Fun, quick and interesting knit and a great practical cold weather garment for the little ones.

The Gatan Balaclava – Kids is knit bottom up with 2 strands of yarn held together. First the neck is worked in the round and then a garter rib pattern is worked flat for the head section. The back of the neck and the top of the head has simple but effective shaping for a better fit and visual interest. The top of the head is turned similarly to a heel (explained in the pattern) and stitches are picked up around the face opening for the finishing rib edge.

Sizes
Baby (toddler) child 3 - 5 y (child 6 - 10 y)

Measurements
Fits head circumference of
33 - 38 (48) 51 (53) / 13 -15 (19) 20 (21) inches


Finished length
With unfolded neck
19,5 (22) 24 (26) cm / 7 ½ (8 ½) 9 ½ (10)

With folded neck
21,5 (25) 27 (29) cm / 9 (9 ¾) 10 ¾ (11) inches

Important note on sizing
Kids head sizes vary quite a lot. So it is always safer to go by the measurements than the age bracket when choosing a size. If possible measure around the widest part of the recipient’s head and compare with the given measurements. If in doubt go up a size.

Gauge
29 sts x 44 rows per 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inches
Gauge swatch is worked flat in garter rib stitch using size B needles

Suggested needles
Size A 3 mm (40 cm) / US 2.5 (16 inches) circular needles or 3 mm / US 2.5 dpns
Size B 3.25 mm (40 cm) / US 3 (16 inches) circular needles or 3.25 mm / US 3 dpns
Or needles that give you gauge

Yarn
Unfolded neck
1 strand light fingering merino (250 m / 50 g) 88 (110) 140 (180) meters / 96 (120) 153 (196) yards and
1 strand lace weight silk mohair (210 m / 25 g) 88 (110) 140 (180) meters / 96 (120) 153 (196) yards
Held together throughout

Folded neck
1 strand light fingering merino (250 m / 50 g) 100 (120) 150 (200) meters / 110 (132) 164 (219) yards and
1 strand lace weight silk mohair (210 m / 25 g) 100 (120) 150 (200) meters / 110 (132) 164 (219) yards.
Held together throughout.

Sample is worked with 1 strand Knitting for Olive Merino and 1 strand Knitting for Olive Silk Mohair held together in the color Dusty Artichoke.

Notions
Darning needle
Stitch Markers