaclava to smooth the stitches. Sizes are given in Adult S ( Adult M, Adult L).

Uses aran weight yarn

Designed by Katrin Schubert

#6. Balaclava Hat Knitting Pattern

This adorable knitting pattern bundle features 2 matching hats! Quick and satisfying to knit up, these fancy hats look hilariously adorable on humans and little dogs alike! Highlighting puppy-dog cuteness, while simultaneously conveying just how much you care about your favorite pet, these hats are a double-wammy of delight!

The hats were each designed to be seamless for a flawlessly comfortable fit. Both patterns were written to be super intuitive, and the instructions are extra clear and detailed to insure hours of carefree knitting fun.

Uses aran weight yarn

Designed by Valya Boutenko

#7. Gatan Balaclava Knitting Pattern

The Gatan balaclava is knit bottom up with 2 strands of yarn held together. First the neck is worked in the round and then a garter rib pattern is worked flat for the head section.

The back of the neck and the top of the head has simple but effective shaping for a better fit and visual interest. The top of the head is turned similarly to a heel (explained in the pattern) and stitches are picked up around the face opening for the finishing rib edge.

Uses light fingering + lace = light fingering

Designed by Simone Alexandra Ærsøe

#8. Snowboarding Mask/Balaclava Knitting Pattern

This Balaclava / Snowboarding Mask is extremely warm and perfect for all your outdoor winter activities.

It’s knitted in the round from the bottom-up.

The mask comes deep on the chest with a slit opening for eyes to protect the rest of the face from extreme elements.

Uses bulky weight yarn

Designed by Melissa Donovan

#9. Reindeer Balaclava Knitting Pattern

The Reindeer Balaclava pattern is designed for, but not limited to, beginner-intermediate knitters.

You will love how versatile this balaclava is as it can be worn many different ways: open balaclava, closed balaclava, and cowl.

The pattern comes with instructions for 7 sizes: 6/12 months, toddler, child, tween, adult S, adult M, adult L.

Uses super bulky weight yarn

Designed by Jenny Nicole

#10. Tromsø Hoodie Free Knitting Pattern

Are you a fresh beginner in knitting? Perfect! This chunky and warm hoodie will be a great place to start. The pattern is easy to follow, and with big needles, small mistakes won’t show. Good luck.

Uses fingering + bulky = super bulky weight

Designed by Slow Knitwear

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