Years ago I designed this crochet chemo cap for kids with bulky yarn many years ago. I used Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick, but it is no longer available. I am still going to share this free pattern with you, as I have added a “gauge as you go” system, to help you get the size needed for a 5yr to 7 yr old child.
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There are other bulky yarns that can be used to crochet this chemo cap.
I haven’t tested these yarns using this pattern yet. If you do please let me know how they work up. The Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick Yarn was a boucle yarn. The closest yarn with a fuzzy texture like this is Bernat Velvet Plus Yarn. You may be able to use Bernat’s Blanket Yarn or any of the Super Bulky yarns found at Mary Maxim.
Please let me know if you crochet his bulky yarn chemo cap for kids.
I would love to share your review. You can post it in the comments below. You can purchase the ad free pdf at RAVELRY.
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Size 7yr to Adult EX. Small
Lion Brand Homespun Thick and Quick; 88% Acrylic, 12% Polyester – 120 yards
Hook: L –11/8.00mm Yarn needle for sewing peak into place
Embellishment Supplies: Optional – Lace, buttons, brooches or vintage jewelry to adorn the flap.
Stitch Guide
join w/ = join with
SLP ST = Slip Stitch
CH = Chain
SC = Single Crochet
HDC = Half Double Crochet
SP = Space
nxt = Next
st = Stitch
* * = Execute sequence between the stars, the number of times stated
x = Times; example Repeat 2 x or 2 times; 3 x or 3 times and so on
Pattern Notes:
1. Beginning CH 1 & SLP ST’s do not count as a stitch
STOP!!!! PLEASE READ!!!!! Gauge As You Go: There will be measurements at certain stages throughout the pattern. They will be highlighted in green. This system of measurements, will give you an idea if you are on track to achieve the size that you WANT. Not everyone crochets with the same tension. Example, if the beginning circle, which will be the first measurement you come across, is too small, then you can go up a hook size or two, or you can add an increase row if you so desire. If you are finding that the next segment of measurements is too short, you can always add an extra yarn over before pulling through the last sequence of loops that completes the stitch, this will give your stitches more height. Some crochet artists can achieve gauge horizontally, but not in height. One other option is add an extra row if you would like. There are so many ways to achieve the size you want, with “GAUGE AS YOU GO” This system will also allow you to change yarns… Most yarns have a slightly different gauge, and this system will help you see if the yarn is going to make it a good fit.
CH 3, join in ring, or use magic circle
Round 1: CH1; 10 HDC in ring, join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC
Crocheting with this super squishy, soft and fuzzy yarn can be a challenge. Notice in pic 1 you cannot readily count the stitches, and it can be hard to find where you should put your next stitch. I like to use my fingers to help me along. Notice where my thumb is, I am poking with my ring finger, from the back, to open the hole and make it noticeable. So go slow…poke around with your fingers and count as you go. Since it is so hard to see the individual stitches, when it is time to join, feel for the post of the first HDC. Pic 2 is showing where I have found the post, and placed a finger on either side of the post. The two loops that are slanting down on the right side of the post (where the black arrow is) will be where you will join. Pic 3 is showing the hook being inserted under the two loops, preparing for the join. TIP 1: Holding a piece of white paper in your lap while you crochet with this squishy and fuzzy yarn can help you to see your stitches. TIP 2: Place markers at increases, advice from 1 of my testers.
Round 2: CH 1; 2HDC in each ST around; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC (20 HDC)
Round 5– 11: HDC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC (36HDC)
Total measurement from crown to Round 11 =8” – 8 ½”
Round 12: CH 1, SC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (36 SC)
Round 13: CH1, SC in joining st, SC in nxt st (4x), 2 SC in nxt st; *SC in nxt st (5x), 2 SC in nxt st;* 5x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC
(42 SC)
Round 14: CH 1, SC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (42 SC)
NOTE: If you would like to make a basic beanie, end off after this round
Follow instructions below, to make this hat with a turned up brim Scroll down to find the peaked brim instructions found at the bottom of the pattern.
Round 15: Turn, CH1 SC in Back Loop Only BLO, around Note: This was the front loop, before you turned (42 SC)
Round 16 –21: CH 1, SC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (42 SC) End off at the end of round 21, weave in ends. Turn the brim up, and sew on a pretty button, or pin a brooch in place. (If you would like a wider brim, just add more rounds.)
Finishing measurements = 8 ½”- 9” crown to brim; 9 ½” – 10” across the folded hat; 20”- 21” circumference
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Follow instructions below, to make this hat with a peaked brim
Round 15: Turn, CH 1 SC in Back Loop Only BLO, around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC. Note: This was the front loop, before you turned (42 SC)
The next rows will make the peak. Work the amount of stitches stated, and leave the rest of the stitches unworked, it will create a rough edge, but the edging round will smooth out the bumps.
Round 16: CH 1; HDC in nxt st (18x); (18 HDC)
Round 17: TURN; SLP ST; Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (14x); (14 SC)
Round18: TURN; SLP ST; Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (10x); (10 SC)
Round 19: TURN; SLP ST; Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st(6x); (6 SC)
Round 20: Edging round: Turn, SC across the peak, and down the slope, smoothing out the bumps. When you get to the base of the brim, continue to SC in each st, until you reach the opposite slope of the peak. Continue to SC up the slope, smoothing out the rough edges; SLP ST in the 1st SC made at beg. of this round. End off leaving a tail to sew the peak to the side of the hat.
Finishing measurements = 8 ½”- 9” crown to brim; 9 ½” – 10” across the folded hat; 20”- 21” circumference
I hope you enjoyed your time on my side of the mountain.
This chemo cap was designed years before I was diagnosed with Cancer. A friend asked me for a chemo cap when she was going through Cancer and I started working with Lion Brand Homespun. I didn’t realize at the time that it wasn’t the best yarn to use for chemo patients. I now know that Lion Brand Coboo or Turboo is an excellant choice.
If you crochet his Chemo Cap, please let me know how the hat turns out. I would love to have your feedback.
Since I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2021, it has been my mission to crochet beautiful chemo caps. You will find many of them here at this link.
Chemo Caps Designed by Krissy.
snowball94 says
This is a cute hat for kids could see it with a dinosaur button on it for a little boy.
Glitter Madea says
Believe it or not I have several skeins of lionbrand thick and quick in my wonderful yarn stash just waiting for the right pattern to come along. 😀 as soon as my current projects are out of the way I will give this a try!!!! Thank you Miss Krissy!!! 😊💚
Sherry Staples says
Your eye for design is amazing. I can just see the eyes of patients, young and old alike, when they put on one of your designs.
cablesbahr7de9deff7d says
Hi. I am wondering the length of time for the code. I tried today’s (4/24) and it says expired.