I designed this set of matching balaclavas for my German “step daughter” and her dog. I marred both our cultures by combining the traditional Irish “Aran bobble & cable” design with a 19th Century German “Lochstreifen” (or “hole strip”) sock lace pattern in the human hat. For the dog version I combined a German open cable with a central eyelet hole combined with the same bobble pattern.

I named the pattern “Ballaclamhagh” with a nod to the many Irish towns starting with the word “Balla”. translating to “Homestead”.

The human balaclava is lined and can be worn in reverse, and the double layer in sock weight yarn allows for a very insulating and warm hat. For the cooler dog version, the lining is mimicked by a contrasting edging at the bottom of the neck funnel.

The hole patterns allow for the contrasting lining to peep through, while the dog hat shows the fur color through the open cable which runs up the center back.

Both layers are knitted separately, and are held together at the face opening by the rib edging. Each part is knitted in one piece, so both knitting in the flat and in the round are used.

This pattern is suitable for advanced knitters, and I provided instructions for each part of the process, including the edging and pompom. The human hat comes in sizes M and L, and one size is provided for the dog version. One skein per color is more than enough and includes the pompom.

I hope you will enjoy the Ballaclamhagh! :)