The Reveal

I have designed a great pattern for everyone, fits right into this time of year. (I know that there are only a few days left until Halloween, but you could still do this in that time!)

A ninja mask!

Back Story: I was measuring people to record sizes for possible future projects. My sisters boyfriend was joking with me as I was measuring his head, and asked, “Are you knitting me a ninja mask?” I replied that you never know, but the idea stuck in my head, and I made him one as a gag gift for Christmas.

I have created two versions, one that has some stockinette stitch around the face, and a second that is all garter stitch. I have also included some modifications at the end of the pattern so you can adjust the sizing for your own preferences.

This is a picture of the St stitch version…

 

And this is a picture the garter stitch version…

 

I like that the stockinette version rolls around the eye to give more viewing room. The garter version stays in place better though.

If you make one, I would love to see pictures. Especially if you use it as part of a costume!

 

Ninja Mask

Materials:

Yarn: I used approx 42 yards of Lion Brand’s Microspun in Ebony. There was enough for me to make 2 masks, plus I could probably make one or two more if I felt the urge. You can substitute any yarn you would like, or any color. I would not recommend anything wool or at all itchy since it is near sensitive eye area.

Needles: US size 5, or what you need to get the size you want with the yarn you are using.

Gauge: 5 sts per inch/7 rows per inch in stockinette stitch. (This is not a fitted garment, so getting exact gauge is not going to matter as much. As long as you leave enough room for your eye. I held mine up as I was knitting the bands for the eye hole so I could decide how long I wanted it)

Side 1:

CO 1 stitch.

Set-up Row: Kfb of stitch. You should have two stitches.

Rows 1-9: Knit across each row

Row 10: K1, M1, knit to end of row.

Repeat rows 1-10 until you have 13 stitches on the needle.

For face: (this is where you would change to St st if you so choose.)

Knit 12 rows garter stitch, then begin eye shaping.

Row 1: K8, BO 1, and knit to end of row. This should give you six stitches on each side of the gap created by the bound off stitch. You can work one side at a time on the needles, or you can put the stitches for the other side of the eye on a holder.

Row 2: K4, K2tog, turn

Row 3: K2tog, K3, turn

Row 4-13: Knit 4 stitches each row.

Row 14: (this should start from outside of eye hole) K2,Kfb, knit to end of row

Row 15: K1, Kfb, knit to last stitch. You should have 6 stitches at this point. Transfer these stitches to a holder, and put stitches for other side of eye hole on needles. Do not cut the yarn.

Work other side from the other end of yarn ball. Use it just like you would when adding a new strand of yarn/

Row 1: (start from outside of eye hole) K4, K2tog, turn.

Row 2: K2tog, K3, turn.

Row 3-12: Knit 4 stitches each row.

Row 13: (this should start on outside of eye hole):  K2, Kfb, knit to end of row.

Row 14: K1, Kfb, knit to last stitch. You should have 6 stitches on needles. Cut working end of yarn with enough to weave in ends.

Place all 12 live stitches on needles. Using yarn you originally started with, knit 6 sts, CO1, knit last 6 sts. All stitches should now be connected again, and you should have 13 stitches on your needles.

Knit for 6 rows in garter stitch, then work the other eye hole in the same manner.

After working second eye hole, knit 12 rows of garter stitch. You are now ready to decrease for side two.

Side 2:

Row 1: K2tog, knit to end of row.

Row 2-10: Knit all stitches.

Repeat rows 1-10 until you have 2 stitches left. Knit to together, and cut yarn with enough to weave in. Pull yarn through live stitch. You should now weave ends in on the wrong side of your mask.

Wear with pride!

Other modifications besides the stockinette stitch face area you might try is to make the eye-holes bigger if needed by knitting more rows across each side, making ends longer/shorter by knitting more/less between increases/decreases (if shorter you could close with a button or hook), or changing the color to fit your purposes.

© Copyright Stephanie Davis, 2007.  You may copy and print this for your own personal use only.  You may not sell or use this pattern or items made from the pattern for commercial use or for profit. If you have questions, you can contact Stephanie at steph (at) tbsigma (dot) org.