Free pattern: Balaclava

Machine: Any 4.5mm standard gauge
Tension: 7.25s x 10.5r to 1"
MT = 6

CO 160 sts in 1x1 rib and knit 20 rows*
Transfer to stocking stitch and knit to RC74
Place needles either side of centre 50 to hold and set machine to HOLD
Take centre 50 sts off on waste yarn and return needles to out of work
Knit to RC126 on one side of balaclava and return needles to HOLD
Knit to R126 on other side of balaclava and return needles to HOLD
With waste yarn, cast on over centre 50 sts and get knitting established. Knit 1 row ravel cord
Thread back up with main yarn, reset RC to 126 and knit across all stitches. **Knit to RC162
Transfer every 5th stitch over and knit 1 row. Take off on waste yarn and rehang. Knit 10 rows
Transfer every 4th stitch over and knit 1 row. Take off on waste yarn and rehang. Knit 10 rows
Transfer every other needle, MT=3 and knit 10 rows. Leaving a length of yarn, break it off and thread through live stitches.

Draw up and sew up top of balaclava, and sew back seam.

Using 2mm circular needle, pick up and knit 50 stitches from cast off stitches. Place marker, pick up 40 sts up side of opening, place marker. Pick up 50 sts from cast on edge (knit last two stitches together to make 50), place marker. Pick up 40 sts up side of opening, place marker.

Working in 1x1 rib, work one round until you are 2sts before the last marker.
Next round: K2tog, pass marker, P2tog (or vice versa, to remain in 1x1 pattern), work in 1x1 rib until you are 2sts before the next marker. Repeat paired decreases either side of marker until you reach the last marker.
Next round: Work in 1x1 rib

Repeat last two rounds until 10 rounds of 1x1 rib have been worked. Cast off in rib. Weave in ends.

Face slit version: Work to *, then knit to R126. Cast off centre 50 sts and immediately cast them back on using ewrap, remembering to wrap a needle in hold at both ends. Continue pattern from **.