Beate Balaclava Mini is the junior version of the original Beate Balaclava, in sizes 1 month through to 4 years old.
Just as the original, this balaclava is designed to have a completely seamless look and a rounded fit over the back of the head, without any visible lines from picking up stitches. Adapted to the little ones, this mini version features a “bib”, split into a front and an extended back piece. This ensures the upper body stays warm and toasty, even on the coldest days. It also helps the balaclava remain securely tucked into jackets and snowsuits.

The balaclava is knitted top-down in stockinette stitch and is finished with an i-cord edge around the face and the edge of the bib. It is cast on using Judy’s Magic Cast On and the upper part of the balaclava is shaped using German short rows.

Skill Level: INTERMEDIATE

Dinosaur Modification: The classic Beate Balaclava Mini can be modified for a dinosaur / crocodile look, you can find the free instructions for the modification here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beate-balaclalva...

Techniques Used: Judy’s Magic Cast-On, German Short Rows, i-cord edges, increases and decreases.

YARN & GAUGE
23 sts / 10 cm on 3.5 mm needles in stockinette
Rows / 10 cm is not important, as the length of the balaclava is knitted based on measurements.

ORIGINAL YARN
40 (40) 50 (50) 55 (60) 70 g Sunday (235m / 50g) held with
25 (25) 30 (30) 35 (35) 40 g Tynn Silk Mohair (212m / 25g) from Sandnes Garn

ALTERNATIVE YARN SUGGESTIONS
65 (70) 75 (80) 90 (100) 120 g Melody (140m / 50g) fra Drops
40 (40) 45 (50) 55 (60) 70 g Saperlipopette (125m / 25g) fra Fonty
90 (90) 100 (105) 115 (125) 150 g Alpakka (110m / 50g) fra Sandnes Garn
40 (45) 45 (50) 55 (65) 75 g Cashmere Premium (115m / 25g) fra Lang Yarns
40 (40) 45 (50) 55 (60) 70 g Como (120m / 25g) fra Lamana
40 (40) 45 (50) 55 (60) 70 g Natural Alpaca Pelo (125m / 50g) fra Lana Grossa

To achieve as seamless a look as possible I recommend using a textured yarn, such as brushed alpaca, bouclé or mohair, as these types of yarn hides any visible traces of the increases. In a smoother yarn a few increases on the top of the hat will be visible.