It’s a sock-weight balaclava!

Designed around half-skein sock yarn leftovers from other projects, this open-faced hoodie balaclava is a great showcase for colorful yarns in smaller amounts. And frankly, I think it’s cute.

This was meant to be a very simple sock yarn balaclava, as you can probably infer from the name of the pattern. It still is one, but now it’s got a few little textured details and stripes beyond the basic garter stitch that was the original plan.

The hood part of the balaclava is cozy garter stitch for comfort, with contrasting stockinette stripes for visual interest. A long ribbing section makes this piece more versatile—you can roll the ribbing up for a faux toque if you don’t want the full balaclava effect.

(This is an open-faced/hoodie style balaclava, rather than a facemask style, but a long ribbing section makes that easier to pull up over your face, too.)

Materials:

• 180-200 yards MC: Hedgehog Fibres Sock in Zephyr; 150-170 yards CC: Cascade Heritage Sock in Steel
• 1 16” circular needle in US 2-3/2.75-3.25mm or size needed for gauge.
• 1 16” circular one size down from size for gauge
• Crochet hook, size B/2.25mm or suited to yarn for cast-ons
• Tapestry needle
• 2 removable stitch markers

Gauge:
Gauge is 28 sts and 48 rows over 4”/10cm of blocked garter stitch, worked flat. Please be sure to check your gauge!

Sizes and Measurements:
Two sizes: s/m and m/l.
s/m: 13”/33cm tall by 7.5”/19cm deep at the hood
m/l: 15.25”/38cm tall by 8”/20cm deep at the hood