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If you have to wear a mask for long periods of time, you know how much the elastic loops pull on your ears and hurt after awhile.

I’ve seen patterns for ear savers (aka mask mates) going around since after this whole situation started last year. While those ear savers were functional, they were often plain. I wanted something that, in addition to function, looked intentional and attractive, rather than just functional.

These cute little bows meet all of those criteria, and with two written sizes, (and are easily customizable) these can work for any one, no matter their age. It’s also a great way to help kids keep their mask on for longer periods of time.

These would also be cute for trips to the Disney parks.

We’ve been in this for over a year now, why not make pandemic accessories fashionable?

Finished B&B Ear Savers are available for purchase in my shop.

You will need:

• 16 yards (14.6 meters) of medium weight cotton yarn (I’m using Peaches & Creme, as well as I Love This Cotton)
• Two 3/4 -1 inch buttons (I’m used some wooden buttons I originally found at Walmart, but THESE wooden buttons from Amazon are very similar)
• a size G/4.0mm crochet hook (I’m using my favorite Boye Ergonomic Hook)
• Needle, to weave in ends and sew on buttons

They are also a great stash buster, so use whatever yarn you have on hand. However, if you’re planning to donate these, I would recommend sticking with cotton yarn as many hospitals only allow cotton, since it can be sanitized. If you’re making these for yourself or family members personal use, you could also use acrylic yarn.

Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue

This pattern is very simple and only requires single crochet and half-double crochet. To give it more finished appearance, for the foundation row you will be working into the back bump of the chain. Crochet Arcade has a great tutorial on how to do this HERE.

Below, I have written the pattern in two sizes, but this pattern can be easily customized for a variety of sizes. To do this, add or subtract the starting chain stitches in multiples of two.

Child / Small 3 inches (7.6 cm) long

Ch 14

Row 1: single crochet into the back bump of the 2nd chain from hook and down the remainder of the chain. Ch 1 and turn. (13 sts)

Row 2: In back loops only (BLO), half double crochet across, ch 1 and turn (13 sts)

Rows 3-6: Repeat Row 2 (13 sts).

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Adult – 6.5 inches (16.51cm) long

Ch 26,

Row 1: sc into the back bump of the 2nd chain from hook and down the remainder of the chain. Ch 1 and turn (25 sts)

Row 2: In BLO (back loops only), hdc across, ch 1 and turn (25 sts)

Rows 3-7: Repeat Row 2 (25 sts)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing:

Now it’s time to make it look like a bow!

Find the middle stitch (stitch #7 for child size and stitch #13 for adult size). Thread a tapestry needle with a length of yarn (I use a length of about 3 feet for the child size and about 4.5 feet long for the adult size) and start tightly wrapping this length of yarn around the middle of your bow to create that signature look. Keep wrapping until you are happy with the fullness of the middle section, I wrap mine about 30 times. Once you are pleased with the bow’s appearance, on the wrong side of the bow: pass the needle under the wrapped section twice and pull tightly. Tie the ends in a square knot and trim.

Sew on the buttons 1/2 inch away from each end. Make sure that you sew the buttons on very securely, as they will be taking a lot of stress from the ear loops of your mask.

Follow me on Instagram @yarnbending and be sure to tag me in pictures of your finished mask mates so I can see the items you make!

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