Whether you love spending time outside in the winter or just want to stay warm and cozy, knit balaclavas are the best way to keep your head and face toasty! They come in many styles – tight-fitting for sports, loose and stylish for wearing around town, or anything in between! Find your next balaclava knitting pattern in this collection of 17 free balaclava knitting patterns for beginner and intermediate knitters.
Our Favorite Balaclava Knitting Patterns
Balaclavas are one of the best things to knit during the winter months. They’re relatively quick to make and super useful. Make one for yourself or your family’s winter gear – or make a bunch to sell at your next craft fair.
What is a balaclava?
A balaclava is a face covering that slips over the head, protecting it from the wind and cold. Balaclavas have openings in the front – sometimes just large enough for the eyes and sometimes wide enough for the whole face.
They can be tight-fitting or roomy, depending on the pattern you choose. And while often knit from wool, balaclavas can also be knit with other yarns.
Are balaclavas easy to knit?
Balaclavas make a good project for comfortable beginners or intermediate knitters. Besides basic stitches, casting on, and binding off, balaclavas use a few other techniques like knitting in the round and simple seaming. They’re a relatively easy project that allows beginners to practice fundamental skills while creating something really cool.
17 Free Balaclava Knitting Patterns
Enjoy these fun and free knit balaclava patterns!
Roomy Balaclava
This loose-fitting balaclava is worked from the top down with a wide front opening. It’s made with a strand of aran and a strand of fingering-weight yarn held together, making for a bulky, warm, hood that goes with everything!
Yarn weight: Aran and fingering
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk and Knitting for Olive Merino
Crayon Balaclava
This colorful balaclava is fast and easy to knit and is perfect for beginners. It’s knitted in the round and is offered in three adult sizes. With this snug and cozy pattern, you can stay warm whether you’re hitting the slopes, ice skating, or going for a walk.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Noro Kureyon
BB Balaclava
Enjoy this sweet balaclava in size small or medium. The top is created using the textured seed stitch, while the neck features a snug ribbed pattern that’s ideal for keeping the wind and chill out.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash
Frost Buster Balaclava
There’s no need to dread the cold with this comfortable and toasty balaclava! This pattern is worked in the round using the moss stitch and ribbed edges. You’ll need to do some simple sewing to seam this piece together at the top.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Air
Bernat Striped Knit Balaclava
Featuring self-striping yarn and simple stitches, this easy pattern is great for beginners or for making to give as a gift. The face opening is just enough to see out, so your whole face will stay snug and warm during all your outdoor adventures!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Pop!
Wrapped in Wonder
Featuring the fisherman’s rib stitch and a wide, flared neck, this balaclava will keep you warm while displaying a sophisticated, wintery look. Grab your favorite neutral and enjoy this gorgeous pattern!
Yarn weight: Sport and lace
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca and Garnstudio DROPS Kid-Silk
Hooded Cowl
This loose-fitting hood can easily be pulled on or worn back. It’s knitted in the round and makes a great first-time cowl knitting pattern.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Urth Harvest Worsted
Solo Halo
No seaming is required for this snug, one-piece pattern. It’s worked from the bottom up. This balaclava features a spacious facial opening so you can take in the sights while still keeping your head warm, too!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Merino Extra Fine
Tromsø Hoodie
This easy balaclava knitting pattern is simple to follow and is knit on large needles, making it an ideal project for beginners. You’ll want to be comfortable with using circular needles, knitting in the round, the stockinette stitch, and basic seaming.
Yarn weight: Fingering and bulky
Suggested yarn: Rauma Inca Alpakka and Rauma Iris Alpakka
Ronja
This wintery balaclava uses the fair isle technique and is suitable for intermediate knitters. Its completed size measures approximately 19” in circumference. Enjoy this cozy and colorful pattern!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Rowan Norwegian Wool
Friend of the Forest Hood
This free-spirited hood is available in three sizes (small, medium, and large). The smallest size is ideal for toddlers and young children, making this pattern a great option for nearly anyone! The pattern is easy to follow and features pictures of each angle of the finished hood.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lana Grossa Alta Moda Alpaca
The Notorious Cowl
This pattern is knit in one piece from the bottom up. It’s made by holding a sport weight and a lace weight together. To make this pattern, you’ll want to be comfortable with working German short rows, the three needle bind off, and twisted rib.
Yarn weight: Sport and lace
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca and Garnstudio DROPS Kid-Silk
Wintery Casual Balaclava
Cozy up in this casual knitted balaclava. It’s the perfect companion for hiking, walking across campus, or just getting out for some fresh air on those chilly winter days. It’s worked in a 1x1 rib and features a fitting cord on the brim.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash
Seamless Kitty Cat Hat
Featuring the cutest little kitty ears, this balaclava is adorable on any little one! It’s available in three different children’s sizes. This precious pattern is best for advanced beginners or intermediates, and is perfect for gift-giving!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted
Bernat Little Gnome Hat
Perfect for keeping tiny faces and ears warm, this gnome cap is a classic for babies and toddlers. The pattern is offered in three sizes: 6/12 months, 18/24 months, and 4 years. This is an easy pattern that also makes a lovely gift.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Bernat Softee Baby
Antifreeze
This mask is made especially for snowboarders, skiers, winter bikers, or anyone who wears a helmet in the winter. It features helmet buckle slots, so you can buckle tightly under the mask while also still allowing your helmet to fit snugly. Optionally, you can add ponytail holes, too.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Karabella Aurora 8
Hooded Neckwarmer
Rustic and cozy, this loose-fitting hooded neckwarmer is worked both in the round and in rows. When you’re finished knitting, you’ll want to block your pattern to get the best shape. This comfortable pattern goes with everything and will quickly become a cold-weather staple!
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Brush
Knitting Supplies You’ll Need
To knit a balaclava, you’ll need:
- Yarn
- Knitting needles (usually circular needles or double-pointed needles)
- Other notions (scissors, yarn needle, stitch markers, etc.)
What yarn is best for knitting balaclavas?
Since you wear balaclavas next to your face, choose a super soft, non-scratchy yarn. Superwash wool yarn is a great option because it’s warm and machine-washable. For something different, try alpaca wool – it’s especially warm and soft.
Some of our favorite yarns for balaclava knitting include Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash, Swish Worsted, and Garnstudio DROPS Air.
In the list below, we’ve linked to the suggested yarns for each pattern. Feel free to switch them out – just be sure to check your gauge before starting on your pattern.
Knitting Techniques to Know
Not sure if you’re ready to knit a balaclava? Here are some techniques to know before getting started:
- Casting on
- Knitting
- Purling
- Binding off
- Knitting in the round
- Making a gauge swatch
Tips for Successful Balaclava Knitting
Choose the right pattern for your skill level.
This list is full of different types of patterns for a variety of skill levels. If the first pattern you love doesn’t look like a good fit, there are plenty of other options!
And, of course, it’s always a good idea to read through the pattern and make sure you understand all of the instructions before committing to one.
Measure for proper fit.
Many balaclava patterns come in multiple sizes. Check the finished measurements against your own for the best. Tip: Balaclavas are usually knit with a slight negative ease.
Make a gauge swatch.
We totally understand that anxious-excited feeling of just wanting to jump into a project! However, it’s worth the work and extra time to make a gauge swatch first, especially for a wearable such as a balaclava. If your gauge is too small or large, adjust your needle size accordingly. It’ll be worth it to have a balaclava that fits perfectly.
More Knitting Patterns
If you love to knit as much as I do, you may be interested in the following knitting articles.
- 25 Free and Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 27 Free & Easy Knit Hat Patterns
- 25 Free & Easy Sweater Knitting Patterns (Great for Beginners!)
- 25 Free & Easy Cardigan Knitting Patterns (Beginner-Friendly!)
- 27 Free Loom Knitting Patterns for All Skill Levels
What’s Next?
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