How to Sew Ear Savers for Face Masks – Free Sewing Pattern

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Ear Savers, also called “mask extenders” or “mask mates”, can make wearing face masks much more comfortable. Learn how to sew fabric Ear Savers to protect sore ears from elastic face masks. Make some for the essential workers or anyone who has to wear masks for extended periods of time.

Now that many of us are wearing face masks, we’ve been brainstorming ways to protect against skin irritation and discomfort. If your ears are sore from wearing elastic ear loops, you can switch to wearing masks with fabric ties that go behind your head. Or, you can try using Ear Savers with your standard medical mask.

Ear savers are small strips of fabric with buttons on each end to hold the elastic ear loops on face masks. You wear the ear savers around the back of your head, above the nape of your neck.

Ear Savers are great because they take the pressure off the backs of your ears and help to protect them from skin irritation and chafing.

You can make ear savers in a variety of ways. If you know how to crochet, try this free pattern for crochet ear savers. If you can hand sew, but don’t have a sewing machine, try this pattern for easy felt ear savers.

And if you like to sew, try the easy fabric version below. Don’t forget to download your free printable pattern.

Materials

• quilting cotton or other woven fabric
• two buttons, larger than 1/2 inch
• needle and thread
• scissors or rotary cutter
• free pattern template

Note: This pattern makes an Ear Saver with rounded ends. If you prefer to have a rectangular Ear Saver instead, you can cut a rectangle of the same length and width. The rest of the instructions will be the same.

Step 1: Use the printable pattern template to cut out two pieces of fabric.

To find your size, cut out the paper templates first and hold them up to the back of your head. If you are in-between sizes, you can adjust the template pieces to make a custom-sized pattern piece.

Step 2: Place the two pieces of fabric right-sides together. Using a 3/8″ seam allowance, sew along the sides, leaving a 2-3 inch opening on one side.

Step 3: Clip the curves. Turn the fabric right side out. Press.

Step 4: Top stitch along the edge, stitching the opening closed.

Step 5: Using a needle and thread, sew a button onto each end.

Care tips: Remember to wash your ear savers when you wash your masks. I like to wash both my masks and ear savers in a mesh bag (meant for lingerie and other delicates) so they don’t get tangled up with the rest of my laundry.

For other ways to make ear savers, be sure to read my other articles:

• Easy Crochet Ear Saver Pattern
• How to Make Ear Savers with Felt and Buttons
• Free SVG Ear Saver Template for Cricut

What’s Next?

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