Materials:
100 grams of worsted weight yarn
One row marker
Size 7 (US) and Size 8 (US) double pointed needless (You can also use size 7 and 8 circular needles, 12", up until the top but you'll still need the size 8 dpns for the top decreases.)
Gauge:
6 sts = 1 inch, 6 rows = 1 inch over unstretched K2, P2 ribbing
Pattern:
With size 8 dpns, cast on 92 stitches and insert row marker to show
you where a new row begins. Join, being careful not to twist.
Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 3 inches. Change to size 7 dpns, and continue working K2, P2 ribbing for 4 1/2 more inches (your knitting is now a total of 7 1/2 inches long).
Face Opening: This is the only possibly difficult part to the pattern but it really isn't that bad. Start the next row by working in K2, P2 ribbing for 30 stitches, bind off next 31 stitches, continue working in ribbing over last 31 stitches of row. On next row, work 31 stitches in established ribbing, cast on 31 stitches over the bound off stitches of the previous row, and continue in ribbing.
(I generally cast on the 31 sts here using the single cast-on listed in the Vogue Knitting book).
Count to make sure you still have 92 stitches and keep knitting in K2, P2 ribbing until the whole piece measures 12 inches long. Now you're ready to discontinue the ribbing and begin the top of the head decreases.
Change to the size 8 dpns. Knit one row. Knit next row decreasing 4 stitches evenly spaced across row (88 sts).
First Decrease Row: *K2 tog, K9, repeat from * across row. (80 sts)
Second Decrease Row: *K2 tog, K8, repeat from * across row. (72 sts)
Continue decreasing in this matter having 1 less stitch between decreases until 24 stitches remain. K2tog next row. (12 sts.)
K3tog next row. 4 stitches will remain. With a tapestry needle, run through remaining 4 stitches and pull tightly. Secure yarn end to wrong side of balaclava.