How to Make Mask Mate Ear Protectors

During this challenging time, I have seen so many amazing people coming together to help one another.  The best thing that we can do is to stay home and stop the spread of COVID-19.  However, many people need to go out to work or get food and other essentials.

Many states are now requiring residents to wear a mask when in public.  Additionally, many healthcare workers and essential workers are wearing masks for extended periods of time, which can cause a great deal of stress and discomfort on the ears.

Mask Mates extend the mask around the back of the head, relieving any strain on the ears.  If you are having trouble finding a mask that fits properly, a mask mate can also help to adjust the fit properly.

I have been making these for family and friends, as well as many essential workers and healthcare workers in our neighborhood.  If you know how to knit or crochet, they are quite simple to make. I was able to get yarn and buttons donated from friends and neighbors.

Many crafty people have button boxes and they may be willing to share. I received a donation of many old, fancy, and even antique buttons.

Materials:

Yarn – Cotton Yarn is recommended for extended wear and washing for healthcare and essential workers.  Acrylic yarn is perfectly fine for those who don’t need to wash them as frequently.

Buttons – 1 inch buttons work best to hold the elastic behind the ear.

Thread – Embroidery thread is strong and works well for this project.  If you don’t have embroidery thread, you may want to double up your thread for added strength.
Nail Polish – Optional

Basic Instructions:

1. Knit or Crochet about 5 stitches onto the needle. This should work out to a width of about 1″.
2. Continue knitting about 18 – 20 rows, until the band is approximately 5″ long.
   
3. Sew your embroidery thread through three of the loops, about 2 or 3 rows from each side and make a tight knot.
4. Optional: Add a dot of nail polish to the knot.  This will help to strengthen the hold, for extended wear.
5. After the nail polish had dried.  Sew on your buttons. For additional strength, add another dot of nail polish to the spot where the thread meets the button.
   

The finished product should be about 1″ wide and about 5″ long.

The mask mate acts as an extender around the head.  It works best when worn above a pony tail, but it can be worn without as well.

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