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

Worsted (#4 med weight) 100% Cotton Yarn (Lily Sugar’n Cream Super Size or similar)

Buttons (0.5 inch to 1.5 inch)

4mm crochet hook (or whatever you prefer with this weight to create fairly tight stitches)

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

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

**round end** 3hdc in last chain

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

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

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

**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.