Free Snug Balaclava Crochet Pattern

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Suggested Yarn: Aran weight yarn (approximately 350g for SMALL, MEDIUM, or LARGE).
• Hook Size:
  • 4.50mm for SMALL.
  • 5.00mm for MEDIUM and LARGE (adjust if you crochet loosely or tightly).
• Needle: Yarn needle for weaving in ends.
• Other Tools: Scissors, measuring tape.

Pattern Measurements:

• Neck Ribbing Width:
  • SMALL: 20 sts (5 inches).
  • LARGE: 21 sts (6 inches).
• Neck Circumference:
  • SMALL: Approximately 18 inches.
  • LARGE: Approximately 20.5 inches.
• Crown Diameter:
  • SMALL: 6.5 inches.
  • LARGE: 7.6 inches.
• Piece Length:
  • SMALL: 7 inches (neck to shoulder).
  • LARGE: 9 inches.

Abbreviations (U.S. Terms):

• Ch: Chain
• Sc: Single Crochet
• HDC: Half Double Crochet
• BLSc: Back Loop Single Crochet
• 2HDCtog: Half Double Crochet 2 Stitches Together

Special Stitches:

• BLSc (Back Loop Single Crochet): Insert hook into the back loop of the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops.

Round-by-Round Directions for the Snug Balaclava Crochet Pattern:

Neck Ribbing: (Worked flat)

• Foundation Row: Ch 21 (LARGE) or Ch 20 (SMALL).
• Row 1: Starting from the 2nd ch from the hook, BLSc across. Ch 1, turn. (20 sts for SMALL; 21 sts for LARGE)
• Rows 2–Desired Length: Repeat Row 1 until your ribbing reaches the desired neck circumference:
  • SMALL: Approximately 18 inches.
  • LARGE: Approximately 20.5 inches.
• Once complete, bring the short ends of the ribbing together and sl st through both layers to form a tube.

Body of Balaclava: (Worked in rounds)

• Round 1: With the ribbing tube in place, evenly work HDC around the top edge of the ribbing. Ensure your stitch count is a multiple of 6. Join with a sl st to the first HDC. (Example: ~66 HDC for SMALL, ~72 HDC for LARGE)
• Round 2: Ch 1, HDC in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first HDC.
• Rounds 3–8 (SMALL) or Rounds 3–10 (LARGE): Repeat Round 2, building height for the body.

Crown Shaping:

• Round 9 (SMALL) or Round 11 (LARGE): Begin decreasing. HDC in the next 4 sts, 2HDCtog. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st.
• Round 10 (SMALL) or Round 12 (LARGE): HDC in the next 3 sts, 2HDCtog. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st.
• Round 11 (SMALL) or Round 13 (LARGE): HDC in the next 2 sts, 2HDCtog. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st.
• Round 12 (SMALL) or Round 14 (LARGE): HDC in the next st, 2HDCtog. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st.
• Final Round: Continue decreasing with 2HDCtog around until the crown is closed. Use a yarn needle to weave through the final stitches and pull tight to close any gaps. Secure and weave in ends.

Face Opening:

• Setup: Fold the balaclava in half and determine the front side. Using your measuring tape, mark the width for the face opening (~5–6 inches for SMALL, ~6–7 inches for LARGE). Skip this number of stitches evenly along one side of the round.
• Round 1 (Face Opening Trim): Attach yarn to one edge of the opening. Work HDC evenly around the face opening for a clean edge. Join with a sl st.
• Round 2: Ch 1, BLSc around for additional elasticity. Join with a sl st.
• Finish: Fasten off and weave in ends.

Customization Notes:

• Add more or fewer rounds to the neck ribbing or body to adjust length.
• Experiment with colors by changing yarn halfway or adding stripes for a personalized touch!

Enjoy your warm and snug crochet balaclava!

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