Knitting Pattern for Mask Buddy (and perhaps future bookmark)

Mask Buddies

This is a simple half an hour project that might help with the face mask. I have seen variety of similar things on the internet. I decided to use cotton yarn for mine and make it double to keep the mask buddy from stretching too much. These I made in less than an hour, while talking to my mom on Skype. They are for my friends, and neighbors. I will be making few more for others. A friend of mine sew the mask on her sewing machine. I have added the elastic, knitted the mask buddies, added two buttons and I have a small gift of appreciation for my neighbor. Sewing the button took me the longest, or it seemed to be. 

Once this pandemic is over, you can use it as a book mark, or a needle holder. 

Finished Mask Buddy Size: 7" (18 cm) long.

Yarn: Cotton yarn in your favorite  color. For my sample I used Sugar and Cream yarn, I think.

Yardage: Approximately 30 - 40 yards (28 - 37 meters).

Recommended Needle Size: DPN US # 7 / 4.5 mm (set of 3).

Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker, two buttons.

Abbreviations:

CO = Cast On

DPN = Double Pointed Needles

K = Knit

K2tog = Knit two sts together, this decreases two sts to one st.

K3tog = Knit three sts together, this decreases three sts to one st.

KFB = Knit in front and bag of the same st, this creates two sts from one st.

PM = Place Marker

Rnd, Rnds = Round, Rounds

SSK = Slip st, slip st, and knit the two sts together, this decreases two sts to one st.

St, Sts = Stitch, Stitches

Gauge: 20 sts & 23 rows 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch.

Instructions:

This mask buddy is knit in the round, in one piece. The two buttons are sewn on after finishing. 

With the yarn and two DPN, CO 6 sts. PM and begin to work in the round.

Rnd 1: Knit

Rnd 2: (KFB, K1, KFB) 2x (10 sts total)

Rnd 3: (KFB, K3, KFB) 2x (14 sts total)

Rnd 4: (KFB, K5, KFB) 2x (18 sts total)

Rnds 5 - 34: Knit

Rnd 35: (SSK, K5, K2tog) 2x (14 sts total)

Rnd 36: (SSK, K3, K2tog) 2x (10 sts total)

Rnd 37: (SSK, K1, K2tog) 2x (6 sts total)

Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining sts on needles, gather up and close the hole, stitch to secure.

Finishing:

Weave in ends. Sew the two buttons on the knitted piece. If you need to make the mask buddy longer or shorter just add or substract few rounds between the increase and decrease rounds.  

Face mask and mask buddies