How to Sew a Children's Winter Balaclava: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Helena Lachowiczová
2026-01-16T16:01:20+01:00

A complete step-by-step guide on how to sew a children's winter balaclava. Tips on materials, sizes, sewing ribbed cuffs, and recommendations for the North Pole pattern for beginners.
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A winter balaclava is an essential addition to every baby's and toddler's wardrobe. Unlike a classic hat, it protects not only the head but also the neck and ears from frost and wind.

And what's best? Sewing one at home is easier than you think!

In this detailed guide, we'll show you how to do it step by step.

Why sew a balaclava at home?

Sewing your own balaclava has several advantages:

Perfect size – exactly according to your child's head circumference

Quality materials – you know exactly what touches your baby's skin

Unique design – colors and patterns of your choice

Cost savings – homemade production is cheaper than buying in a store, often by hundreds of crowns!

Joy of creation – a handmade piece has greater value, and you'll love it more

What you'll need to sew a balaclava

Material

Main fabric: 0.5 m of thicker warm material (boiled wool, sweatshirt fabric, French terry, or fleece for the winter version). Note that it must stretch slightly like fleece or sweatshirt fabric

Lining: 0.5 m of thinner knit fabric – here you can get creative

Rib knit: approx. 20 cm for face trim

Thread: in the color of the fabric

Tools and aids

Sewing machine with a classic straight stitch – it's easier for sewing. You can also sew by hand!

Fabric scissors

Pins or clips

Tailor's chalk or disappearing ink pen

Measuring tape for head circumference

Pattern (we recommend the North Pole pattern)

How to choose the right balaclava size

The correct size is crucial for your child's comfort. Measure the child's head circumference with a tape measure just above the eyebrows and ears. For the North Pole balaclava, the following sizes are available:

43 cm – newborns and small babies (0-3 months)

46 cm – older babies (3-9 months)

49 cm – toddlers (9-18 months)

52 cm – small children (1.5-2.5 years)

56 cm – preschoolers (2.5-3 years)

Tip: If the child is between sizes, choose the one where the child is snug! The balaclava must fit well, and a larger one will be a bit cumbersome when moving. I personally recommend sewing two. One smaller and one larger, and trying which one fits you better.

What material to choose for a winter balaclava

Sweatshirt fabric (French Terry)

An ideal choice for autumn and milder winter. Soft, breathable, and comfortable on the skin. The inside is lightly brushed, providing warmth without overheating.

Fleece or boiled wool

Perfect for really frosty days. Excellent insulation, lightweight, and quick-drying. Especially suitable for outdoor winter activities in the snow.

Knit with fleece (combination)

A professional solution – an outer layer of knit (nice appearance) and an inner layer of fleece (maximum warmth). The best choice for extreme winter.

Important: Always choose Oeko-Tex certified materials that are safe for children's skin.

Step by step: How to sew a North Pole balaclava

Step 1: Prepare the pattern and fabric

Print or lay out the paper pattern and check the control square (it should be exactly 10×10 cm). Cut out the pattern pieces in the chosen size.

Wash and iron the fabric before sewing – knit materials can shrink during the first wash.

Step 2: Cut out the pieces

Place the center balaclava piece on the side balaclava piece right sides together and sew. Pay attention to the rounded shapes. I recommend pinning it well. It's like sewing a hoodie. Sew it together with the second balaclava piece. Sew on an overlocker (sweatshirt fabric) or a regular machine (fleece, boiled wool)

Machine settings:

Stitch length: 2.5-3 mm

Slight thread tension

Step 3: Sew the inner layer

Sew the inner layer of the balaclava in the same way. No opening for turning out needs to be left.

Step 4: Attach the rib knit trim

Fold the rib knit in half lengthwise (right side out) and sew it to the face opening edge of the outer layer. Gently stretch the rib knit so it fits snugly. If you're sewing with a non-stretch material, you'll need to lengthen the trim.

Tip: The rib knit should be approximately 80-85% of the length of the face opening – this will ensure the balaclava stays in place and doesn't pinch.

Step 5: Join the layers

Place both balaclava pieces right sides together, one inside the other. Pin the trim between the layers and stretch it. Then sew. Turn the balaclava right side out.

Step 6: Finishing

Now, serge or overlock the bottom edge of the balaclava, and you're done! If you don't have an overlocker, try an overlock stitch or zigzag stitch.

Tips and tricks for a perfect balaclava

✂️ Sewing the rib knit

Divide the rib knit into quarters with pins, and do the same for the face opening edge. When sewing, connect the marks – this ensures even stretching.

🧵 Stitch choice

If you don't have an overlocker, use a combination on a regular machine: zigzag stitch + straight stitch close to each other. Then trim the excess fabric close to the stitch.

🎨 Decoration

You can decorate the balaclava with an appliqué, embroidery, or patch. Attach it before sewing the layers together – it will be easier.

⚠️ Common beginner mistakes

Too tight rib knit – the balaclava pinches and leaves marks

Wrong knit direction – the balaclava doesn't stretch correctly

Insufficient seam allowance – the balaclava is too small after sewing

Recommended pattern: North Pole

For beginners and advanced sewers alike, we recommend the North Pole balaclava pattern. This pattern includes:

✅ Sizes 43-56 cm (from newborn to preschooler)

✅ Detailed step-by-step photo guide

✅ Tips for material selection and sewing the rib knit

✅ Instructions for a double balaclava with trim

✅ Precise markings for easy sewing

The pattern is designed so that the balaclava fits perfectly, doesn't pinch, and reliably protects from the cold. You'll be done in an hour!

👉 Order North Pole pattern

Care for your sewn balaclava

To make your balaclava last all winter (and maybe even longer), follow these guidelines:

Washing: Machine wash at 30-40°C, gentle cycle

Drying: Lay flat to dry, do not tumble dry

Ironing: Low temperature over a damp cloth or not at all

Storage: Folded in a drawer, not hung (deformation)

Conclusion: Get sewing!

Sewing a children's winter balaclava is a great project for beginners. It's quick, simple, and you'll use the result every day. With a quality pattern like North Pole, you can sew a balaclava in an afternoon.

Don't hesitate and get started! And if you need advice, join our FB group Šibabi.cz, where you'll find support and inspiration from hundreds of other sewers.

Good luck with your sewing and enjoy the winter in warmth! ❄️🧣