Last weekend we did not only sit at home, but we were also without internet. I had the urge to create something with my hands. And what do we need the most these days? I mean besides toilet paper, yeast, and flour. Face masks. Since I can’t sew well, I searched if it was possible to crochet or knit masks. It is. They are obviously not surgical. Also, they need at least one layer of fabric on the inside to prevent us spreading the virus.

If you know how to crochet, you will find that my masks are very easy to make. It took me about 30 to 40 minute for one. It took me much longer to sew on the mouth – but that’s also what makes them funny. And I don’t even want to talk about how long it took me to sew a layer of fabric into Rich’s mask. It is open on the sides so that he could insert even another layer (like kitchen paper).

Once I was done with my own mask, I realized that there is a far easier solution. At least for when you are a weak sewer like me. I always use fabric handkerchieves and thus own a larger number. I just fold it so that it fits into the mask which means that my mask automatically consists of several more layers of fabric. It is comfortable to wear the mask for a longer time and I can easily breathe. Once I take it off at home, I put the handkerchief into our laundry and I use a freshly washed one the next time.

Even if you have internet at home, try my instructions. The crochet face masks will make you look very different in this sea of people with mostly unicolored blue, yellow and black masks. Who knows, maybe flashy face masks are the new lipstick.

Notes:

• I added the German translations of the different crochet stitches. So that it shouldn’t be too hard to follow my English instructions.
• The masks themselves are of course also washable. Just pay attention to what yarn you use so that they don’t shrink.
• You can easily add a few stitches or rows when you realize that somebody has a slightly bigger head. It turned out that Rich’s and my mask are exactly the same size and they fit both of us perfectly.
• The same applies to the ear straps. Add a few stitches if you need to.
• If you don’t like it, leave out the mouth. You could always sew or stitch other things on your mask. I could imagine fancy masks with little pearls or sequins for instance.

Instructions for crochet face mask

You need:

• about 30 g of cotton yarn in your preferred color
• little amounts of yarn in two other colors for the mouth
• crochet hook in size 3.5 mm (E-4)
• sewing thread
• needle
• scissors
• if you want to a piece of fabric for the inside

Abbreviations:

abbreviation	U.S	symbol	auf Deutsch
st(s)	stitch(es)		Masche
ch	chain		Luftmasche
sc	single crochet	X	feste Masche
hdc	half double crochet		halbes Stäbchen
dc	double crochet		Stäbchen
sl st	slip stitch		Kettmasche

Steps:

1. For the mask itself (see also pattern 1): ch 35.
2. Ch 1, sc 5 in the next 5 sts, hdc 5 in the next 5 sts, dc 15 in the next 15 sts, hdc 5 in the next 5 sts, sc 5 in the next 5 sts, turn (35).
3. Repeat step 2 until the mask is big enough. I crocheted 14 rows.
4. Along the upper and lower edge, crochet 1 round sc. Yarn off.
5. For the ear straps: Pick up st in 1st st of upper edge. Ch 25. Sl st at the other end. Crochet 1 round sc. Sl st again in 1st st of upper edge. Yarn off.
6. Repeat on the other side.
7. For the mouth (see also pattern 2): ch 12.
8. Ch 2, hdc in next 12 sts.
9. Change color. Hdc around all 12 sts with 5 hdc in the first and last sts (32).
10. Take the needle and sewing thread. Sew on the mouth – if possible about where your mouth is behind the mask.
11. Darn in all loose threads.
12. If you want to, cut a piece of fabric so that it loosely fits into the mask. Whipstitch. Then sew it on the upper and lower edge.

Pattern 1 – the mask itself:

Pattern 2 – the mouth:

I hope you enjoy my little DIY!

© janavar

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