Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Suggested Yarn: Lion Brand Go for Fleece (Child Size – 89 yds; Adult Size – 105 yds)
- Hook Size: 8.0mm Crochet Hook (I LOVE Clover Amour)
- Scissors: Travel scissors (kept in your hook case)
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends
Finished Size Measurements:
- Adult Size:
- Width: Approximately 9-10 inches (flat measurement)
- Height: Approximately 12-13 inches
- Child Size:
- Width: Approximately 7-8 inches (flat measurement)
- Height: Approximately 10-11 inches
Abbreviations (U.S. terms):
- ch: chain
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
- BLO: back loop only
- SC: single crochet
- HDC: half double crochet
- FPHDC: front post half double crochet
- Gauge: Diameter after Round 4 = 3 inches
Pattern Notes:
- Chain stitches at the beginning of rounds do not count as a stitch.
- The end of each round is joined to the first stitch of the round with a slip stitch (sl st).
- This pattern uses gray fleece yarn for a sherpa-style balaclava hood.
Stitching Instructions for Crochet Sherpa Balaclava Hood Pattern:
Crown (Top of the Balaclava)
The crown is worked in the round to form the top of the balaclava.
- Round 1 (Magic Circle):
- Start with a magic circle. Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch).
- Work 8 HDC into the magic circle. Pull the circle tight to close the center.
- Join with sl st to the first HDC.
- [8 stitches]
- Tip: If you’re unfamiliar with the magic circle, you can ch 4 and join into a ring, then work into the ring instead.
- Round 2:
- Ch 2. Work 2 HDC in each st around (increase in every stitch).
- Join with sl st to the first HDC.
- [16 stitches]
- Round 3:
- Ch 2. (HDC in the next st, 2 HDC in the following st) repeat around.
- Join with sl st to the first HDC.
- [24 stitches]
- Round 4:
- Ch 2. (HDC in the next 2 sts, 2 HDC in the following st) repeat around.
- Join with sl st to the first HDC.
- [32 stitches]
- Round 5:
- Ch 2. (HDC in the next 3 sts, 2 HDC in the following st) repeat around.
- Join with sl st to the first HDC.
- [40 stitches]
- At this point, the crown should measure approximately 3 inches in diameter for the gauge. You can adjust the number of rounds for larger or smaller sizes. If you need the crown wider, continue adding rounds, increasing by 8 stitches per round (e.g., (HDC in the next 4 sts, 2 HDC in the next st) for Round 6).
Body of the Balaclava
This section adds length to the balaclava and creates the area that will frame the face and cover the head.
- Rounds 6-15 (Adjust for Length):
- Ch 2. Work 1 HDC in each st around (no increases).
- Join with sl st to the first HDC.
- Tip: Measure the length after a few rounds to ensure the body fits snugly over the head. For children, fewer rounds may be needed, while for adults, you may want to add more rounds. The total height of this section will depend on how much coverage you want for the head and face.
Face Opening Ribbing
Adding ribbing around the face opening ensures a snug and comfortable fit while enhancing the balaclava’s structure.
- Round 16:
- Switch to BLO (back loop only) to create a defined ridge.
- Ch 1. SC in each st around.
- Join with sl st to the first SC.
- The BLO stitch adds flexibility and texture to the edge.
- Round 17:
- Ch 1. (FPHDC in the next st, SC in the next st) repeat around.
- Join with sl st to the first FPHDC.
- Repeat this pattern for 1-2 more rounds, depending on how much ribbing you’d like around the face. The FPHDC stitches give the ribbed texture while SC stitches maintain stability.
Neck Ribbing
The neck ribbing is worked to provide additional coverage and warmth, creating a snug fit to seal out cold air.
- Rounds 18-22 (or desired length):
- Ch 1. (FPHDC in the next st, SC in the next st) repeat around.
- Join with sl st to the first FPHDC.
- Continue working in this ribbing pattern for several rounds or until the neck section reaches your desired length. For extra warmth, you can extend this section further to tuck into a jacket or scarf.
Tip: Be consistent with your tension to ensure the ribbing is uniform and stretchy.
Finishing Touches
- Fasten Off: Once your balaclava is the desired size, fasten off the yarn securely.
- Weaving in Ends: Use a yarn needle to weave in all loose ends. Focus on securing areas at the start and end of rounds to prevent unraveling.
- Final Shaping: Gently shape the balaclava by stretching and adjusting as needed. A light steaming or blocking can help set the stitches if necessary.
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