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Learn how to crochet ear savers for face masks with this easy step-by-step tutorial. Even beginners will be able to make DIY ear savers in less than 10 minutes. They’re perfect for donating to essential workers or anyone who has to wear a face mask for extended periods of time.
If you wear a face mask for extended periods of time, you might have noticed they can irritate the backs of your ears. The elastic ear loops that hold the mask in place can chafe delicate skin, leading to irritation.
Luckily, it’s easy to prevent sore ears by wearing a face mask with one of these easy crochet ear savers.
New to crochet? You may want to start with this How to Crochet beginner’s guide, and review the 6 basic crochet stitches.
Don’t know how to crochet? You might be interested in one of these other ear saver patterns instead!
Materials
Here are the supplies you’ll need for this project.
- worsted weight yarn. I chose Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton yarn for this project because I wanted the ear savers to be washable and durable.
- size G 4.0mm crochet hook. I sized down for this project because I wanted a tight fabric that wouldn’t stretch out over time.
- two buttons, larger than 1/2 inch
- needle and thread, to sew on the buttons
- yarn needle, to sew in the ends
- stitch markers, if desired
- ruler or tape measure, if desired
Ear Saver Crochet Pattern
Difficulty: Beginner to Easy
Finished Size: 5″ long by 1.5″ wide.
Remember, the finished item will stretch a bit with wear.
To make the ear saver longer or shorter, add or subtract stitches from the starting chain. For each inch you’d like to add to the finished size, add 4 stitches to the starting chain.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- st/sts – stitch/stitches
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
Instructions
Ch 18.
Round 1: Make 2 hdc into the 3rd st from the hook. Work 14 hdc. Make 4 hdc into the last ch st.
Turn the piece 180 degrees to work around the opposite side of the chain. (Rotate it, don’t flip it to the wrong side.)
Work 14 hdc. Make 2 hdc in the last ch. Join to the top of the first hdc with a sl st.
Round 2: Ch 1. Make 2 sc into the same st. Make 2 sc into the next st. Work 14 sc. Make 2 sc into each of the next 4 sts. Work 14 sc. Make 2 sc into each of the next 2 sts. Join to the top of the first sc with a slip st.
Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in ends.
If you have buttons with large holes that will accommodate the worsted weight yarn, you could use the yarn ends to sew in the buttons.
More likely, however, you will need to use regular sewing thread to sew on the buttons to each end. Make several passes with the needle and thread to ensure the buttons are sewed on securely.
Other Ways to Make Ear Savers
For even more patterns, check out my other articles:
Plus, don’t miss my free Face Mask Pattern, with over 1200+ reviews!
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What’s Next?
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Crochet Ear Savers
Learn how to crochet ear savers for face masks with this easy step-by-step tutorial. Even beginners will be able to make DIY ear savers in less than 10 minutes. They're perfect for donating to essential workers or anyone who has to wear a face mask for extended periods of time.
Materials
- worsted weight yarn, like Lily Sugar'n Cream cotton yarn
- two buttons, larger than 1/2 inch
Tools
- size G 4.0mm crochet hook
- needle and thread, to sew on the buttons
- yarn needle, to sew in the ends
- stitch markers, if desired
- ruler or tape measure, if desired
Instructions
- Ch 18.
- Round 1: Make 2 hdc into the 3rd st from the hook. Work 14 hdc. Make 4 hdc into the last ch st. Turn the piece 180 degrees to work around the opposite side of the chain. (Rotate it, don’t flip it to the wrong side.) Work 14 hdc. Make 2 hdc in the last ch. Join to the top of the first hdc with a sl st.
- Round 2: Ch 1. Make 2 sc into the same st. Make 2 sc into the next st. Work 14 sc. Make 2 sc into each of the next 4 sts. Work 14 sc. Make 2 sc into each of the next 2 sts. Join to the top of the first sc with a slip st.
- Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in ends.
- Use a regular sewing thread to sew on the buttons to each end. If you have buttons with large holes that will accommodate the worsted weight yarn, you could use the yarn ends to sew in the buttons.
Notes
Stitch Abbreviations
- st/sts – stitch/stitches
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
Sarah Stearns has helped millions of makers find their next craft project with free patterns and step-by-step tutorials on her blog, sarahmaker.com. Read more.
With over a decade of experience in knitting and crochet, she has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times, Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, Apartment Therapy, and Lifehacker.
Sheila
Friday 4th of February 2022
These would be great for people who wear behind-the-ear hearing aids. When you wear a mask that attaches behind the ear, you are apt to pull the hearing aid out and possibly lose it or damage it when you take the mask off.
Michelle
Saturday 22nd of January 2022
Daily visits to the I.C.U. and my ears being set farther back this was a great idea. 2 hours doesn't hurt now. Appreciate this thank you
Jill
Tuesday 6th of July 2021
Made as directed and found them satisfactory and well liked. Some one donated a bunch to our ward, that person used 3 buttons ....2 on one end. A couple co-workers found that helpful for them getting a better fit if the crocheter, worked a bit looser. I tend to work tightly so I am told.
Just roxy
Monday 8th of February 2021
Just finished these. I used size 3 yarn and 4.5 hook to get a size perfect for my 14year old daughter
Karolyn
Sunday 6th of December 2020
Hi, I've been following your pattern for my ear savers, and have gotten great feedback on them! I've followed your advice, and am now making them 8 inches (button center to button center) for folks that have hearing implants. Thanks for sharing your instructions! Have a great day!