Crochet Adjustable Ear Saver

After seeing the call from many of my nurse friends regarding aching ears, I decided to see if there were any crochet solutions. The designs I saw could be created short or long, but I wanted a solution that I could make for a team of people without them having to commit to a size. This ear saver is designed for masks with elastic ear holds and has a buttonhole to shorten the length so it should work for a variety of head and neck sizes.

The finished piece approximately 5 inches (2.5 when buttoned)

The pattern is worked around both sides of the foundation chain to create a long flat oval.

Abbreviations and stitches needed:
in — inch
ch — chain
hdc — half double crochet

Step 1

ch 22 **start with ~6in tail for adding button before weaving**

Step 2

**bottom** 1hdc in 3rd ch from hook, 1hdc in next 18 ch

Step 3

**round end** 3hdc in last chain

Step 4

**top with hole** working in the opposite side of ch: 1hdc in next 8 ch

Step 5

**top with hole** ch 1, 1hdc in left loop of previous hdc

Step 6

**top with hole** skip 2ch, 1hdc in next 8 ch

Steps 7 & 8

**round end** 2hdc in first ch (total of 3hdc in this stitch) fasten off leaving ~6in tail for adding button

Secure buttons using tails and weave in ends. Trim excess.