Trendspotting: Knitted hoods
It is deep and mostly dark winter in Copenhagen these days and there is little that makes it more bearable. Except for knitting in cozy cafes or at home with a candle or two. To defy the weather, many stylish Copenhageners have started wearing knitted balaclavas and hoods. And then I go on Instagram and stumble across many (new) patterns for them. Or is it the other way around? Either way, it seems to me they are just *everywhere* these days.
The novelty this year is that these pieces combine a scarf with a balaclava, which is also wearable as a hood on your back. It seems like something from the future and the past at the same time, and maybe that’s what makes them so popular.
To be very honest with you, I was sceptical about them. The balaclava-style gave me slightly negative associations. But most people I talked to highlighted that these hoods don’t leave a gap like a hat-and-scarf combination does and so they are just super warm.
Doing some proper research into patterns then, I found a lot of really interesting - cool as well as cute - ones! Have a look through the list below and let it inspire you to knit your own trendy winter accessory of 2025.
Copyright: Kirsten Nørgaard
My Jose Hood by NORgardknitters
My Jose Hood is a fusion between a warm hood and a soft scarf. With the hood down, it functions as a beautiful scarf with a bow made of I-cord ties. The garter stitch in Aran weight makes this a very quick project by talented Danish designer NORgardknitters. It features one size and is available in five languages.
Scott the Scoodie by rilleruth
Using bulky weight yarn, Scott the Scoodie is the chunkiest hood of my selection, which also means that it knits up super quickly! The pattern is one size and comes in English, German and Norwegian. Additionally, rilleruth offers extra explanations in her pattern on how to work slight variations, such as gauge, construction, structure making it easier for you to change the yarn quality and create your own personal expression.
Copyright: Nina Ruth
Copyright: Aleksandra Sołowianiuk
Ilona Hood by Vert.and.Rose
Aleksandra Sołowianiuk has designed the Ilona Hood, released in November last year. Known as Vert.and.Rose on social media, her patterns are as inclusive as they are whimsical. The Ilona Hood is no exception. It has got a lovely lace pattern and a cute bow to tie it together. Sport weight yarn is recommended for this pattern, which comes in two sizes.
FUDO Hood by Beatrice Mase
Less balaclava and much more loose, the FUDO hood can also be worn as snood. I love that it uses two different colours to create a reversible and slightly warmer hood. Its very refined style makes it an accessory classic and stylish at the same time. Beatrice Mase’s pattern is written for fingering weight yarns, comes in one size and is available in both English and French.
Copyright: Beatrice Mase
Copyright: Tori Yu
Borough Hood by Tori Yu
Tori Yu’s Borough Hood includes a very interesting detail with an optional bow in front. It almost reminds me of bunny ears (and instead of dog or cat person I am very much into rabbits 🙂). This pattern looks great worn up or down as a hood. It is drafted for fingering weight yarns and comes in one size.