Because Sometimes You Just Want to Knit a Giant Pillow

One great way to use a lot of yarn at once is to knit big projects on big needles. Whether you use yarn that was already super bulky or make your own fat yarn by combining multiple strands, it’s really fun to see a project fly off your needles like that.

These chunky throw pillows from Knifty Knittings are a couple of such projects. Originally worked in 2 strands Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, they could just as easily be knit by holding a couple of strands of a different bulky yarn together, or three or more of a worsted weight.

Because they are meant to fit a pillow form, though, you’ll need to check your gauge to make sure your project is going to come out the same size. Or just follow the pattern and make your own pillow form if your size ends up a bit different.

I love the herringbone version, though of course it’s not quite as fast at the Garter or Stockinette options. But any of them would be a lot of fun and add some great, bold knitting to your space.

[Photo: Knifty Knittings.]

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Not too long ago my daughter and I had a discussion about what a chestnut really looks like. The nut itself is small and brown, of course, but on the tree they’re covered with this weird kind of spiky, kind of fuzzy shell. It’s a wonder anyone ever figured out they were edible.

If you didn’t know that, you might wonder why this project is call Chestnut balaclava, but now you know.

This fun design from Yevheniia Pyroh is covered with spikes just like a chestnut shell, and is even the same color, though of course you can make yours whatever color you like. It uses two strands of fingering weight yarn held together (which it says is fingering weight but you could try a light/DK yarn and see if you get gauge with it if you’d rather).

There are two different design options in the pattern. One is a more fitted balaclava style hat (it doesn’t cover the face but does go around the neck) and a looser fit hood.

It’s worked primarily in garter stitch, with shaping done by knitting and purling in the same stitch and through various decreases (including a knit 3 together).

The pattern is charted but also explained in words. It’s worked flat to the size you want, and then joined into a hood shape with ribbing at the neck. The opening for the face is finished with I-cord.

This hood/balaclava would definitely be a conversation starter and in different colors it might read more dinosaur than chestnut, which could also be fun. The sizing is totally custom so you can make it fit whatever head you’re stitching for.

If you want to try it for yourself (and I’d love to hear about it if you do!) you can download the free pattern from Ravelry.

[Photo: Yevheniia Pyroh]

Balaclava Knitting Patterns

Colorwork Balaclava Knitting Pattern [Knitting]

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