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Presenting a crochet pattern for the Kitty Balaclava by Knittybae. Pattern for a versatile head accessory. The Kitty Balaclava can be styled and worn in several different ways:

- as a balaclava with just eyes and nose showing (optional face opening edging included),
- as a balaclava with the whole face showing,
- as a hoodie that can be worn off the face while still keeping your neck warm,
- or folded into a cute cat beanie!


It is worked from top down in the round, made in one piece, with seaming required only at the top. Kitty Balaclava is a made to measure crochet design you can follow the provided size or use your own measurements to customize the fit exactly how you like. Each step includes notes and tips to help you adjust the sizing as needed.

This pattern is provided in English and uses American crochet shorthand/abbreviations. This document spans 24 pages and includes instructive images to further help you pursuit your goal result.
Recommended Skill Level: Advanced Beginner and above.
Pattern uses following crochet stitches: half double crochet (hdc) and sl st (slip stitch).



CONSTRUCTION OF THE BALACLAVA

The Kitty Balaclava is worked from the top-down and constructed as one piece, with only minimal seaming at the top once the balaclava is complete. Begin by crocheting the top section, which forms the kitty ears and the top of the head. Once this piece reaches the required length, an face opening is created at the front center of the balaclava for the eyes and mouth, using a combination of increases and decreases.

After the opening is shaped, the lower part of the balaclava is worked slightly narrower than the top to create proper shaping and ensure a comfortable fit around the head. At this stage, you can also choose to add optional built-in holes at the bottom of the balaclava, which can later be used for tightening.

To finish the balaclava, a long braided tie or I-cord is made and woven between stitches or through the created holes to form a neck closure. Optional instructions are also included for adding a clean lining around the eye opening, giving the balaclava a more polished, finished look.



MATERIALS:

- CROCHET HOOK 7 mm / UK 2 (and 6 mm for optional parts)
- YARN any (up to Bulky no.5) compatible with 7 mm crochet hook
- SCISSORS
- TAPE MEASURE
- STITCH MARKERS
- TAPESTRY NEEDLE (optional for weaving in ends)


YARN RECOMMENDATIONS:

- You can use any yarn of your choice, such as cotton, wool or acrylic. You're welcome to use blends too (e.g. 60% wool and 40% acrylic),
- I highly reccommend to combine 2 or 3 strands of different weight yarns to meet the gauge for 7 mm crochet hook and to create your unique look for the balaclava (e.g. when working with yarn lighter than Bulky, you can add a strand of Super Fine or Lace yarn to bulk it up and reach gauge),
- If you prefer working with a single strand, I recommend using a yarn no heavier than Bulky (no. 5) weight to ensure it works well with the 7 mm crochet hook used in this design.


(e.g. To make the green sample balaclava, I've used 7 mm crochet hook and 3 strands of yarn held together: 2 strands of Super fine (no. 1) Rosários4 Douro 100% Organic Wool in shades 31 and 25, + 1 strand of Lace (no. 0) yarn: HOBBII's Diablo in shade 21 Jade. I've used approx. 180 m of each ball (540 m in total).

Please feel free to share your finished garment on Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest), tagging me @knittybae and using the hashtag #knittybae and #kittybalaclava.