A ski mask, or balaclava, is a cloth head cover used to protect the face and head from harsh weather.The majority of the head is covered, leaving only the eyes exposed.There are balacas available at sports stores and online.You can make your own mask.You can make a ski mask with a sewing machine, some fleece, and a few measurements.
Step 1: Measure the length and width of the ski mask wearer's head using a tape measure.
The crown of the head has a width.Measure the length from the top of the wearer's head down to the front of their neck.Ski masks come in different lengths.Decide if you want it to stop at the bottom of the chin or the neck.Measure accordingly.
Step 2: Measure the distance between a person's eyes.
The measurement should be extended to the outside of the eyebrows.It's important that the space between the eyes is wide enough for the person to see.
Step 3: Measure from the crown to the top of the eyes.
When you cut the hole for the eyes, this will be important.
Step 4: To allow for seams, add 1 inch to the height and width.
Step 5: Make a note of your measurements.
You will need them later in the process.
Step 6: You can buy 2 yard of fleece.
If you make more than 1 homemade balaclava, this amount will allow you to have some extra fabric.The thicker the fabric, the warmer the climate.
Step 7: A piece of paper has a pattern on it.
If you want to do this, you need to keep in mind the shape of a balaclava.An example of a traced balaclava pattern can be found at bikewinter.org/balaclava.The pattern should be only for the left hand side of the face because it will be traced onto folded fabric.To get an accurate pattern, divide the width measurement and eye measurement in half.To measure the height, mark a line on the top of the paper.To mark the horizontal width of the balaclava on your pattern, divide the width measurement in half.Measure and mark the length between the top of the head and the eye sockets on the left hand side of your paper.To mark the measurement from the left side of the paper, divide the eye width measurement in half.You can cut out a space for the eyes with these measurements.The pattern can be traced using your marks and the example pattern.You can connect your marks with a domed top for the head, a curve around the back of the skull, and a space in between the neck and eyes.If you want to have room to breathe, don't put your mouth and nose in the same place.
Step 8: Use sharp scissors to cut out your pattern.
Step 9: The fleece should be folded on the left hand side.
The fabric should be parallel to the fold.The fleece should be folded so that it is the same width as the pattern.
Step 10: A seam down the front of the face can be eliminated by folding the fleece.
Step 11: Place your pattern on the fleece.
Either draw around the pattern with a fabric pen or pin it to the fleece and cut with fabric scissors.The space for the eyes is the most important part of the left hand fold.
Step 12: The fleece should be turned inside out and folded along the front.
Turn the inside of the fabric into something.
Step 13: Before sewing the back seam together, Pin the folded fabric together with the bottom and eyes first.
In both areas, create a 1/3 inch folded hem.Make a diagonal cut in the corners when you pin the eyes.Put it in place.
Step 14: Make sure your sewing machine has the type of thread you plan to use.
It should be set to a small zigzag stitch.The polar fleece will be more stretched by this stitch.
Step 15: The bottom hem needs to be sewed with a zigzag stitch.
The eyes should be sewed with a zigzag stitch.You can use a matching thread around the eyes.
Step 16: The ends should be put together at the back.
Try to get a 1/2 inch seam allowance.The form of the hat is created by the seams.
Step 17: Use a zigzag stitch to sew from the bottom of the ski mask to the crown of your head.
Step 18: The homemade balaclava should be turned inside out.