DIY Gorgeous Classic Crochet Balaclava Pattern
Searching for the perfect crochet balaclava pattern? Your search ends here! This chic, classic-fitted balaclava offers everything you need for style, comfort, and warmth. It’s designed for both men and women.
Here is an adult, life-size mannequin wearing my crochet ski mask style balaclava:
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This design features a beautiful ribbing stitch that looks so good, you might think it’s knitted. But nope—it’s 100% crochet, I promise!
So, how did this pattern come to life? If you’ve been following me for a while, you may remember my bob hair wig pattern, which I designed using the short-row method. After publishing that design, I couldn’t stop thinking about how perfectly that same technique would work for a balaclava.
Of course, I had to try it… and bam! It worked on the first try. Sometimes, all you need is a little inspiration to bring your ideas to life.
Crochet Balaclava Pattern
This balaclava is worked sideways in rows, and as mentioned above, it’s designed using the short-row method. The pattern alternates slip-stitch rows with single crochet rows, with a chain-one and turn at the end of each row to create that beautiful, ribbed texture.
The short-row technique blends shorter and longer rows, allowing for smooth, precise shaping—especially around the crown. In my experience, it’s one of the most interesting and effective methods for crochet hats, wigs, and balaclavas. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back.
The best part? This balaclava is worked in one single piece, features a built-in eye opening, and requires no sewing at all.
Ready to dive in? You’ll find everything you need below—the full materials list, detailed instructions, and plenty of step-by-step photos to guide you along the way.
But before you scroll…
… you may also like these other headwear accessories available here on the blog:
- Crochet Hooded Cowl Pattern
- Witch Hat Crochet Pattern
- Crochet Triangle Bandana Pattern
- Granny Square Bucket Hat Pattern
- Twisted Ear Warmer Crochet Pattern
- Braided Ear Warmer Pattern
- Elf Hat Crochet Pattern
- Baby Crochet Bonnet Pattern
What You’ll Need:
- Worsted weight (# 4) yarn – more on the yarn below.
- 3.75 mm (US F) crochet hook for the smaller size or 4.00 mm (US G) for the larger size, or any other size needed to meet stitch tension.
- Scissors, tapestry needle, and several stitch markers.
Yarn Specifics and Recommendations:
I used 100% Acrylic, I Love This Yarn by Hobby Lobby in color Arctic Ice. Approximately 332 yards (304 m) for the smaller size and 355 yards (325 m) for the larger one. Here are other alpaca and wool blend recommendations if you would rather make it with natural fibers:
- Touch of Alpaca by Lion Brand
- Wool Ease Yarn by Lion Brand
- 100% Extrafine Merino Wool Yarn by The WoolWeave Store
Abbreviations (US terms):
- blo: back loop only
- ch(s): chain(s)
- flo: front loop only
- R: Row
- rem: remains/remaining
- rep: repeat
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- sc: single crochet stitch
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- Yo: yarn over
- [ ]: used to show stitch count in a row.
- Asterisks indicate when certain instructions need to be repeated throughout the pattern.
Finished Balaclava Size:
You can make two sizes with this pattern using two different hook sizes. One for adults with a 22-23-inch (56-58.5 cm) head circumference, and one for older children/teens with a 19-21-inch (51-55 cm) head circumference. The height is 14.5 inches (37 cm).
Stitch tension:
The smaller crochet balaclava, made with a 3.75 mm (F) hook, measured 18 sts x 23 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). For the larger one, my gauge was 16 sts x 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) with a 4.00 mm (G) hook. Note that 1 rib in the pattern = two rows.
Gauge Swatch Pattern:
Use this pattern to crochet a gauge swatch before proceeding to the final balaclava. Adjust the hook size as needed to achieve the specified stitch tension above. Please do not skip this step.
- Row 1: Ch 22, sl sl st in the back bump (aka third loop) of 2nd ch from hook and in the back bump of each ch across, ch 1, and turn. [21 sl sts]
- Row 2(RS): sc in blo across, ch 1, and turn.
- Row 3 (WS): sl st in each st across using both loops, ch 1, and turn.
- Row 4-25: rep rows 2 and 3.
Pattern notes:
- This crochet balaclava pattern uses US crochet terms.
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
- The design was created with single crochet and slip stitches in turning rows. We use the short-row method to shape the crown.
- Turning chain “1” does not count as a stitch throughout the pattern, unless if/otherwise noted.
- This pattern was designed for a close fit, as in a classic balaclava, but the stitch allows for plenty of stretch, making it comfortable to wear.
- If you want a little room around your head, you may go up one size with your hook.
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Crochet Balaclava Instructions
Before you begin crocheting your balaclava, check the pattern notes, gauge, and materials list above. You may also find these free resources helpful: How to Create a Slip Knot, How to Do the Invisible Finishing in Crochet, and A Free Guide to Abbreviations & Terms (PDF download).
Total Time: 3 hours
Rows 1-17:
R1: Ch 74, sl st in the back bump of 2nd ch from hook and in the back bump of each ch across, ch 1, turn. [73 sl sts]
R2 (RS): sc in blo of the sl sts until 2 sl sts rem, ch 1, turn.
R3 (WS): sl st in each st across using both loops, ch 1, turn.
R4-17: rep rows 2 and 3 (7 more x), ch 1, turn. You should have 57 sl sts in row 17.
Maggie’s Pro Tip: Stitch markers will be super helpful throughout this crochet balaclava pattern for keeping track of the row count. Keep in mind that if you lose track, each ribbing (starting with the 2nd rib) in the pattern represents two rows.
Rows 18-19:
R18 (RS): sc in blo to last, do not turn yet, then *create next sc: insert hook through the turning ch flo of previous row, yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert hook in blo of next sc st 3 rows below and pull up another loop (3 loops on hook), complete the sc as usual. Then, sc in blo of next sc. Repeat from the asterisk until 1 sc st left. Sc in both loops of last sc st. Ch 1, turn. [73 sc sts]
R19 (WS): sl st in each sc st using both loops across, ch 1, turn. [73 sl sts]
Rows 20-37:
R19 (WS): sl st in each sc st using both loops across, ch 1, turn. [73 sl sts]
R20 (RS): sc in blo of next 57 sl sts, ch 1, turn.
R21 (WS): sl st in each sc st across using both loops, ch 1, turn.
R22 (RS): sc in blo to last, do not turn yet, then *create the next sc: insert hook through the turning ch flo of the previous row, yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert hook in blo of next sc st 3 rows below and pull up another loop (3 loops on hook), complete the sc as usual. Then sc in blo of the next sc. Ch 1, turn.
R23 (WS): sl st in each sc st across using both loops, ch 1, turn.
Ro24-37: Repeat rows 22 and 23.
Rows 38-53 (top of face opening):
R38 (RS): sc in blo until two sts rem, ch 1, turn.
Here, you’re repeating rows 2 and 3. However, in this step, you’ll crochet shorter rows for the top portion of the face covering. Then, you’ll go back to crochet the bottom portion, leaving an opening for the eyes.
R39 (WS): sl st in next 27 sts using both loops, ch 1, turn.
R40 (RS): sc in blo until two sts rem, ch 1, turn.
R41 (WS): sl st in each sc st across using both loops, ch 1, turn.
R42-53: rep rows 40 and 41 (6 more times), ch 1, turn. You should have 13 sts in row 53.
Rows 54-73 (top of face opening):
R54-55: Repeat rows 18 and 19.
R56 (RS): sc in blo of next 13 sts, ch 1, turn.
R57 (WS): sl st in each SC st across using both loops, ch 1, turn.
R58-73: Repeat rows 22 and 23 (at the end of row #73, you should have 29 sl sts). Cut the yarn, and FO.
Rows 39-73 (bottom of face opening)
You are now crocheting the bottom section of the crochet balaclava’s face covering. Here, the row count is the same as the previous section (it’s not a mistake).
R39 (WS): From the WS of the work, attach the yarn to the st in row 38, where you finished row 39, the one closest to the top section of the face covering (see image below). Then, sl st in each sc st across using both loops, ch 1, turn.
R40 (RS): sc in blo of each sl st across, ch 1, turn.
R41 (WS): sl st in each sc st across using both loops, ch 1, turn.
R42-73: Repeat rows 40 and 41.
Row 74 (closing the eye-hole)
R74 (RS): sc in blo of each of next 44 sl sts, do not turn and do not cut the yarn. Then, sc in the blo of the first sl st of row 73 in the top part to join and close the opening for the eyes, sc in blo of each sl st until 2 sts rem, ch 1, turn.
Rows 75-108:
R75 (WS): sl st in each st across using both loops, ch 1, turn.
R76-89: rep rows 2 and 3. You should have 57 sl sts in row 89.
R90-91: rep rows 18 and 19.
R92-93: rep rows 20 and 21.
R94-108: rep rows 22 and 23. You should have 73 sc sts in row 108, ch 1, do not cut the yarn yet. Use the last sl st row to seam it to the first row with the crochet hook as you go.
Row 109 (balaclava’s back seam):
1. Release the loop from the hook at the end of row 108, then with the finished piece right-side out, align row 108 with the foundation/row 1.
2. Insert the hook into the front loop only of the corresponding stitch on the opposite edge, then pull the loop through.
3. Next, slip stitch along the edges, using only the front loops on both edges to seam them together.
This should give you an invisible seam on the right side of the work and a visible seam on the wrong side.
Finishing the crochet balaclava
Thread a needle with a doubled strand of yarn and sew the top closed. Then, weave in all loose ends. It’s normal for this crochet balaclava to be a little pointy on top when finished; it will settle once on the head.
Estimated Cost: 12.00 USD
Supply:
- Medium Weight Yarn (more on the yarn in the list of materials above)
Tools:
- 3.75 mm (US F) or 4.00 mm (US G), depending on the size you're making, or any other size needed to meet the gauge.
Materials: Scissors, tapestry needle, and stitch markers
I hope you enjoyed making this classic crochet balaclava as much as I enjoyed designing it. I know I loved its knit-look ribbed texture, comfortable stretch, and clean, no-sew construction.
If you give it a try, I’d love to see your finished balaclava—don’t forget to tag me and share your makes.
Happy crocheting! 🧶❄️
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