Free Balaclava Sewing Pattern

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Learn how to make a balaclava with a free sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project uses fleece or sweatshirting in kids and adults sizes.

We have had a ridiculous amount of snow this year, and my kids have had so much fun playing in it. Since balaclava’s have been so popular in the last couple of years, I decided to develop a pattern for children and adults to use.

My goal with this pattern was that it would be easy to sew so that multiple ages and levels could make it. It’s not exactly the trendy look, but you could always choose a different fabric to make it your own. The face mask can also be left off for a completely different look.

Free Balaclava Sewing Pattern

What fabric works for a balaclava?

This sewing pattern was designed to work with a stable knit fabric like polar fleece, sweatshirt fleece, and French terry. Stable knit fabrics stretch along the horizontal and do not stretch on the vertical. They are often plush and thick which is perfect for keeping warm.

Should I prewash the fabric?

Yes, you should prewash the fabric. Prewashing is always a good idea when it comes to making clothing or accessories. You want to wash and dry it the way you’ll treat the finished item, and it’ll hopefully remove any shrinking before you cut.

Free Balaclava Sewing Pattern

What sizes does the pattern come in?

The pattern comes in 5 combined sizes which are child 3-6, child 7-10, teen, small adult, and large adult. See the sizes below to check circumferences and heights.

free balaclava sewing pattern

What is a PDF sewing pattern?

A PDF pattern is a sewing pattern designed on the computer and organized so that it can be printed on several letter or A4 size pieces of paper.

I love using PDF sewing patterns because if the pattern gets ruined or if my children or I changed sizes, I can always print it again. It’ll never be destroyed since I have a digital version!

How do you use a PDF sewing pattern?

Open the PDF on a computer and click print. When printing make sure that the scaling is set to 100% or no scaling so that the pattern prints at the correct size.

Once the pattern is printed it can be taped together to get the full size. Then the pattern can be cut for each pattern piece size or individual sizes can be traced so that the pattern can be used again and again. Learn how to use PDF sewing patterns.

Free Balaclava Sewing Pattern

Do you love to sew? Try on of these fun sewing projects:

Free Balaclava Sewing Pattern

How to Make a Balaclava

Supplies

  • 1/2 yard of polar fleece, sweatshirt fleece, or French terry
  • Matching thread
  • Free balaclava sewing pattern – get it at the end of the post
  • Ballpoint sewing machine needle
  • Sewing tools
  • Sewing machine

Do you just want the pattern and tutorial as a PDF? Get the pattern and tutorial for just $5. You won’t need to access the internet every time you want to make it. Or get the Pattern Bundle with ALL the PDF tutorials!

Cut out two hood pieces and two mask pieces from the fabric. Make sure the horizontal stretch is lined up with the stretch line on the pattern.

balaclava sewing pattern pieces

Match up the hood pieces right sides together. Sew the front seam and the back/top seam with a 3/8 inch seam allowance. Sew with either a zigzag stitch or a serger.

sew front, back, and top of hood

Turn the bottom and the face opening in 1/2 inch and pin. Sew the hems with a zigzag stitch catching the raw edge of the fabric.

If you are just making the hood, then you are finished!

hem bottom and face of hood

Place the mask pieces right sides together and pin. Sew the top curve between the top corners with either a zigzag stitch or a serger.

Turn the mask inside out and push out the top curve.

sew top of mask

Line up the sides and bottom of the mask and pin. Baste the two layers together to make the next step easier.

baste bottom and sides of mask

Pin the mask into the face opening of the hood. Match the bottom mark of the mask with the center front seam of the hood. The edge of the mask should line up with the edge of the hem inside the hood. The mask should go all the way around the bottom and sides of the face opening.

Sew the mask in place with a zigzag stitch just inside the hem stitching line. Make sure you are catching the mask edges as you sew.

pin mask onto face edges

The balaclava is now done. You finished!

sew mask in place

Get the Free Sewing Pattern here!

Free Balaclava Sewing Pattern

If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!

heather sewing

I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather

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the link for the balaclava is not working. Please fix! Thanks!