Knit an Australian icon and look like Australia’s most famous explorer!

Douglas Mawson’s epic adventures in the Antarctic in the early 20th century and his ongoing contribution to science in Australia have ensured his place in the history books. His famous balaclava is now in the collection of the South Australian Museum (via the Mawson family). It is clearly a one-off, hand-knitted from a variety of different colours of grey and blue flecked wools, the crown even featuring a small amount of pink mixed with grey.

You will need a total of 100gms of either DK yarn or two strands of fingering yarn held together. The body of the balaclava is knitted in the round and requires either double pointed or circular needles.

This pattern is suitable for beginner to intermediate level.

Pattern created by Kristin Phillips, Principal Conservator Textiles, Artlab Australia and Lianne Gould, Master Knitter.