1. The Rectangle for the Crown: Start by making a slipknot. Wrap the yarn around two fingers so that the yarn crosses over each other. Then, pull the yarn through the loop you just made and tighten it, creating a slipknot.

2. Insert the crochet hook into the slipknot and tighten the yarn. Crochet a chain of loops: wrap the yarn around the hook and pull it through the slipknot. Repeat. The chain now consists of two loops. Continue until the chain has 15 loops.

3. Now, start row two, which consists of double crochets. Begin by crocheting two more loops; these will count as the first double crochet of the row. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook, then insert the hook into the third loop from the hook. Yarn over, pull through the loop, now you have three loops on your hook. Yarn over again and pull through the first two loops, yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops. Now you have only one loop on your hook, and you've completed your first double crochet. Crochet the next double crochet directly into the next loop from where you made the previous double crochet. Continue making double crochets across the chain until you have 15 double crochets in total, including the first “double crochet,” which is actually made of two regular loops. Turn the work.

4. Crochet Two Loops: This counts as the first "double crochet" of the row. Continue as in the previous row: Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook, then insert the hook into the third loop from the hook. Yarn over, pull through the loop, now you have three loops on your hook. Yarn over again and pull through the first two loops, yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops. You will have one loop left on the hook. Crochet the next double crochet into the next loop from the one where you just made the previous double crochet. Note that the loops you crochet into consist of two "rows," kind of like a heart shape. Remember to insert your hook under both "legs" of the loop, unless otherwise stated. Continue making double crochets across the chain, one into each double crochet from the previous row, until you have 15 double crochets in total, including the first "double crochet," which is actually made up of two regular loops. Turn the work. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have 10 rows of 15 double crochets. The rectangle for the crown is now finished.

5. The Hood Begins to Take Shape: Now we will crochet double crochets that extend from three sides of the rectangle. You can continue without cutting the yarn. Crochet two loops, but do not turn the work back, instead continue along the long side of the rectangle. The double crochets from the previous rows will be horizontal here; make two double crochets into each horizontal space that the lying double crochet forms. That is, make 20 double crochets along the long side. When you reach the corner, just continue making double crochets along the short side. The double crochets from the previous row will not lie flat here but will be standing up as usual. Make one double crochet into the top loop of each double crochet, remembering to insert your hook under both "legs" of the loop. Repeat until you reach the next corner and have 15 double crochets along the short side. The third side of the rectangle, i.e., the second long side, is crocheted in the same way as the first long side: two double crochets into each "space" between the lying double crochets. A total of 20 double crochets.

6. Turning the Work Again: Now it’s time to turn the work again, just like with the rectangle at the beginning. Make two loops, which will count as the first double crochet of the row. Make a double crochet in the third loop from the hook, the next double crochet in the next loop, and so on. Crochet double crochets into each double crochet from the previous row, 20 + 15 + 20, then turn at the front edge. From now on, the number of double crochets per row doesn’t need to be exact, as long as you have approximately the same amount on each long side. The model was crocheted with 20 + 15 + 20, but if you miss or miscount by one or two, it’s not critical enough to require unraveling. Continue repeating step 5 until the hood has reached a length that feels appropriate. Feel free to try it on the head that will be wearing the balaclava. The model has 16 rows of double crochets, but you can adjust with more or fewer rows depending on how tight or roomy you want the final result to be. But choose an even number of rows; it will make things easier going forward.

7. Final Row of the Hood: A slight flare at the edge, as well as joining the front edge of the hood "under the chin". Now we are on the right side of the work. Start by making two loops as usual. Make a double crochet in the third loop from the hook, then make another double crochet into the same loop. Continue as on the previous row, with one double crochet in each double crochet, until you have one loop left before the end. Then make three double crochets into the last loop.

8. Joining the Front Edges of the Hood to Create the "Face Hole": Starting from the front corner, crochet a chain of 6 loops. Attach it to the other front corner with a slip stitch: insert the hook into the first double crochet of the row, catch the yarn, and pull it through. Then pull the yarn directly through the loop on your hook.‍

9. Starting the Ribbing Around the "Face Hole": Without cutting the yarn, make a chain of 7 loops. Turn back: skip the first loop of the chain, insert the hook into the next loop, pull through. Now you have two loops on the hook: catch the yarn again and pull through both loops. This is a single crochet. Make 6 single crochets along the chain. Now, the end of this row will be attached to the front edge of the hood to begin the ribbing. Make a single crochet in the space that the "lying" double crochet of the front edge forms, meaning skip the first loop from the previous row (the one with three double crochets). Then make another single crochet in the next space. Turn.

Now you need to make 6 single crochets again. Skip the first two loops from the hook’s perspective, insert the hook into the third loop, pull through, and you’ll have two loops on the hook. Pull through both loops. Note! Here, you should only insert the hook into the "back leg" of the loop — the side that is farther from you. This will create a ribbed texture on the ribbing. Continue with single crochets into the next loops (5 in total) until you have one loop left from the previous row. In this last loop, insert the hook through both "legs" of the loop again. It’s a bit fiddly, but it creates a firmer and more polished edge on the ribbing. Turn.

10. Continue with the Ribbing: Crochet one loop, then insert the hook into the back leg of the second stitch from the hook and make a single crochet. Make five more single crochets like this. The next single crochet will attach the ribbing to the front edge again. Make a single crochet in the space that the "lying" double crochet on the front edge has created, then repeat in the next space. Turn the work, skip the first two loops from the hook's perspective, insert the hook into the back leg of the third loop, pull through, and you will have two loops on the hook. Pull through both loops to make a single crochet. Continue with single crochets in the remaining loops (5 total) until you have one loop left from the previous row. In this last loop, insert the hook through both "legs" of the loop again. Repeat from the beginning of step 9 until you have filled the entire front edge of the "face hole" with ribbing, up to the small chain that connects the front edges beneath the chin.

11. Continue with the Ribbing: Crochet one loop, then insert the hook into the back leg of the second stitch from the hook and make a single crochet. Make five more single crochets in the same way. The next single crochet will attach the ribbing to the front edge again, but now we have the small chain to attach to, and there are no more "lying" double crochets. Instead, make the two attaching single crochets directly around the chain. Insert the hook under the chain, catch the yarn, and pull it back toward you under the chain, creating two loops on the hook. Then catch the yarn over the chain and pull through both loops on the hook. Make another single crochet in the same way around the chain.

12. Now we are back on the inner edge of the ribbing. Turn the work, skip the first two loops from the hook's perspective, insert the hook into the back leg of the third loop, pull through, and you will have two loops on the hook. Pull through both loops to make a single crochet. Continue with single crochets in the remaining loops (5 total) until you have one loop left from the previous row. In this last loop, insert the hook through both "legs" of the loop again.

13. Repeat steps 11 and 12, until you have filled the small chain with a suitable number of ribbing sections. The model was made with a total of seven ribbing sequences on the small chain, but you can adjust the number according to your preference and fit.

14. Now, the short ends of the ribbing piece must be joined together. Repeat step 12, but instead of turning and crocheting one loop, turn the entire piece inside out to be able to crochet a seam on the inside of the ribbing. Hold the ends of the ribbing together and crochet a slip stitch into the first loop on the right edge (the outer edge of the ribbing) on the side further from you. Pull it tight. Then, insert the hook into the back leg of the next loop on the piece closer to you, do the same with the corresponding loop on the other piece, catch the yarn, and pull it all the way through both pieces. You will have two loops on the hook, catch the yarn again, and pull through both loops (single crochet). Repeat until you have joined the ends of the ribbing completely. Then, insert the hook through any loop on the inside of the front edge, catch the yarn, pull through both loops = a slip stitch. Cut the yarn 15-20 cm from the hook, remove the hook from the loop, and pull the yarn end through the loop to secure it. The ribbing is now finished!

15. The Collar. The collar of the balaclava consists of a wider ribbed edge, which is crocheted using the same technique as the ribbing at the front edge. With the wrong side facing you, insert the hook through both legs of the loop, catch the yarn, and pull through. Crochet a chain of 17 loops. Then, insert the hook into the second loop from the hook's perspective, make a single crochet. Make a single crochet in each loop along the chain, totaling 16 stitches. This is the first ribbing row of the collar, which will now be attached to the edge of the hood. The edge of the hood consists of upright double crochets, so it's easy to match with the top loops. Skip the loop where the chain is attached, and make a single crochet in the next loop. Skip another loop, and make a single crochet in the following loop. Turn.

16. Next row of ribbing: Skip the first two loops from the hook’s perspective, insert the hook into the back leg of the third loop, pull through, and you will have two loops on the hook. Pull through both loops to complete a single crochet. Continue with single crochets in each remaining loop (15 stitches) until there is one loop left from the previous row. In this last loop, insert the hook through both "legs" of the loop again. Turn.

17. Crochet a loop, insert the crochet hook into the back leg of the second stitch from the crochet, and make a single crochet. Make fifteen more identical single crochets. The next single crochet will again attach the ribbing to the edge: skip the edge loop where the previous row was attached, and make a single crochet in the next loop. Skip one loop, then make a single crochet in the next loop. Turn.

18. Now, a "double fold" variant is made on the ribbing row. It is repeated at regular intervals. Skip the first two loops from the crochet set, bring the crochet hook down through the back leg of the third, pull through, two loops on the hook, pull through both = a single crochet. Continue with single crochets in the respective loops (15 stitches) until there is one loop left from the previous row. In this last loop, the crochet hook should pass through both "legs" of the stitch again. Turn.

19. Crochet a loop, insert the crochet hook into the back leg of the second stitch from the crochet hook, and make a single crochet. Make nine more single crochets. Turn. Make a single crochet in the back leg of each loop, until there's one left; make a single crochet in that last one as well, remembering to go through both legs of the final stitch. Turn.

Crochet a loop, insert the crochet hook into the back leg of the second stitch from the crochet hook, and make a single crochet. Make fifteen more single crochets. The next single crochet will again attach the ribbing to the edge: skip the edge loop where the previous row is attached, and make a single crochet in the next loop. Skip one loop, and make a single crochet in the next. Turn.

20. Repeat steps 16 and 17 twice. Then repeat steps 18 and 19 once. Continue with steps 16-17 x2 and steps 18-19 x1 until you have filled the entire edge with ribbing. Adjust as needed throughout the process, so you can finish the ribbing with a final repetition of steps 18 and 19. On the front of the collar, “under the chin,” attach the ribbing to the edge of the narrower ribbing. This section doesn’t have a clear row of loops to make the two "attachment stitches" in. Here, you can place them (see step 17) wherever you think it looks best.

21. Once you've reached the end of your row and the ends of your collar will meet, it's time to join them together. Use the same technique as with the smaller ribbing. With the front side facing out, hold the ends of the ribbing against each other. Then insert the crochet hook into the back leg of the next loop on the piece closer to you, do the same with the corresponding loop on the second piece, pick up the yarn and pull it all the way through both pieces. You should have two loops on the crochet hook. Pick up the yarn again and pull it through both loops (single crochet). Repeat until the ends of the ribbing are completely attached. Cut the yarn 15-20 cm from the crochet hook, detach the crochet hook from the loop, and pull the end of the yarn through the loop to fasten.

22. Closing: The yarn tails of 15-20 cm are tied in place by going under a loop with your crochet hook, picking up the yarn, and pulling through the tail. You can lock the yarn tail under itself for extra stability. Repeat a few times, cutting off any excess. Turn the work with the right side facing out.

Now your Balaclava is ready! :)

Congratulations on finishing your balaclava! If you need help with anything else or have any questions, feel free to ask.