KKnitting projects for the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis including ways to share love and hope while social distancing and staying safe at home. Updated 5/8/23
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Free Patterns
Mio's Mask Extender Ear Savers
Adorable animal face mask extender perfect for kids who need to wear masks in school or anyone who wants to give their ears a fun break during long periods of wearing masks. Knit with optional mouth for a ponytail. May only be free a limited time. Sizes 3-6 in. 15 - 20 yards (14 - 18 m) of DK weight yarn. Designed by Melissa Pody
Jabby
Happy vaccine syringe toy knitting pattern. May only be free a limited time. Size About 3" (7.5cm) tall, including needle. 15 - 30 yards (14 - 27 m) of fingering weight yarn. Designed by Anna Hrachovec of Mochimochi Land
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See Ravelry page
Get Anna Hrachovec’s book Teeny-Tiny Mochimochi: More Than 40 Itty-Bitty Minis to Knit, Wear, and Give- See more Teeny Toy Knitting Patterns
Super Quick Ear Savers for Masks
Ear saver to help ease the discomfort of wearing protective face masks for long periods. Knit in ribbing to make them stretchy and top down for a quick knit. Add buttons to put the mask elastic over. Uses 7 - 13 yards (6 - 12 m) of Worsted yarn. Designed by Lolie Yergeau.
Social Distance Hug
Are you missing hugs? Here's the Social Distance Hug heart softie with outstretched arms to give a hug to your family, friends, co-workers and that special essential worker in your life. Designed by Korri Wass
Button Less Mask Mate
Use this mask mate to tie back the elastic face masks behind your head to save your ears in a stylish accessory. Great for leftover yarn because it uses 10g - 15g of yarn. Easily adjustable to any yarn and needle that gives a good I cord. Designed by Yarn Indulgences
Staying Home, Staying Connected Cowl
The stitch pattern of this infinity loop scarf resembles rows of tiny interconnected houses. This symbolizes the idea that even if we are all staying in our own homes, we are still connected. Designed by Marijke van der Horst as Thús (the Frisian word for home). Fingering weight yarn. Available in English and Dutch.
Hoarding Mittens
Funny mittens with a toilet paper roll motif to remind us what's really important in a crisis and to give others a smile. Designed by Jørgen Johnsen. DK weight yarn. Available in English and Norwegian.
Face Mask Pouch
Keep your face mask handy in this little pouch you can keep in your purse or on your key ring. Great stasbuster since it uses 55 yards of DK weight yarn. Designed by Coral Bale.
Nurse Mates Dolls
Medical professional doll in scrubs with separate mask knit in one piece from the bottom-up either flat or in the round. Size Fingering 4 3/4"; DK/Sport 5 1/4"; Worsted 6". Designed by Esther Braithwaite who says these were created with great respect and gratitude for all of the medical professionals who are working so tirelessly to keep us safe during this difficult time.
Ear Savers for Masks
This Knitted Ear Saver will help ease the discomfort for those who wear protective face masks for long periods. Fasten each mask strap to a button on the Knitted Ear Saver at the back of the head and give your ears a break! Uses 7 - 8 yards (6 - 7 m) of yarn. Any yarn weight, gauge, and button size will work. Designed by Kimberly Nichols.
More Free Patterns
Koda Redux Toy Bear and Scrubs
Teddy bear about 9" tall in squishy chenille yarn with separate medical scrubs outfit (pants, top and mask). Designed by J.G. Miller.
- Get the free BEAR knitting pattern
- Get the free SCRUBS knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Bernat Pipsqueak yarn
Rainbows in the Windows
Banners are perfect for hanging in windows to greet delivery people, neighbors out for a walk, or frontline workers. The pattern is written for one basic banner that can be decorated with your choice of four intarsia motifs: a rainbow heart, a rainbow or the words HAPPY or THANK YOU. The patterns for the intarsia portions are provided as both charts and written instructions. Great stashbuster! Designed by Vikki Bird.
Six Rows Apart Together
Stripes start out at 1 row each and end at 6 rows each in this social distancing reminder cowl. Designed for 3 colors, you could use a lot more for a real stashbuster. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Aimee Pelletier & Carly Stipe. Kits are also available.
Frontline Teddy Bear
Teddy bear in medical scrubs with mask. Designed by Sam Pratt to display support for nurses, doctors, and other medical personnel on the front lines helping those with COVID-19. Size 21cm /8.5” tall. DK weight yarn.
Hugging You From Over Here Hat
Use this hat to virtually hug everyone while keeping a safe distance. Use it when you connect online, when you get delivery, or make one and send it to your loved one. The letters are created by using duplicate stitch but I think you could also adapt the hat to stranded or double knitting if you wished. 3 Sizes. Designed by Brenda K. B. Anderson. DK weight yarn.
Social Distancing Hat
Quick and fun beanie featuring a simple cable pattern. The lines formed by the cables start one next to the other, then open up to a safe distance in the body of the hat, to meet again on the top, when the danger is over to form a beautiful swirl shape together. Uses 1 skein (90 yards) of bulky weight yarn. Designed by Paola Albergamo.
Hand to Heart
Instructions to knit a heart embellished with cabled hearts or cupped to hands to show loved ones that we’re keeping them in our hearts at this time. Or use Happy Heart Hunt popularized by a teacher in Milton, WI. It also would make a great Mother's Day memento. 3 sizes depending on yarn weight: 6, 8.5., and 10 inches tall. Designed by Therese Chynoweth.
Toilet Paper Novelty
Great as a gag gift or a novelty scarf, this knit toliet paper also has a knit roll. Designed by Anna Hrachovec. Pictured project by LittleIdy
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get Anna Hrachovec’s book Teeny-Tiny Mochimochi: More Than 40 Itty-Bitty Minis to Knit, Wear, and Give
Giant Smiley Rainbow
Put this rainbow softie in your window to give your neighbors and essential workers a smile and let you know you're thinking about them. Designed by Louise Walker as a big thank you to all key workers. Super Bulky weight yarn.
Floating Rainbow
Hanging rainbow ornament with cloud fringe. Designed by DROPS design. Aran weight yarn. Available in English, Danish, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and more.
Patterns for Purchase
Face Mask Covers
These are not protective medical masks, but pretty covers to wear over disposable surgical style or N-95 masks. The rectangle cover measures 8” long and 4 3/4” wide at center. It also includes a pocket to insert the mask. Also included is an extension band that measures 4 ¾” long and 1 1/4” wide. Illustrations for embroidery flowers are included. Both masks shown are made using dk-weight yarn.
Little Doctor Bear
NO LONGER FREE! Teddy bear in medical scrubs with mask. Head and body knit in a single piece with simple shaping. His tunic and trousers are removable, and his hat is sewn in place. Designed by Claire Fairall as her thank you to the wonderful medical staff all over the world. Size 21cm /8.5” tall. DK weight yarn.
Shark and Snake Mask Extenders / Ear Savers
Designed to relieve the pressure that face masks exert on the ears, the mask elastic slips around the buttons. Invaluable and now fun for key workers - retail, child care, care homes etc. Easy to knit with around 4g of DK yarn on 3.25mm straight needles. It measures 8cm width by 8cm high. Designed by ayrshire knits.
Face Mask with Filter Pocket
NO LONGER FREE! Not medical grade! However, especially if used with an insert (a coffee filter, a piece of fabric, a specialized filter, etc.), it can reduce the contagion probability and protect others. Two ties options: elastic hair ties and knit straps. Knit double and folded to form a double layer with a pocket to slip a filter (coffee fiter, fabric, etc.) in for extra protection. DK weight yarn. Designed by Natalya1905. Great stashbuster! May only be free for a limited time.
Safe at Home Blanket
Colorful houses knit with garter stitch in stripes and intarsia create a cozy stashbusting throw! Blanket as shown: 55 x 55 inches (140 x 140 cm). Aran weight yarn. Designed by Knitwit Designs
Home and Love Throw Pillows
Perfect for your cozy cottage, a friend who just moved, or a newlywed couple setting up a home. The pattern includes both charted and written instructions. Techniques used: Knit, purl, I-cord BO, increasing, decreasing, cabling, German Short Rows (instructions in pattern). Chunky-weight yarn. Finished size is 13" x 13" (15" x 15") to fit a 14" x 14" (16" x 16") pillow form. Designed by Bekah Knits
