(oh it’s definitely named after the scream. Things are going well, though! I’ve just been a little stressed.)

Knit this simple balaclava mostly in stockinette! It features a few little details around the increase lines, plus the intrigue of balaclava shaping, but the knitting itself is straightforward and minimalist.

Wilhelm is built to frame the face, but most wearers should be able to pull the lower part up over the nose in chilly weather. The samples are shown in scraps of worsted/DK yarn, including Malabrigo Yarn Rios, Cascade Yarns Superwash 220, and more.

Work is both flat and in the round. I did finally use a different situational bindoff, though! For a more thorough explanation of Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off, check out this article by the actual Jeny.

Materials:

• 210-225 yards soft DK- to worsted-weight yarn
• 1 16” circular needle in US8/5.0mm, or size needed for gauge.
• Tapestry needle
• 4 stitch markers

Gauge:
Gauge is 19 sts and 28 rows over 4”/10cm of stockinette stitch, worked flat and blocked. Please be sure to check your gauge.

Measurements
This balaclava measures about 15”/38cm tall and 9.25”/23cm deep/across, which should fit an average adult head circumference of about 21-23”/cm.