Looking to make your own cozy and trending knit balaclava hood this winter? You are in the right place! Featured here are three different balaclava knitting patterns. Each balaclava hood is constructed with a different weight of yarn, allowing you to utilize some of your yarn stash for one of these fun hooded scarves! The Garland Hood is knit with chunky weight yarn (5), the Cozy Balaclava is knit with worsted weight yarn (4), and the Raspberry Sorbet knitting pattern is knit with DK weight wool yarn. Three fun options!
What is a balaclava? A balaclava is defined as “a close-fitting garment covering the whole head and neck, except for parts of the face and typically made of wool”. Traditionally, a balaclava was a close-fitting hood worn in cold, wintry weather.
The “balaclava” name originated from the Battle of Balaclava (not to be confused with baklava, lol) during the Crimean War. The Battle of Balaclava, fought on October 25, 1854, was part of the Siege of Sevastopol (1854-55), an Allied attempt to capture the port and fortress of Sevastopol, Russia’s principal naval base on the Black Sea. The war was between Turkey and Russia over the Crimea. The British were allies of Turkey.
Reports of the British soldiers suffering from the cold and adverse weather conditions during the Crimean War made their way back to the British people. The public, concerned for their soldiers, knitted balaclava face masks for the troops and sent them to their men to protect them from the elements.
History repeated itself during WWI and WWII. Reports of soldiers struggling in cold weather again reached the public. “You Can Help” campaigns were sponsored by The American Red Cross, and the public began knitting warm socks, gloves, hats and balaclavas. The troops fighting in this war were gifted these hand-knit head coverings from back home to protect them from the cold weather.
The balaclava today continues to be worn on a global scale because of its accessibility and practicality. The utilization of this knitted headwear and face covering is prevalent in our society today and is worn by skiers, snowmobilers, snowboarders, soldiers and other armed forces, police and security personnel, etc. for warmth.
The balaclava hood has also, in recent years, become a fashion statement. Influencers and celebrities have popularized the balaclava hood fashion trend, staying warm and cozy in the process!
How did I learn about the balaclava? I had just entered the design world and Etsy mentioned in their trend report that balaclavas were currently in demand in the fashion world, so I started to research the subject. All I knew was that the word “balaclava” sounded a lot like “baklava”, and it made me crave some! I decided to make my first balaclava hood. The Cozy Balaclava knitting pattern was the result.
As a Michigan girl who loves the outdoors and cross-country skiing, these hoods were appealing to me. I have since created patterns for three different balaclavas—each in a different yarn weight: dk, worsted and chunky. Do you have any extra yarn in your stash? A balaclava hood is a fun winter project that knits up quickly.
The Garland Hood Knitting Pattern
The Garland Hood is a hooded cowl with an easy lace border on both the top and bottom of the cowl and also framing the face. This is a fun project made with chunky yarn. The body of the hat and cowl is knit in stockinette stitch.
Techniques used in this chunky knitting pattern include knitting, purling, picking up stitches, seaming and easy shaping. Intermediate pattern which includes lace knitting. Stitches include k2tog, ssk and p2tog through the back loop. Designed to keep you bundled up this winter! One size. Designed to fit the average woman’s head size.
Yarn weight: 80/20 Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lichen and Lace
The Garland Hood knitting pattern can be purchased here:
Ravelry: Garland Hood pattern by ModernVintageKnitsCo
https://modernvintageknitsco.etsy.com/listing/1387457462
The Cozy Balaclava Knitting Pattern
The Cozy Balaclava is a balaclava hood with a ribbed cowl. The hood portion of the balaclava is knit in stockinette stitch with very minimal shaping. It has a drawstring hood, and an I-cord is run through a casing, framing the face.
Techniques used in this current best-selling pattern include knitting, purling, picking up stitches, seaming and easy shaping. One size. Designed to fit the average woman’s head size.
Yarn weight: Superwash Merino Worsted and Marsh Mohair (optional)
Suggested yarn: Lichen and Lace
This best-selling knitting pattern can be purchased here:
Ravelry: Cozy Balaclava pattern by ModernVintageKnitsCo
https://modernvintageknitsco.etsy.com/listing/1350727473
The Raspberry Sorbet Knit Balaclava
The Raspberry Sorbet Knit Balaclava has been knit with a dk weight yarn. The balaclava hood was knit in a combination of rib and garter stitch with a fold-back cuff framing the face. Techniques used include both knitting in the round and straight knitting. In addition, purling and easy shaping is required. Grafting is also used for the join at the top of the hood. Links are given demonstrating required skills. Late beginner to intermediate pattern.
Balaclava hood designed to keep you bundled up this winter! One size. Designed to fit the average woman’s head size.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Black Sheep Dyeworks Superwash Merino Wool
The Raspberry Sorbet Knit Balaclava can be purchased here:
Ravelry: Raspberry Sorbet Knit Balaclava pattern by ModernVintageKnitsCo
https://modernvintageknitsco.etsy.com/listing/1824650743
I hope you have enjoyed reading about the history of the balaclava and seeing my modern twist on this trend. I sincerely hope you will enjoy creating your own balaclava with one of these three cozy knitting patterns.
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Happy knitting!