If you’re looking for a slightly cushy/thicker balaclava pattern, I love Susanne muller (Paulamstrickt)’s nomad hood. I’ve made three now, one for me and two for my kids and they are amazing. They are time consuming because of the half-brioche stitch but it’s been very worth it. I did add a pretty drawstring to the hood for cold days that I found on Etsy. I know petiteknit’s patterns are popular but the few kids balaclavas of hers I’ve made don’t have great shaping for the top of the head/face and fall down a lot when worn. I have heard better things about her Sophie’s hood pattern though, so maybe that’s an option? Knitting for olive’s balalclava patterns have turned out well for me and although I haven’t made it yet, I just added the Andrea hood by Helga Jóna Thórunnardóttir to my list of knits to cast on. Happy knitting!