Cozy Up Hood PDF Pattern

Cold days have got nothing on you.

The sweetest little knit sewing pattern you ever did see. The Cozy Up Hood is a crossover between a traditional balaclava and a modern hood, designed to pull on over your head. Your fabric choice plays a huge role in the final look, from super fitted and snug to oversized and relaxed, so this headwear piece can fill a wide range of outfit requirements (and warmth needs!).

Two vertical seams run from the face opening down to the neck, shaping the back of the head and sculpting the perfect noggin. Finished with a face trim and bottom band, this pattern is a quick way to get that soft, fuzzy, handknit look without the knitting needles. A simple yet clever construction means no fussing with drawstring buttonholes on your knit fabrics, since the openings are built right into the face trim.

A self-fabric drawstring adds a little cuteness and flair when tied in a bow, or a slouchy, cool energy when left to hang. Whether it’s chilly and windy and you cinch the hood up tight, or it’s mild and sunny and you wear it down for a little extra warmth around the neck, the Cozy Up Hood is meant to cozy up in.

SKILLS

• Sewing with knits
• Overlock stitching (optional)
• Zig-zag stitching
• Edgestitching
• Cleanly finished knit bands
• Handmade drawstring
• Buttonhole-free drawstring openings

PATTERN DETAILS

• Digital pattern files include 3 sizes: small, medium, large
• Skill level: Beginner
• PDF pattern includes illustrated instruction document, A0 copy shop file, print at home file prepared for A4 & letter size paper, and projector file.

MATERIALS NEEDED

• Self fabric (your main fabric)
• Matching all-purpose thread to your fabric

Optional:

• Wooly Nylon thread - For upper and lower loopers on a serger/overlock sewing machine (can also be used in the bobbin of a regular home sewing machine to increase elasticity of stitches)

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

The Cozy Up Hood is designed for knit fabrics with a minimum stretch percentage that varies by size, measured crossgrain (selvedge to selvedge). Each size is designed for a different style and type of knit, so your fabric choice is closely tied to the size you sew!

Size Small is a slim, close-fitting balaclava designed for high-stretch fabrics with a minimum stretch percentage of 60%. Good recovery is important for this snug fit, so fabrics with some elastane are a great choice. Rib knits, cotton or bamboo spandex jerseys, and merino jerseys will create a smooth, second-skin version that layers easily under a coat hood or helmet.

Size Medium is a true crossover style. It is fitted, but it looks more like a hood, and it is designed for fabrics with a minimum stretch percentage of 50%. Midweight jerseys, lightweight sweater knits, hacci knits, and stretchy fleece are all great options.

Size Large is a relaxed, cozy fit designed for chunkier fabrics with a minimum stretch percentage of 40%. Think about your favorite knit winter hat for fabric inspiration! Sweater knits, cable knits, and heavier hacci or brushed knits will create the ultimate version of this hood.

It is recommended to choose a fabric between approximately 6oz and 12oz (200–400gsm), with lighter weights suited to the Small and heavier weights to the Large. Very bulky fabrics may be difficult to sew through at the trims. If you are using a heavier fabric, you may wish to use a lighter-weight rib knit for the face trim and bottom band. This reduces bulk and can make a nice contrast design detail.

Keep in mind that knit fabrics vary a lot in hand feel, drape, thickness, and recovery, and these traits change how a hood fits around the head and face. Two fabrics in the same size may fit quite differently! This is completely normal for knits. Think about how you want your hood to look and feel and choose your fabric, THEN choose your size.

SIZE GUIDE

Each size in this pattern gives a different fit, and each is designed for a different type of fabric.

Size Small is a slim, close-fitting balaclava that sits smoothly against the head. It is designed for high-stretch fabrics with 60% stretch or more, such as rib knits and spandex jerseys.

Size Medium is a true crossover style: it is still fitted, but it looks more like a hood, with a softer shape around the crown and face. It is designed for fabrics with 50–60% stretch.

Size Large is a relaxed, cozy fit made for chunkier sweater knits and other heavier fabrics with 40–50% stretch.

The head circumferences in the size chart are a guide to help you get started. If your head is at the larger end of a size, or your fabric has less stretch than recommended, consider going up a size. If you want a closer fit in a very stretchy fabric, you may prefer to size down. Check your fabric’s stretch before cutting, and use the finished garment measurements to compare the fit of each size.

TECHNICAL SKETCH