Spinal Balaclava is a perfect accessory for the cold winter weathers. It is designed with staghorn cable motifs and mirrored travelling crossed slip stitches starting from the top front of the balaclava and continue over the head and worked until the neck starts.

Materials: 1 skein Gusto Core, shown in #1044

Sizes: 1 (2) to fit 21.3-22.8 (22.8-24)’’ / 54-58 (58-61) cm head circumference

Dimensions: 8 (9)’’ / 20.3 (23) cm width (lying flat on widest point) 14.5’’ / 37 cm length, blocked

Needles: US 4 / 3.50 mm x 2 (2nd one optional) and US 3 / 3.00 mm (23.5’’ / 60 cm long) or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle, stitch markers

Gauge: 29 sts x 26 rows in Stockinette stitch = 4’’/10 cm square with US 4 / 3.50 mm needles, steam blocked

38 st panel of cables & crossed stitch motif measures 3.8’’/ 8.6 cm and 12 rows of a rep of cable motif measures 1.1’’/ 2.8 cm with US 4 / 3.50 mm needles, blocked

Pattern is started with the top piece, worked flat with the cable and crossed stitches. After the top piece is complete stitches are picked up from the sides and worked back and forth with stockinette stitch while the cable motifs are continued. Extra stitches are casted on and the work is joined in round. 2x2 ribbing is worked for the neck. Attached I-cord is applied all around the border of the face.