This is a pattern for super quick to knit ‘’ear savers’’ for all the people out there fighting the coronavirus on a daily basis. We’re wearing masks far more often and for longer periods than usual and that might create stress over the ears and chafing. To prevent that, we can attach the ear elastics to the buttons at each end of the knitted piece and it will stretch to fit different adult heads with no problem, as ribbing is quite stretchy.

I’ve tried quite a few different Ear Savers patterns and they were all knit from one small end to the other, so it involved a lot of turning the work around and I thought it maybe could be done a bit quickly because there are a lot of people who could use them!

They’re super beginner friendly too! They’re like tiny scarves you can make over and over and that will be put to good use right after! Plus, I added pictures for some techniques at the end and links to tutorials if you need it.

MATERIALS

• You’ll need light worsted/worsted/aran/bulky weight or even two strands held together of fingering, sport or dk ACRYLIC or COTTON yarn (work with what you have in your stash! Your fabric might look a bit different, but they’ll all work just fine). I’ve been told that some hospitals and care centres don’t accept acrylic yarn, so make sure to check the requirements of the place or person you’re making it for!

• Tapestry needle.

• ¾ to 1 inch buttons (2), OR anything that would work like soda can tabs or bottle caps…

• Big sewing needle that fits through your button holes and fingering yarn scraps to sew (ideally).

GAUGE
Not very important. Just knit, and have fun! You can test combinations of colors or weights…

SIZES
One size with instructions for modifications included throughout the pattern.

NEEDLES
Size US 7 (4,5mm) for smaller yarn;
Size US 8 (5mm) for bigger yarn.
You might want to adjust if you’re a very tight or very loose knitter. I have a pretty average tension.

YARDAGE
Less than 10 yards should be enough.

I really hope you have fun knitting those. They’re like useful little swatches, and the result doesn’t matter too much, as long as it’s stretchy, so the world is your oyster!!

I know these are very rough times for everyone, so I just wanted to say…
To those on the frontlines, essential workers and people giving time and money to help, THANK YOU!

To those staying home and making all the efforts to protect others, THANK YOU! If we all protect others, we’re protecting ourselves too in the end.

HAVE FUN (AT HOME)!