Panda Ski Mask - Free Pattern

This is the perfect accessory for the mischief-maker in your life, even if that person is you! When wearing this cuddly face warmer on the ski slopes, no one will mistake you for someone else. Great for costumes parties or for every day use, whichever you prefer.

Level: Intermediate

Size: Fits most adults

Circumference (unstretched): 20 inches
Length (Short): 17.5 inches (shown in picture)
Length (Long): 21.5 inches

Yarns:

Caron Simply Soft [100% acrylic; worsted weight 4ply; 315 yd per 170g skein]; 1 skein each color
[MC] White
[CC] Black

Needles:

1 16-inch US #9 / 6 mm circular needle
1 set US #9 / 6 mm double-pointed needles
6 stitch markers
Tapestry needle

Gauge: 17 sts/20 rows = 4 inches in pattern

Pattern Notes:

There are two lengths for this mask. The short version, shown in the picture, ends just below the chin to be used as a casual mask. The longer version covers the entire neck to keep warm. PM = place marker. Switch to double pointed needles when stitches get too tight on the circular needles. MC = main color. CC = contrasting color.

Lower Mask:

CO 80 st in MC.
[Short length] Rounds 1-10: Knit 1x1 rib for 10 rounds
[Long Length] Rounds 1-30: Knit 1x1 rib for 30 rounds
Next Round: k 10 rounds.
Next Round: K 32 st, PM, begin row 1 of patt, PM at end of patt, k to end.
Continue patt between markers.

Eye Holes:

Row 52 of patt: K to marker, k 3 in patt, BO 6 st, k 5 in patt, BO 6 st, continue in patt to marker, k to end.
Continue to knit patt between markers. Do not carry yarn across eye hole openings; tie on new yarn to make nose bridge between eye holes.
Row 56 of patt: k to marker, k 3 in patt, CO 6 st, k 5 in patt, CO 6 st, continue in patt to marker, k to end.

Upper Mask:

Continue to end of patt.
Rounds 1-16: K in MC
Round 17: * k 13, PM, repeat from * to end [place 6 markers total]
Round 18: k2tog before every marker, k to end. [6 dec]
Round 19: k
Rounds 20-36: Repeat rounds 18 and 19, 8 times [16 rounds total]
Rounds 37-38: k2tog twice before every marker for 2 rounds [24 dec]

Finishing (Mask):

Cut yarn leaving at least 6 inch tail. Thread onto seaming needle. Thread seaming needle into remaining stitch loops and take off knitting needles. Pull tight to close hole. Knot yarn. Turn hat inside out to sew in all tails.

Ears [Make 2]:

CO 18 st.
Row 1-8: k St st
Row 9 [RS]: SSK, k to last two st, k2tog
Row 10 [WS]: p
Continue to p all WS rows.
Row 11 and 13: SSK, SSK k to last four st, k2tog, k2tog [8 st on needles]
Row 15: SSK, SSK, k2tog, k2tog [4 st on needles]
Row 17: kfb four times [8 st on needles]
Row 19 and 21: kfb, kfb, k to last to two st, kfb, kfb [16 st on needles]
Rows 23: kfb, k to last st, kfb
Rows 25-32: k St st
BO all stitches.

Finishing (Ears):

Fold ear piece in half, WS facing out. Sew up sides. Turn RS out. Sew both ears onto body of hat as shown in the picture.