Ski Mask Balaclava Knit Flat!

#KnittingTutorial #Balaclava #SkiMask

In this video, Madeline from Knitting House Square shows step-by-step how to knit a ski mask (also known as a balaclava)! This free pattern is knit flat (not in the round), then seamed up the side. The steps shown in the video include the cast on, ribbing pattern, casting off for the ski mask opening, casting back on after the opening, decreasing, and seaming using mattress stitch. The free pattern is available in two sizes, adult and youth, and is linked below!

Materials
• US 7 Knitting Needles (4.5 mm) Amazon Note this project is knit flat, so it can be knit on circular or straight knitting needles. I would recommend a circular knitting needle (at least 24" in length)because there are a lot of stitches for this project that may not necessarily fit on straight knitting needles
• 6 Stitch Markers Amazon
• 1 Removable Stitch Marker
• Tapestry Needles Amazon

Yarn
• Worsted Weight (#4)
• Adult Size: 190 yds (174 m)
• Youth Size: 120 yds (110 m)
• Yarn Used: Joann Big Twist Value

Gauge
12 sts x 10.5 rows = 2”x 2” ribbing knit flat (unstretched) on US 7 (4.5 mm)

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Free Knitting Pattern

Knit this balaclava flat, create the face opening, shape the crown, and seam the sides. Instructions are given as Youth [Adult].

Size, Yarn & Gauge

Stretched circumference: up to 18 [24] inches (45.7 [61] cm). Unstretched circumference: 12 [15.5] inches (30.5 [39.4] cm). Total length: 10 [13.5] inches (25.4 [34.3] cm), measured after blocking.

Use 120 [190] yards (110 [174] m) of worsted (#4) yarn, shown in Joann Big Twist Value.

US 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles or a circular needle used flat; 6 stitch markers plus one removable marker; tapestry needle; scissors; ruler. A circular needle can hold the large stitch count more comfortably.

Gauge: 12 stitches × 10.5 rows = 2 × 2 inches in unstretched ribbing worked flat, after blocking.

Abbreviations

P2T: Purl 2 together. K2T: Knit 2 together. SSK: Slip 2 stitches individually knitwise, return them to the left needle, then knit them together through the back loops.

Cast On & Ribbing

Using backward loop, cast on 72 [92] stitches. (Video 4:47)

Ribbing Repeat Row: Knit 1, repeat (knit 1, purl 1) until 1 stitch remains, purl 1. Turn.

Repeat until the piece measures 5 [6.5] inches (12.7 [16.5] cm). (Video 11:40)

Create the Face Opening

Cast-Off Row: Knit 1, work (knit 1, purl 1) over the next 20 [24] stitches, knit 1, cast off 28 [40] stitches, then continue in pattern to the end. The video demonstrates Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off. (Video 26:41)

Cast-On Row: Knit 1, work (knit 1, purl 1) over the next 20 [24] stitches, knit 1, cast on 28 [40] stitches using backward loop, then continue in pattern to the end.

Work the Ribbing Repeat Row for another 2 [3] inches (5.1 [7.6] cm).

Decrease Set-Up Row

Knit 1, place a marker. Work this section 5 times: work (knit 1, purl 1) over the next 12 [16] stitches, SSK, place a marker. Purl the final stitch and turn. (Video 30:38)

Decrease Repeat Row 1 — Wrong Side

Knit 1, slip the marker. Work this section 5 times: P2T, repeat (purl 1, knit 1) until 1 stitch remains before the next marker, purl 1, slip the marker. Purl the final stitch and turn. (Video 34:26)

Decrease Repeat Row 2 — Right Side

Attach the removable marker to the side facing you on the first repeat to identify the right side.

Knit 1, slip the marker. Work this section 5 times: repeat (knit 1, purl 1) until 2 stitches remain before the next marker, K2T, slip the marker. Purl the final stitch and turn.

Alternate the two decrease rows until 1 stitch remains between each pair of markers.

Close the Crown

Transfer the stitches across the needle, removing the markers. Cut the yarn, leaving a 1-yard (0.9 m) tail. Thread it through the remaining stitches from the opposite end of the row, left to right, and draw the crown closed. (Video 41:41)

Seaming & Blocking

With the right side facing out, seam the side edges using mattress stitch. (Video 43:35)

Soak the finished balaclava for approximately 15 minutes in water at a temperature appropriate for your yarn. Roll it gently in a towel to remove excess water and lay flat to dry.