Crocheting While We #StayHome

I decided to crochet some masks when it was clear no one had any. The process seemed simple enough and using an E hook, I began by chaining a nine-inch or so chain. I say or so because the length depends on the width of the person’s face. I used some extra yarn that I had around from other projects since social distancing is keeping me home.

The first mask, the purple one, involved using half-double crochets which I chose because the yarn was thinner and I wanted to be sure the weave was tight enough. After I finished the initial rectangle, I continued with the loops which you can do separately if you want. I kept going, however, so that I only had to attach one side of the loop on each end. But crocheting them separately and attaching each loop works as well.

After finishing the first mask, I decided to add a make-shift pocket to the inside in which to stuff padding such as gauze pads, folded up toilet paper, tissue, or cloth. Anything would work to create a barrier. Now, whether something like this is comparable to surgical masks, I have no idea and make zero claims regarding their efficacy. But remember that I looked for masks and found none. So, this is the best I could come up with on short notice. At least I can wash them after use.

The next mask I made was the brown one and as you can see from the picture of the three masks I decided to change the direction of the stitching and use a single crochet stitch. It worked well, but for the final mask, I went back to the original direction, but I still used a single crochet stitch instead of the half-double I used in the first mask.

I’m not going to write out the directions in any detail because it was simply using chains, a single crochet, or a half-double crochet. Anyone familiar with crocheting can wing it from there. However, with the coasters below, I wrote out the exact directions.

Yep. The coasters are little granny squares. I used an E hook as I did when making the masks as well as some cool multi-shaded blue yarn. Here’s the process if you’re not familiar with crocheting a granny square. Note: a fun way to crochet a blanket using granny squares is to simply crochet one really big granny square. I have one that fits my California King-sized mattress. It’s as heavy as any weighted blanket and my husband and I love it! Anyhow, the directions are below:

Notes: 1. Each group is comprised of three double crochets other than the first one which begins with a chain 2 to substitute for the first double crochet of the group. 2. When I refer to the top of the first ch 1, I’m talking about the second of the two chains at what would normally be the top of a double crochet.

• Chain (ch) 4, join with slip stitch (sl st) in first chain
• Row 1: Ch 2 (serves as first double crochet), dc twice more creating first three double crochet group. Ch 1, dc x3, ch 1, dc x3, ch 1, dc x3, ch 1, sl st in top of first ch1 (the first dc of the first group, see notes)
• Row 2: sl st in top of the next two dc and sl st into the first ch 1 space. Ch 2 (1st dc), dc x2, ch 1, dc 3 creating a corner. Ch 1 and repeat for each corner. After the last corner, sl st in top of Ch 2, sl st in top of the next two dc and into the first ch 1 space.
• Row 3: create the corner: ch 2, dc x2, ch 1, *3 dc in ch 1 sp, create corner (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc), ch 1, repeat from * around to the end. Sl st in top of ch 2 and sl st in top of the next two dc and sl st into the first ch 1 space.
• Row 4: create the corner: ch 2, dc x2, ch 1, *3 dc in next 2 ch 1 sps, create corner (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc), ch 1, repeat from * around to the end. Sl st into top of ch 2 and sl st in top of the next two dc and sl st into the first ch 1 space.
• Row 5: create the corner: ch 2, dc x2, ch 1, *3 dc in next 3 ch 1 sps, create corner (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc), ch 1, repeat from * around to the end. Sl st into top of ch 2 and sl st in top of the next two dc and sl st into the first ch 1 space.
• Continue with as many rows as you want or finish off now, working ends into the body of the coaster.

Some people drink when stressed; I crochet. So, no telling what will happen as social distancing continues.

Blessings!