SEWING PATTERN - BALACLAVA w. OPEN BACK

Pattern for balaclava with open back, 3 sizes

MAIN FEATURES:

- Designed for cycling, protecting areas that get cold from the apparent wind (ears, front of the neck), leaving the areas that are in the leeward to fully ventilate. Works well for running/skiing/hiking, any activity when you are exerting energy and have some forward motion*.

- Open back allows for various hairstyles, ponytail friendly;

- Easy to put on and off, especially compared to regular balaclavas;

- Works well under all kinds of helmets: cycling/rock climbing/ski;

- Low profile elastic around face edge and seams on the outside ensure next to skin comfort in the sensitive areas, like neck and face; 

Difficulty level: beginner

Approximate sewing time: 40-80 minutes.

Required equipment: straight stitch sewing machine (no serger required).

MATERIALS:

Fabric:  I recommend using Polartec grid fleece. Pattern works great with 9110 OR style, other styles work as well, you just need good 4-way stretch. 

Get your grid fleece from Ripstop by the Roll  https://ripstopbytheroll.com/collections/polartec/products/polartec-power-grid?rfsn=7388054.93e8db7

*if you use the link above I will  earn a small comission from your order 

Trims: 20 mm foldover elastic, 25 mm hook&loop. 

SIZE RANGE - S, M, L

Note: head size doesn't necessarily match your clothes size.

Choose your size based on ‘face circumference’,  see the picture in the gallery for clarification on where to measure it.

S - 54 - 57 cm, 21 1/4 - 22 1/2”

M - 58 - 61 cm, 22 3/4 - 24”

L - 62 - 64 cm, 24 3/8 - 25 3/16”

If you ever had trouble with hats being too small for you - most likely you'll need to go for size L. 

PRINT 

For each size you will get a .pdf file printable on A4/lettersize. The pattern is small, so I do not think it makes sense to give a plotter printable file, but in case you really need that - contact me at ks@functionalclothinglab.com

* Due to the open back construction back of the neck is exposed to cold. When temperature is below 10 degrees (Celsius) it becomes noticeable. Recommended solution: wear balaclava in combination with: hood / neck warmer / jacket with high collar / turtleneck baselayer etc.