Knit & Crochet Accessories for Face Coverings

Face masks are here to stay for the foreseeable future, and we've seen many crafters answer the call to make their own cloth face coverings - even some folks who have never sewed before! Vickie Howell has a fabulous round-up of free sewing patterns and tutorial, which also includes some no-sew options. Click here to check it out!

Even if you don't sew, you can still put a crafty spin on your face coverings. Many crafters are using up leftover bits of yarn to make face mask adapters to keep masks secure and reduce irritation by keeping elastic away from the skin behind the ears. Click the links below to check out these FREE knit & crochet patterns to try (Ravelry links where noted)!

Knitting Patterns for Face Mask Adapters

Knitted Ear Savers by Kimberly Nichols

Knit Mask Holder by 4 Elli

Healthcare Headbands by Susan Policastro (Ravelry Link)

Crochet Patterns for Face Mask Adapters

Quick Crochet Ear Savers by Moogly

Crochet Ear Savers by Left in Knots

Headband Mask Helper by Fiber Flux Blog

Face Mask Neck Cords

Here's another problem-solving idea from Vickie Howell: a crocheted face mask neck cord! In this free tutorial, Vickie shows how to crochet a Romanian cord which can be used to keep your face mask easily accessible around your neck for whenever you need it. So clever! 

Knitters could make a similar cord by knitting an I-cord and then following the finishing steps shared by Vickie in the previous link above. Check out the tutorial video below for the steps on making an I-Cord if you need a refresher on this technique!


Don't see your favorite pattern here? Share it with us below in the comments. We hope everyone is staying healthy and safe this summer!

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Tips for Changing Seasons & Spring Pattern Round-Up

As the seasons change in the northern hemisphere, it's time to pack away warm winter woolens in favor of lightweight, breathable garments and accessories. But before you store your handmade projects for the season, make sure to wash everything first!

There are many specially-made wool washes on the market that condition fibers while removing dirt and grime which can attract unwanted pests. Your nearest Knitter's Pride retailer should be able to recommend a wool wash, along with any other supplies you may need - we always recommend keeping a set of Blocking Mats and Knit Blockers handy, and if you knit a lot of lace, you may want to add a set of Blocking Wires to your toolbox as well. We have a free tutorial on washing and blocking handmade projects here our blog archive for anyone who needs a refresher on the washing and blocking process.

Moths, in particular, are something that every wool lover dreads; for tips on mothproofing your woolen wear, check out this post on the Martha Stewart website. Should you discover an infestation at any point, don't panic! Click here to tips on managing the situation on the Red Handled Scissors blog.

Warmer weather may also mean changes in the kinds of projects you like to knit and crochet! While many of our fans craft year-round (and some will even keep making sweaters no matter how hot it gets!), some folks set their needles and hooks aside for the season. But with all of the extra time at home this spring, why not keep your hands busy with a project that fits the season?

Smaller projects like socks, fingerless mitts and hats are quick to make and won't make you hot by resting in your lap the way a larger project would. That doesn't mean that shawls and sweaters are out of the question, though! Look for patterns which use lighter weights of yarn (think lace and fingering) and incorporate more breathable fibers such as cotton, bamboo, and flax, into your wool routine (even blending these fibers with wool will help!).

Let us inspire your next project with one of these fabulous free patterns!

Free Knitting Patterns

Brighten up your living space or home office with a Mini Rainbow by Amanda Davies! If you have any loved ones who must wear a face mask for prolonged periods of time,  use up leftover bits of yarn to knit a few of Lady C's Ear Savers to reduce irritation caused by the elastic loops which hold the mask in place. The Fadewalker Fingerless Mitts by Elizabeth Abiate is perfect for gradient or self-striping yarns in your stash, or rounding up several coordinating colors if you prefer. Practice your intarsia skills with The Ombis by Amy Singer, which appears in the Spring + Summer issue of Knitty. The Twilight Cowl by Sara Anthony-Boon has an interesting construction and is inspired by the Aurora Borealis. Sock knitters will enjoy the bold geometric design found on the Mitsuuroko Socks by Raeli Masina. Or, join our current charity craft-along, which has a color work theme and a fabulous free cowl pattern, A Precious Resource by Michael Harrigan!

Free Crochet Patterns

The Easiest Ear Savers by Jessica Underwood is a beginner-friendly pattern that's also great for using up scrap yarn. Scrunchies are making a comeback, and you can quickly whip up an entire rainbow of with the Ruffled Scrunchie by Crochet n' Create. The Crochet Rainbow by Crafting Happiness can be made with scrap yarn in your stash and proudly displayed in your window or used as a wall hanging.  Whip up a pair of lightweight, lacy fingerless mitts with the Evies Eternities Gloves by Heidi Eisner. Vickie Howell's Singles Summer Scarf is a beautiful project designed especially for the fingering weight singles lurking in your stash. Keep cool with the Off The Shoulder Crop Top by Designs by Key, which comes in sizes ranging from XS-5X. For our fans who love both Star Wars and crochet, check out Amilyn by Rebecca Velasquez, which is inspired by a special-occasion dress worn by Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo that is translated into a lacy open-work top.

Wishing you a safe & happy spring - make sure to share what's on your Knitter's Pride needles and hooks by using #knitterspride in your posts!

Last-Minute Gifts to Knit & Crochet

Christmas and Hanukkah are less than two weeks away, but there's still time to bust out a few more handmade gifts for your loved ones. Today we round up a few of our favorite free patterns which can be knitted or crocheted in a jiffy for last-minute holiday gifting!

Quick Knitting Accessories
For a basic hat that will look good on just about anyone, try the 0815 Hat by Stadkindknits. The Flausch Mitts by Kristin Barbato holds two strands of yarn together to make a super-warm pair of fingerless gloves, perfect for using up leftover bits of yarn in your stash. The Polar Bear Mittens by Love Life Yarn would be an adorable gift for children. Try the Snowy Afternoon Cowl for a quick-knitting neck warmer you can make in a day! If you're really pressed for time, the Main Street Chunky Ear Warmer Headband by Michele Costa is a quick pattern you can make in less than a day.

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Quick Crochet Accessories
The Diamonds Slouch Beanie by Jennifer Pionk is sized from Toddler through Adult Large, ensuring everyone on your list will be stylishly warm this winter! If you're looking to use up leftover bits of yarn in your stash, check out the Hump de Bump Beanie by Cre8tion Crochet. Keep hands toasty warm with the Slip Stitch Mittens from Joy of Motion Crochet. The Essen Cowl by Michele Costa features beautiful textured stitches that work up quickly in bulky weight yarn. Make a matching headband using the Essen Chunky Earwarmer crochet pattern by Michele Costa.

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Spa Gifts to Knit & Crochet
A washcloth is a great companion gifts to soaps, bath salts, or scented body wash. We have a free knitting pattern for the Spa-Riffic Wash Cloth found here in our blog archive, or you can try the Vertical Dish Cloth by Cecelia Famelli. For crocheters, try the Farmhouse Spa Set by Sunflower Cottage Crochet for a variety of spa-related patterns to make, or the Sakura Face Scrubbies by K.A.M.E. Crochet for a colorful option. Round things out by knitting a Lash Sleeping Mask by Arianna Frasca or crocheting a Deluxe Beauty Sleep Mask by Rhondda Mol.

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Holiday Ornaments & Decor
These smaller projects are quick to knit or crochet and full of holiday cheer! Use up leftover bits of yarn to  whip up some pretty ornaments for your holiday display, or to add the perfect finishing touch to your gifts. For knitters, try Jul by Anniken Allis or Tiny Tree Ornaments by Cate Carter-Evans; for crocheters, check out the Christmas Baubles pattern from Thoresby Cottage or the adorable Penguin Ornament from Spin a Yarn Crochet. No matter what you celebrate, you can't go wrong with pretty snowflakes and stars! Try Vickie Howell's Crocheted Sock Yarn Snowflakes or the knit a few stars using the Luxury Holiday Garland pattern by Kristin Ashbaugh-Helmreich. 

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We look forward to seeing what holiday crafts you make with Knitter's Pride needles and hooks, make sure to use the #knitterspride hashtag in your posts!

If you need a few last-minute gifts or stocking stuffers, we have some suggestions! Small notions such as stitch markers, cable needles, repair hooks, circular needle protectors and row counter rings are all excellent choices, and you can find them at your nearest Knitter's Pride retailer. Happy holidays from all of us at Knitter's Pride!

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