The Sainte-Lucie balaclava has been with me for a long time: its first experiments date back to 2021, when I was exploring knitting without a pettern. Since moving to the forest, this accessory has naturally become part of my everyday life, making me want to revisit the concept with particular attention to its shape and functionality.
Designed above all to offert real protection against the cold, the balaclava effectively covers the ears and part of the face. It is knitted at a dense gauge, wich maximizes the insulating properties of the wool and makes it remarkably warm. Its rustic look is enhanced by a constrasting finish along the edges (which is optional, of course!), adding a touch of color while maintaining a simple, timeless aesthetic.
MATERIALS
– Peace Fleece yarn equivalent (183 m/100 g): 75 g of the main color and 10 g of the contrasting color (approximately 145 m and 18 m);
– 4.00 mm needles (straight or circular), or whatever size you need to obtain gauge;
– Tapestry needle for seaming.
GAUGE
15.5 stitches x 4 inches / 10 cm
Gauge note: since the balaclava is designed to be worn in very cold weather, the gauge is tight to let less air through. Keep this in mind when choosing your yarn: go for a slightly heavier yarn than what is usually recommended for 4.00 mm needles.
CONSTRUCTION
The balaclava begins by forming a rectangle. Stitches are then picked up all around to form the head section. Next, stitches are added on each side using the backward loop cast on method to create the neck section. The front of the balaclava is seamed using mattress stitch. To finish, stitches are picked up to knit a narrow section of ribbing around the face.
The Sainte-Lucie balaclava has been with me for a long time: its first experiments date back to 2021, when I was exploring knitting without a pettern. Since moving to the forest, this accessory has naturally become part of my everyday life, making me want to revisit the concept with particular attention to its shape and functionality.
Designed above all to offert real protection against the cold, the balaclava effectively covers the ears and part of the face. It is knitted at a dense gauge, wich maximizes the insulating properties of the wool and makes it remarkably warm. Its rustic look is enhanced by a constrasting finish along the edges (which is optional, of course!), adding a touch of color while maintaining a simple, timeless aesthetic.
MATERIALS
– Peace Fleece yarn equivalent (183 m/100 g): 75 g of the main color and 10 g of the contrasting color (approximately 145 m and 18 m);
– 4.00 mm needles (straight or circular), or whatever size you need to obtain gauge;
– Tapestry needle for seaming.
GAUGE
15.5 stitches x 4 inches / 10 cm
Gauge note: since the balaclava is designed to be worn in very cold weather, the gauge is tight to let less air through. Keep this in mind when choosing your yarn: go for a slightly heavier yarn than what is usually recommended for 4.00 mm needles.
CONSTRUCTION
The balaclava begins by forming a rectangle. Stitches are then picked up all around to form the head section. Next, stitches are added on each side using the backward loop cast on method to create the neck section. The front of the balaclava is seamed using mattress stitch. To finish, stitches are picked up to knit a narrow section of ribbing around the face.
