Crochet Lace Mask

The below pattern is my original. Please let me know if there are any errors. Feel free to use it for charity, personal, and theatrical use. Please do not sell for profit.

Yarn: 2-ply lace weight

Hook: 1.5mm

Additional supplies:  
about 12” of 20 gauge wire
pair of needle nose pliers
wire cutters
Needle and matching thread
1” wide ribbon, approximately 2 yards
Small swatch of matching fabric, ribbon, or swatch of crochet made with your yarn.

Abreviations (US):  Sl st = slip stitch; Ch = chain; Sc = single crochet; Dc = double crochet

Trc =  triple crochet

Begin by cutting the length of wire in half. Take each half of the wire and fold in over on itself to make a loop. Twist the loop shut to make an oval approximately 1”x 2”. The twisted end will be the inside corner of the eye of the mask.

Each of the eyes is crocheted separately, however the pattern is the same for both.

Eye Pattern:

Round 1: Sc loosely around the wire, beginning at the inside corner (twisted section) and working around. This took me 65 sc, but depending on your stitch size, you may have to add more to make sure that the wire is completely hidden. Sl st in 1^st sc to join.

Round 2: Ch2. 1dc in each sc for 27 st. *2dc in the next sc, then 1dc in the following sc* Repeat * to * 4 more times. Then finish the round with 1 dc in each sc until you are back at the twist. Ch 2 and sl st in the 2^nd ch of the ch2 that you started with to join.

Round 3: Ch3. 1 trc in each dc of the previous round for 28 st. *2 trc in next st, then 1 trc in each of the following 2 st* Repeat * to * 2 more times. Then 1 trc in each dc of the previous round until you are back at the twist. 6 dc in the ch2 space made during the previous round. Sl st into 3^rd ch of the ch3 that began the round.

Round 4: Ch1. *Skip 2 st, trc in next st, ch3, sc into the trc you just made. (trc, ch3, sc into the trc) in each of the next 5 st. skip 2 st, sc into next st.* From * to * should create an arch with picots on the edge. Repeat from * to * 2 additional times.

2 Completed Eye Pieces

Skip 2 st, trc into next st, ch3, sc into the trc you just made. Now. (trc, ch3, sc into the trc) into the SAME stitch again. In each of the next two st, (trc, ch3, sc into the trc) twice. Skip 2 st and sc into the next st. This creates the same arch, but over 3 st instead of 6.

Repeat the original arch, from * to * above, 3 more times. The last arch will be partly worked over the twist, in the dc st you made in the last round. end with a sl st into the ch 1 that began the round, and fasten off your yarn. 

Once you have made both eyes, use the excess wire to bind the two eye pieces together. Leave enough space for the bridge of your nose. Depending upon the size of your face, this may mean that the lace of the two eyes is touching, overlapping, or even separated completely leaving exposed wire. If they overlap and you are happy with that, go ahead and stitch them down. Otherwise, you can crochet the center medallion pattern below and sew that over the wire at the bridge of the nose.

Center Medallion (not pictured):

Ch10, sl st in 1^st ch to join

Round 1: Ch3, 27 dc into loop

Round 2: Ch4, (dc then ch1) into each dc of the previous round

Round 3: Ch1, into each ch 1 space of the previous round (sl st, ch3, sc)

Outside Edge:

Round 1: Working from the front of the mask, attach your yarn to the third picot from the center top of the nose bridge on the right (the eye that will be over your left eye when its on.)

Ch 12, then sl st into the 3^rd picot on the other side of the nose. *Ch 1 and sl st into the next picot. Ch 12 again, and skip the next 4 picots, then sl st into the 5^th.* Repeat from * to * Instead of ch1 to get to the next picot, ch 16, then sl st into the next picot. Ch 12, skip the next 4 picots, sl st into the 5^th. Again, you with ch 16 and sl st into the next picot. These loops will hold the ribbon when the mask is finished. Repeat from * to * 3 more times until you have made it around back to the center (between the eyes) at the bottom. Ch 1 and then sl st to the other eye, then resume your * to * pattern. After 3 repetitions, ch16 instead of ch 1 between the picots that separate your ch 12 spaces (as you did on the other side). Ch 12, skip 4 picots, sl st in the next. Ch 16 again, sl st in the next picot. Then resume your * to * pattern.

Sl st into the picot that started the round.
(You may have to fudge it a little bit during this round, since everyone's overlap at the nose will be different. If you don't think its going to work out, try a ch 11 skipping only 3 picots)

Round 2: In each ch12 space (3sc, ch3) 5times, then 3sc. Sl st in each ch1 space to move to the next ch 12 space. In the ch 16 spaces that you made as ribbon loops, sc22 times. When you reach the point where you started, fasten off.

Weave in all of your ends, then sew or glue a small scrap of fabric, ribbon, or yarnwork on the inside of the mask to cover any exposed wire near the bridge of the nose.

Cut your 2 yards of ribbon into 4 equal lengths. Each should be sewn onto one of the ch16 loops. Press and starch your lace mask, and try it on! The wire is bendable, so it can be custom molded to fit the wearer.