This balaclava is a top-down, seamless design that provides warmth and comfort while maintaining a snug yet flexible fit. The construction begins with a flat-knit square at the top of the hood, which ensures a structured shape while allowing for smooth shaping along the sides.
Stitches are then picked up along the edges of the top panel to form the sides of the hood, which are worked downward in stockinette stitch. Short rows shape a well-fitting back, making the balaclava longer at the back.
Once the hood is complete, stitches are picked up for the neck ribbing, which is worked in the round to provide a snug yet comfortable fit. The face opening is finished with ribbing, offering stretch and stability to keep the balaclava in place.
This design is ideal for layering in cold weather, and its simple yet functional construction makes it a great stash-busting project for knitters looking to combine different yarns or textures.

Sizing: Baby (Toddler, Kid) (Adult S, Adult M, Adult L)
To fit a head circumference of approximately: 35.5–40.5 (40.5–46, 45.5–51) (51–56, 53–58.5, 56–61) cm.

Materials
Yarn: Aran weight yarn, approximately 85 (100, 120) (145, 175, 220) meters.
Yardage may vary if your gauge/yarn is different.
For the Adult size sample used: one strand of The uncommon thread, Highland Worsted, 100% Peruvian Highland wool, 200m/100g. Color: Belle Epoque, held together with one strand of The uncommon thread, Suri silk lace, 74% Baby suri alpaca, 26% Mulberry silk, 300m/50g. Color: Belle Epoque.
For kid size sample, used: Strand of Wooldreamers Mota, 100% Wool, 230m/100g. Color: Gris natural, held together with one strand of The uncommon thread, Suri silk lace, 74% Baby suri alpaca, 26% Mulberry silk. 300m/50g. Color: Belle Epoque.
Gauge: 16 sts & 23 rows = 10 cm in stockinette stitch, worked flat on gauge needles.
Needles:
4.5 mm (gauge needles), 80 and 40 cm circular needles, or longer circular needles for the Magic Loop method.
4 mm or half size smaller than gauge needles, 40 cm circular needle, and DPNs (or longer circular needle for Magic Loop method) for small circumference knitting, for ribbing.
Or adjust the needle size to meet the gauge.
Other Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, stitch holders (or scrap yarn), measuring tape.