Exospine

A bold silhouette, a creature of cables and curves. Exospine grows from the back of the head like an organic extension. This hood/balaclava combines comfort, structure, and playful details. The name and construction are inspired by the idea of an external spine and reimagined with a motif of Staghorn cables and Estonian nupps.

The hood features an I-cord casing around the face opening, with a long I-cord threaded through it as both a functional closure and a decorative element. Whether worn loosely or tied in a bow, it adds a fun and wearable touch.

Clean shaping and minimal details keep the look fresh, while offering a satisfying knitting experience. The wide size range and modification notes ensure a great fit for all ages, head shapes, and genders.

SIZES

Baby (Toddler, Child, Teen, Adult) with 13.75 (16.5, 19, 21.5, 23.5)” / 35 (41.5, 48, 54.5, 60) cm of hood width to fit (approx.) 14-16 (16-18,18-20, 20-22, 21-23)” / 35.5-40.5 (40.5-46, 45.5-51, 51-56, 53-58) cm of head circum. Adult size shown in the pattern on 22”/ 56 cm head circum.

YARN

El Robledal de la Santa, Moherino Fino (45% Kid Mohair, 55% Merino; 400 m per 100 g skein), 1 skein, shown in Bellissima (MC) & Urth Yarns, 16 fingering (100% Extrafine Superwash Merino; 220 yds / 200 m per 50 g skein, shown in O20 (CC)

YARDAGE

164 (221, 285.5, 383, 438) yds / 150 (202, 261,350, 400) m of fingering weight yarn for MC & 69 (90, 115, 153, 176) yds / 62 (82, 105, 140,161) m of fingering weight yarn for CC

NEEDLES

US 3 / 3.25 mm (for the edges) &

US 4 / 3.50 mm (for the body) circulars and DPNs (optional);

or size needed to obtain correct gauge

NOTIONS

Cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle

GAUGE

28 sts x 34 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch with US 4 / 3.50 mm needles, steam blocked

SKILLS

Level: Intermediate

Techniques: Cables, Estonian Nupp (flat & in the round), picking up sts, folded edges, making I-cords, Celtic button knot