Materials:
- 5mm crochet hook
- ~285m/315yds worsted/aran yarn (e.g., Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool)
- Gauge: 13 sts x 12 rows = 10cm in extended single crochet (esc)
Measurements:
- Length: 40cm
- Depth: 23cm
- Neck: 58cm
Stitches:
- esc: Insert hook, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 1 loop, yo, pull through 2 loops.
- Crab stitch: Reverse single crochet for edging.
Pattern:
- Ch33. Work esc along chain, increasing at ends. (67 sts)
- Increase 6 sts every alternate row until Row 11. (103 sts)
- Work even esc for Rows 12–28.
- Face Shaping: Work 18 esc, decreasing 1 st per row until 13 sts remain. Repeat for the other side.
- Join under the chin, add crab stitch edging, and finish.
Stitching Instructions for Wrapped Up Balaclava Hood Pattern:
Foundation Row:
- Start by making a foundation chain of 33 chains (Ch33).
- Work extended single crochet (esc) across the chain, ensuring you make increases at both ends of the row. This creates a rounded edge that will shape the base of the hood.
- By the end of the row, you should have a total of 67 stitches (sts).
Shaping the Hood:
- For Rows 2 to 11, increase 6 stitches on every alternate row.
- To increase, place two esc stitches in the same stitch at the ends of the row.
- These increases gradually widen the hood to accommodate the shape of the head.
- By the end of Row 11, your stitch count should reach 103 stitches, giving the hood its full width.
Working the Main Hood Section:
- From Rows 12 to 28, work evenly in esc without any increases or decreases.
- This creates the body of the hood, ensuring sufficient depth for comfort and warmth.
- Make sure your tension remains consistent to maintain an even texture and size throughout this section.
Shaping the Face Opening:
- To shape the opening for the face, work as follows:
- Work 18 esc, then begin decreasing 1 stitch per row on each side until only 13 stitches remain for one half of the face.
- Decreases are made by skipping one stitch or working two stitches together as a single esc.
- Fasten off this side and repeat the process on the other side to mirror the first half.
Final Assembly and Edging:
- Join the two halves of the hood under the chin by sewing or crocheting them together securely. This will form the closed base of the balaclava.
- For a polished finish, work crab stitch (reverse single crochet) around the entire face opening.
- The crab stitch not only provides a decorative edge but also adds firmness to prevent the edges from curling.
Your Wrapped Up Balaclava Hood is now complete! The combination of shaping and finishing ensures a snug, stylish, and functional fit, perfect for chilly weather.
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