Balaclava Helmet

This pattern was adapted from a WWII-era British Good Housekeeping leaflet entitled “Good Housekeeping’s Forces’ Knitting Book”.

Materials Required: 3 oz. (approx 500 yds) Lt. Wt. DK or sport weight yarn. [Ed. note: 75-110 yd/oz, 240-360 m/100g]

Needles: Size 6 (4.00 mm) DP needles or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 7 sts/in

Cast on 108 sts. Divide sts evenly onto three needles (36 sts per needle). Mark beginning of round.

Work in K4, P 2 rib for 4″.

Next 6 Rounds: Work in Seed stitch, turning at each side of face opening.
Next 12 Rounds: Dec. once. K to end of round. Turn. Dec. P to end of round.
Next 6 Rounds: Work in seed st, turning at each side of face opening, but not decreasing.
Next 6 Rounds: K, turning at each side of face opening, but not decreasing. (This means working 1 row K, turning and working 1 row P to continue the pattern.)
Next Round: Cast on 20 sts. (to close in face opening). K to end of round.
Next Round: K into back of cast-on sts. K to end of round.
Next Round: (Begin decreasing for head.) K 1st 9 sts. K 2 tog. in 10th st. Continue knitting 2 tog. in every 10th st. to 80th st. K 2 tog.
Next Round: K to last 2 sts. K 2 tog.
Next Round: * K 1st 8 sts, K 2 tog.* Continue * to * to end of round.
Next 3 Rounds: K
Next Round: * K 1st 7 sts. K 2 tog.* Continue * to * to end of round.
Next 3 Rounds: K
Next Round: * K 1st 6 sts, K 2 tog.* Continue *.* to end of round.
Next 3 Rounds: K
Next Round: * K 5 sts. K 2 tog.* Continue *. to * to end of round.
Next 3 Rounds: K
Next Round: * K 4 sts. K 2 tog. * Continue * to * to end of round.
Next 3 Rounds: K
Next Round: *K 3 sts, K 2 tog. * Continue * to * to end of round.
Next 3 Rounds: K
Next Round: *K 2 sts. K 2 tog.* Continue * to * to end of round.
Next 2 Rounds: K 2 tog across round.
Break off wool and draw tightly through remaining stitches. Finish off firmly inside.