The Balaclava
A clean, versatile balaclava — just a few panels, simple to cut, easy to sew, adaptable to almost any fabric.
pattern
One of the early ones
This is one of the first patterns I drafted. It is a full course with the same build-along treatment as everything else — but it predates the sizing system and the drafting standards used across the newer catalogue, so expect fewer sizes and a rougher-looking sheet.
It still builds, and it is still one of the most trusted early ones. For the current standard, look at the Yard Jacket or anything released recently.
Four sheets of A4, taped together, from my original hand-drafted balaclava. It is not a polished modern pattern and it doesn't pretend to be — you'll spot the rough edges. I've kept it up because it still works perfectly, and because the quirks are part of it.
Watch it made before you cut
This build sits inside a longer beginner's guide — it starts at 42:00, and the player above jumps straight there.
What to make it in
Weights and sourcing are in the materials list that comes with the pattern.
What arrives
Never printed a pattern before? The print & tiling guide covers it in about twenty minutes.
Measure the 2″ test square first. It's the only thing that goes wrong, and the only thing you can't undo. Print at 100%, from a laptop rather than a phone.
Buy a little more fabric than you need, and run the tricky part once in something cheap before you touch the good stuff.
Never made a pattern before? Start with the free ones — they're the same system, no risk.
Goes well with
Stuck? Message me.
Not a help desk — me, on WhatsApp, usually the same day. Missing files, printing trouble, or a seam that isn't behaving.
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