Tuesday, September 9, 2014

My first Pattern (and blog post!)

Hey 'everyone'. (No one so far).  My name is Sally and I very much enjoy knitting and crochet!  My grandmother attempted to teach me knitting when I was about 11, and not only was I not very good, I didn't have enough interest.  Many, Many years later, I picked up the same piece and used Youtube to relearn.  It looked horrible.  When I was young, it was worked so tight you could barely work the stitches or move them across the needle.  The new work done on the same piece was much wider due to me loosening my stitches.  By an inch or two at least.
It took a couple more years before I really got into it still, and another year later I learned crochet through youtube as well!

So here I am, still an amateur, and now I've come up with my own pattern that I would like to share.  This is the sole reason this blog is being created.  This whole pattern on ravelry thing isn't working well right now, so this is the easiest way for me to get the pattern up!  (Here's the ravelry link anyway! Opens in a new window.  [It just links back here].  -Ravelry Page- )

I created a hat for my daughter to go with her new doctors kit.  I ended up wanting to do a doctors face mask as well.  I found a knit pattern online, but really preferred to crochet it instead.  But, no crochet pattern that I could find.  So I free-handed it!  It has been a while since I made it and I finally wrote the pattern down while making a second one, for pictures.
I hope at least one person can find this useful!  And I hope it's as clear and easy as I intended it to be.  If you find any mistakes or have any suggestions for this pattern, please do not hesitate to comment or contact me in some way!



H/8 – 5.00mm Hook
(Younger than 5, I suggest a smaller hook for a better fit)
Red Heart Super Saver is what I used in the pictures (white), but I recommend Cotton yarn for comfort and breathability (used this for the blue one).

This is very easy to make. The stitches used.
Chain, SC, Slip Stitch.


To shape the mask, I tried using short rows – usually seen in knitting, and it worked out quite well!


 


*Optional: I did this in my pictures.  Ch the stitches for your strap in addition to the 20 the pattern starts with. (See end of pattern) You will have chain stitches unworked, and at the end of the pattern you can slip stitch into the first chain stitch. One of your straps will be done and attached, and you just have to attach a chain to the opposite side for the second strap.







I chained 40.  Ear strap (ch20) + pattern ch20.






(Working bottom upward.) 
Pattern:
chain 20 


1) In second ch from hook, SC. SC across. (19sts) 
2) Ch1, turn. SC 17.
3) Ch1, turn. SC 15.
4) Ch1, turn. SC 13.
5) Ch1, turn. SC 11.
 













 


6) Ch1, turn. SC 15, crocheting into stitches including those left unworked in previous rows.
Keep these stitches fairly tight!
 


7) Ch1, turn. SC 19, as previous row, using unworked stitches.
Row 6, working into stitch #12.




 












After row 10





8-10) Ch1, turn. SC 19. 
11) Ch1, turn. SC 15. 
12) Ch1, turn. SC11. 
13) Ch1, turn. SC 7.
14) Ch1, turn. SC 3.





After row 14, and from 15 - ch1 turn.


15) Ch1, turn. SC 11. As previous rows, using unworked stitches. 
16) Ch1, turn. SC 19. As previous rows, using unworked stitches. 
17) Ch 1 turn. SC 19.

(Scroll on for more pictures of the work in progress)



Row 15, stitch #8
Chain 15-20 and attach at top and bottom sides of mask. These are your straps for behind your ears, so how many chains you need depends on the size you need. A child will probably need about 15 where an adult will need 20.
On my original (blue in pictures), I did 17 chains. This was a little tight on me (adult female) but just a little bit loose on my 5 year old. Still fit both of us decently enough! On my sample for this pattern (white one) I did 20 ch and it was more comfortable but still snug. With use it will stretch and loosen just a hair.
Size is fairly universal otherwise.
Both of these masks were made the same size, except for the length of the ear straps. 







Row 16, sts #12
Row 17 completed, slip stitch to first chain.




Attaching a slip knot for ear strap #2


Chain 20


Slip stitch to top corner


Completed! (Just weave in these ends!)


This mask has ch 17 straps


This mask is ch 20 straps!

67 comments:

  1. ok do i use the bottom 19 stitiches on row 3

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    Replies
    1. Sorry for my delayed response (just drove across the country and moved). On row 3, you just turn and work into the previous row.

      Delete
  2. wow this is amazing, thinking of using your pattern to make these and put them into the chemo gift bags for women undergoing chemo due to breast cancer. I am a survivor of 2 years so far, thank you!

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  3. www.facebook.com/hearttoheartbcpillows
    http://sweetdevine84.wix.com/heart2heartbcpillows

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  4. Thanks for the pattern. Used it to make a Winter Soldier type mask for my son! He loved it!

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  5. Are you using the ch 1 as an actual stitch or only a ch 1?

    Do you have a video tutorial you could publish so that people could crochet along with you for simplicity?

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    Replies
    1. It is just a ch1 for height and does not count as a stitch!

      Delete
    2. And I do not have a video. I will consider one.

      Delete
    3. I love the pattern. I just made one and was amazed at how quickly and easily it went together. I have been looking for something like this, as it is very cold in Maine right now! However, I tried to make it a bit wider by increasing my stitches by two on each side, and it keeps coming out lop-sided. :( Could you tell me what the stitches for each row would look like if it was increased by 2-4 on each side?

      Thank you so much!

      Delete
    4. Diane:
      Your stitches would be as follows...
      Chain 43 (of you are doing the chains for the strap)
      Sc 22
      20
      18
      16
      14
      Row 6: 18
      22
      Rows 8-10: 22
      18
      16
      10
      6

      Row 15: 16
      22
      Row 17: 22


      Hopefully that works!

      Delete
  6. Thank you! Again, it worked up easily and nicely. I don't know why I couldn't figure that out. If I wanted to make it wider still, would I just increase by two for each row and then decrease by two?

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    Replies
    1. Yes! Just adjust add the same njmber to each row. Only remember that the starting chain is how long your strap is, how many stitches you need, and then plus 1 for the hieght to sc.

      You could also just go up a size, maybe two, with your hook!

      Delete
  7. I am fairly new to crochet and I saw this and wanted to learn how to do it but reading the text is . ..well quite confusing for Mee,as I am a visual learner.did you ever do a video tutorial?

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  8. It's too risky it's not sterile martiriel... Can't be used at all.

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    Replies
    1. Yes it can. It can be cleaned. Those ones in open boxes aren't very sterile to me. And alot of people use these just to keep their face warm. Wash let it dry and put it in a baggie don't let anyone use it

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    2. You are NOT seriously suggesting that this is considered to be a genuine surgical mask, are you? To prevent the spread of germs of any kind, this is completely useless. I think you should warn your readers that this is only a toy!!

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    3. Umm actually as a nurse I can tell u that the only actual ones that will protect you are properly fitted to your face by hospital personnel. The ones in high demand, the 45s, the rest are Ill fitting and allow droplets in. I think this is a hellishly clever idea and have made roughly 20 in different colors and sizes. Think seriously, would you wanna have a reused mask on your face or in that has been rewashed when the box clearly says do not wash and reuse. How about supporting the medical shortage by using one of these in public because u can take it home and was/bleach it safe and secure in the knowledge you did so. Better than anything disposable that's been washed and reused specifically labeled not to. Thank you Sally for this pattern. It's easy and fun to do

      Delete
    4. I added a fabric square to make a pocket. I tucked a blue non-surgical mask inside the pocket to give my mask an added layer of protection. It works fine for me. I just need it when I'm at the office or going to a store and both are places where I can avoid face to face contact with people.

      Delete
  9. Thank you for sharing this beautifully mask. I have made one and it was quite small for a woman’s size and chain 20 couldn’t wrap around my ears . Is there a adult size ?

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  10. Hi,Thank you for your pattern. So easy to make. Wanted to let you know I changed it a little, which might be easier for some but also allows to add a little extra length if needed. I did not start with the extra chain. I made the mask and then did the 20 chain, attached to bottom and then SC across the bottom to the other side. At that end I did 20 chain and attached to top. This way it can be increased at chin and still keep the nose area properly. Could be increased by 1,3, etc. Thanks again and I gave you credit on Facebook.

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  11. And in response to Sherri above, 20 was perfect on me (average female). Mask fit hubby but will need 25 or 26 chain and I might increase a little. Thanks again.

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  12. Maybe it would help people with sizing if you indicated your gauge--how many stitches per inch you have in the ones you have made. I intend to line mine with a trimmed piece high quality paper towel (like Viva "original cloth"). I will remove and discard this when I get home again. If the mask reminds me to keep my hands away from my face it's worth something. And it will offer some protection to people around me from my occasional wet-allergic explosive sneezes. I do my best to catch them in my elbow, of course; but with a pandemic now unfolding all around us, I want something more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is a great idea, I just folded a tissue, it works quick but you could cut those to size (the Viva.)

      Delete
  13. I had to adjust the size a bit. You must have a really small face. :-) Made three masks. Did some online research and ended up putting in a permanent liner. Used two layers of t-shirt material. That's about the best breathable homemade filter liner you can make according to the Smartairfilters.com site.

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  14. Your story is very similar to my own. Learning crochet at a young age and knitting a few years ago. YouTube is fantastic. Made my first mask. My husband is a physician and though this is not medical grade he can still use this mask on top of his medical grade one as an adornment to cheer things up a bit.

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  15. At a time like this we should be great full to have ideas such as this. If they are worried about it not working then maybe they should add a protective material in the inside to give a little more protection.Thank you for even making a mask. I am not a nurse, but I am ill and I like to crochet so maybe I could make a few and see if my hospital can use them. Stay safe and thank you.

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  16. I love this pattern. Im thinking of putting a panty shield on the inside, so I can dispose of it daily. Do you think that would work?

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    Replies
    1. I would not recommend you put a panty shield on, as it can make it very difficult to breathe in. I'm not sure how effective a panty shield would be against bacteria and viruses.

      Delete
  17. I love this pattern! I crochet a lot tighter than you, used a G hook and adjusted the numbers of stitches accordingly. I'm a nurse. I know it isn't a surgical mask, but, darn I love the fit! It can go over a surgical mask or have a cloth lining or just be worn in public as a bit of protection or just to keep your nose warm! Love it, love it. Will be making them and donating with a note saying "I survived Covid 19". (Please keep negative comments to yourself.)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Not sure what tension you crochet at, but when I made this it was barely big enough for a child. I ended up changing the pattern to half-double crochet stitches and the straps 25-30 stitches and added 24 stitches to base. I am small sized but this face mask pattern was WAY to small. I even tried to loosen my tension but it still was too small. Not sure how you got this to fit you.

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  19. Can you wear only this one out to the store

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    Replies
    1. No. This would probably only filter 5% of anything. In order to protect yourself from COVID 19 you would have to sew on a material that filters 0.125 microns. The closest material I could find was HEPA filters, either a vacuum bag that is HEPA or a HEPA furnace filter. HEPA filters out 0.3 microns.

      Delete
  20. i did everything the way the pattern says and well mine looks like it would fit a baby.

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  21. Sally, I love this pattern! It's quick and easy to make. I used cotton yarn and had to add a few more chains for the straps. They fit a little tight at first, but I was able to stretch the straps until it was comfortable. I folded a coffee filter in half and cut it to fit inside. The filters seem to stay in place and I can change them often. Several of my family members have requested I make them one. Thank you for sharing your pattern!

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  22. This is a great pattern and fits perfect. Thank you. I sewed a liner to it.

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  23. My sister works in the medical field and I plan to make her a couple to wash and reuse. But I plan to sew in a liner for her to slip her work required mask into this one. Just to have her bring something cheerful to her hospital! I’ll have to let you know how it turns out!

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  24. My sister works in the medical field and I plan to make her a couple to wash and reuse. But I plan to sew in a liner for her to slip her work required mask into this one. Just to have her bring something cheerful to her hospital! I’ll have to let you know how it turns out!

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  25. Is he only way to wear these out and have protection is to line them? Can they be lined with a light weight flannel? I was thinking about making them and giving them away so don't want a huge expense but don't want people to think it will protect them from Covid-19 if it doesn't.

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  26. This might have been mentioned, I didn't read every post, but you could easily sew a piece of cotton material to the inside to form a pocket to insert whatever filter you have. Some are using the soft bra cups. Just a thought.

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    Replies
    1. I've seen another pattern that you make a liner pocket and slip in t-shirt material. I've also see suggestions to use a coffee filter as a disposable liner. This is a good idea for home made masks so the medical ones stay available for the professionals who need them.

      Delete
  27. The BEST! I've been making them for my entire family and some friends! I even added to ch9 inside for disposable filters/folded paper towels!

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  28. Umm, I'm a nurse too and I love, love this concept! These can be used as "comfort masks" when out on the street, or, doing home care. You can also stitch a filter in if you wanted to. I love this, and am going to try it right now. Thanks for sharing this.

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  29. Sally! I just finished. I love it! I crochet tight, so I will have to go up a hook size or two, and then do the pattern again. I also, trying to give it a pleated look, did back loops only. Yours looks much better doing both loops. On original pattern, I added three extra chains to the ears because I do have big ears. Love this pattern! Thanks so much for creating it!!!

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  30. A pocket put on inside of mask to insert coffee filters( which can be changed out often) work great to help filter out germs. It's not a perfect solution, but what is anymore?!?

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  31. I love this pattern - so quick and easy -the short rows were genius. Nothing but an N95 mask will protect you from Coronavirus 19, but lining this with a HEPA vacuum filter will do fairly well. When you remember that you are wearing a mask to protect others from your germs, and not you from theirs - this is a great alternative. Thank you, Sally!

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  33. Hi, can I please know how to credit you as the pattern designer? I wish to make some to donate and sell, but I don't feel comfortable doing those things without your 1) permission and 2) how to give you credit. With the yarn that I have along with the hook that yarn needs, I had to change how many chains I start with, and single crochet for at least 12 rows after the end of the first half of this pattern. I also differed how the ear straps are attached. I have only made one for personal use, and am currently working on one for my mother as a late mothers day present. I will not make any others until you have given me permission. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I fixed my issue with not being able to leave comments!

      You have my permission! Thank you. You can credit back to this blog or my ravelry.

      Delete
    2. Ok great! What is your name on ravelry? I do not have an online site yet, so using your ravelry name will do for now!

      Delete
  34. Irishgirl- I have struggled to leave a comment for much time. It is not working for me at all.
    I had to download an app to leave this comment and can’t respond right too you, so I hope you see this.


    You have my permission! Thank you. You can credit back to this blog or my ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
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  46. I love the idea of wearing a wide-brimmed hat while knitting in the sun! Not only will it protect my face from the sun, but it'll also help me see my stitches better. Thanks for the great tip!

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