Earlier this week, I promised myself I wouldn’t add to the fray of Mask Mates patterns littering the web right now. Cue today, where I’m spending my evening getting a PDF together for publishing on Ravelry so everyone (maybe?) can enjoy these colorful little stashbusters.
I originally made these for my boyfriend and his parents because they had sewn us some masks. Since it seems like we’ll be wearing those for awhile, and because I’m a sensitive snowflake who can’t handle my ears being bothered more than they already are, the next natural step seemed to be making Mask Mates.
Of course, I immediately took to Ravelry and found a few simple patterns that I didn’t dislike but they didn’t work for us; they still seemed to pull pretty tightly. Plus, although they “worked”, I’m more of a form over function kinda gal and needed something that catered to my superficial needs.
Cue me creating my own pattern that fits really well (for the way we wanted them to fit). It’s based off sizing information Scott’s mom found for fabric Mask Mates, so I worked back from there. I also added a reverse single crochet border for an extra pop of color, thoughtful finishing, and some sturdiness.
The finished size for these guys is approximately 5.5” wide and 1.5” tall
I’ve made quite a few of these now and am pretty happy with the result. If you find yourself in the market for a quick little project you can gift to friends and family while using a bunch of your worsted stash, then head over to Ravelry and download the pattern for free.
In the meantime, here are the details so you can gather your supplies and get to making:
Terminology
Pattern is written using English terminology
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
rsc: reverse single crochet
st(s): stitch(es)
Supplies
Worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn (note: this heavily depends on who will be wearing the Mask Mate; some hospitals require the nurses wear cotton. Make sure to check any requirements before deciding on your yarn).
Size G-6/4.0mm crochet hook
Two (2) 1” buttons
Sewing scissors (for cutting yarn when done)
Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)