Here is an easy pattern for a Balaclava, which my mother has recently made for a friend of my brother's who has gone to work in Holland.
Mum did not want to knit using circular needles, so I found a few patterns, as she used these as a base, and adjusted accordingly. Plus it is a lot easier to read that others I found on the net.
Size 3.25mm needles( or size 10)
1 ball of 8ply yarn (100 grams).
CAST ON 112 STITCHES.
Knit first row into back of stitch, then continue in Rib of K2,PS for 6 inches.
Continuing on 3.25mm or size 10 needles, change to Stocking Stitch and knit 3 rows.
On the 4th row - Purl.
Purl 35, cast off 42 stitches, Purl 35.
Work on this last set of 35 stitches (leaviing other 35 stitches on stitch holder), and stocking stitch for 3 1/2 inches (finishing with a Knit Row).
Break off wool, leaving enough to be sewn into seam later.
Now pick up the other 35 stitches from the stitch holder.
Stocking stitch for 3 1/2 inches, starting with a Knit Row and finish with a Knit Row.
Next Row - Purl 35, turn needle, cast on 42 stitches, turn needle and Pul 35 stitches from stitch holder. Now you have 112 stitches on your needle.
Next - Stocking stitch across 112 stitches for 20 rows, then decrease for head.
1st Decrease - K12, S1,K1, PSSO - 8 times (104 stitches)
2nd row - Purl
3rd Decrease - K11, S1,K1, PSSO - 8 times (96 stitches)
4th row - Purl
5th Decrease - K10,S1,K1,PSSO - 8 times (88 stitches)
Continue in this manner decreasing one (1) stitch each alternate row until last 5 rows
K2,S1,K1,PSSO - 8 times (24 stitches)
Purl
K1,S1,PSSO - 8 times (16 stitches)
Purl
Knit 2 TOG across (8 stitches)
Pull wool through these 8 stitches twice and fasten off tight, then sew down back of Balaclava to beginning (ribbing).
To finish off the front face, Mum used 2 needles (3.25mm or size 10). You will find it easier picking up stitches if you use a smaller needle (or crochet hook if you prefer)and then transfer to your size 3.25mm or size 10 needle.
Pick up between 60 & 70 stitches from the left hand side and the bottom with wrong side faciing, then start knitting K2,P2 with the right side facing, for 5 Rows.
Cast off loosely on wrong side (6th row).
Knit same with top and other side, knitting 5 rows and casting off on the 6th.
Catch in the corners neatly and when finished, press lightly with a damp cloth.
HAPPY KNITTING.
The photos show the finished Balaclava
