The Battenberg Balaclava is super cosy and fun to knit up! Perfect for those wanting to try intarsia for the first time as it’s a small item made with chunky wool, so will fly off your needles. The cord around the face means it can be pulled as tight as you’d like it, making for a customisable fit.

Level: Confident beginner / intermediate.

Yarn: Alpachino Merino by Wool and the Gang or any other chunky (bulky) weight you can meet gauge with.

Meterage: MC - 75 metres. CC - 45 metres.

Needles: 5.50mm 40cm and 7.00mm 60cm circular needles.

Gauge: 14 stitches 21 rows knit in stockinette on 7.00mm needles = 4x4 inch / 10x10cm square.

Sizes: This pattern is one size only, for head sizes 21-24 inches / 53-61 cms.

Finished measurements: width - 6 inches / 15.2 cms, length - 13.5 inches / 34.2 cms when laid flat.

Tools & notions: 1 stitch markers. 1 darning needle. Scissors.

Construction: The Battenburg Balaclava starts at the bottom with the neck ribbing which is worked in the round. Then the main hood is worked flat using intarsia for the checkered pattern. Short rows are used to create the shaping of the hood, and lastly stitches are picked up around the edges to work the face ribbing in the round.