Easy Womans Crochet Chemo Cap | Free Pattern

This easy Womans crochet chemo cap, free pattern is for you to use when making to donate to loved ones or your local Cancer Center. This chemo cap design uses a (5) weight yarn, and has a gauge as you go system that will help you switch yarns if you choose.

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It brings me great joy to design Chemo Caps.

I designed this chemo cap in 2016 at the request of some friends who had Breast Cancer. I didn’t realize at the time that acrylic yarn could be harsh to a chemo patient. If you crochet this for a chemo patient using Lion Brand Homespun or Lion Brand Antimicrobial Thick and Quick ask ther recipient if they have a tender scalp.

If you know that the recipient has a tender scalp, you may want to crochet a chemo cap out of Lion Brands Coboo or Truboo.

If using Coboo or Truboo hold two strands of yarn and use the “Guage As You Go” method. This is a method that I have written into the pattern, so that you can switch up yarns and still get the size that you want.

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the Fall of 2021.

I decided after my diagnosis that I wanted to design beautiful chemo caps. I set out to gain knowledge on what kind of yarn is best, and my knowledge is growing every day. Here are a few chemo caps that have been designed since my diagnosis.

My favorite has been the Peekaboo Ridge Stitch chemo cap. It has small openings that give it a little bit of airflow.

Another unique design is a Cancer Ribbon Towel with a towel topper. This is a good item to use for fundraisers. I think you will like this. I hope to figure out how to make a discloth with a Cancer ribbon. It may happen some day.

Below is the Free Pattern for the Womans Crochet Chemo Cap.

If you would like to purchase the ad free pdf click THIS RAVELRY LINK.

Designer Notes about the YARN USED: Lion Brand Homespun (5) Purple Haze

I do love working with Lion Brand’s Homespun yarn. It can be a little tricky to work with, but it is perfect for making a soft and warm hat. The color variations are so pretty!  Years ago when I designed this as a chemo cap I felt this acrylic yarn would be suitable for those going through chemo. I have since learned that Acrylic can be harsh for some patients.

Below is a live link to purchase Lion Brand Homespun Yarn.
https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1026079&u=3032660&m=72611&urllink=www%2Elionbrand%2Ecom%2Fproducts%2Fhomespun%2Dyarn&afftrack=

If you can achieve gauge you may be able to hold two strands of Lion Brand Coboo Yarn. Below is a live link
https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1026079&u=3032660&m=72611&urllink=www%2Elionbrand%2Ecom%2Fproducts%2Fcoboo%2Dyarn&afftrack=

Made in the USA

Weight Category: 5 –   Bulky Weight: Chunky, Craft, Rug Yarn

6.00 oz./170 g (185 yd/169 m) 98% Acrylic, 2% Polyester

 

Ladies Small to Med. & Large to EX. Large size found at the end of the pattern

Hook: K – 10 ½ /6.5mm  Yarn needle for sewing peak into place

Embellishment Supplies: Optional – Lace, buttons or brooches to adorn the flap.

Stitch Guide

join w/ = join with

SLP ST = Slip Stitch

CH = Chain     

SC = Single Crochet

HDC = Half Double Crochet

BLO = Crochet the stitch indicated by using the back loop only

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 does 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

NOTE: This pattern is written for those who have lost their hair due to chemo or other medical conditions. If you would like a bigger hat, go up a hook size or two, or just add an increase round.

Womans Fancy Chemo Cap (small to medium : Large to Extra Large is found at the end of the pattern

 

Round 1: CH1; 10 HDC in ring, join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC

Crocheting with this super squishy and soft 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 pointer finger, to open the hole and make it noticeable. So go slow…poke around with your fingers and count as you go. 

Pic 2 is showing what it looks like with 20 stitches, and Pic 3 is showing how it looks after it is joined.

 

TIP 1:Holding a piece of white paper in your lap while you crochet with this squishy yarn, will 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 3: CH 1; HDC in joining st, 2HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st, 2 HDC in nxt st* 9x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC (30 HDC)

Round 4: CH 1; HDC in joining st; HDCin next st, 2HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st 2x, 2 HDC in nxt st* 9x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC (40 HDC)

If making the Large to EXTRA Large Hat, please scroll down to the bottom of the pattern.

Round 5: CH 1; HDC in joining st; HDCin next st (6x), 2HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st 7x, 2 HDC in nxt st* 4x;

join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC (45 HDC)

NOTE: This pattern is written for those who have lost their hair due to chemo or other medical conditions. Diameter = 6 – 6.5”

Round 6 – 12: HDC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC

(45 HDC) total measurement from crown to Round 12 = 7 ½” – 8”

Round 13: CH 1, SC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (45 SC)

Round 14: CH1, SC in joining st, SC in nxt st (7x), 2 SC in nxt st; *SC in nxt st (8x), 2 SC in nxt st;* 4x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC

(50 SC)

Round 15: CH 1, SC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (50SC)

NOTE: If you would like to make a basic beanie end off after this round.                               

Follow instructions below, to make this hat with an off center peaked brim. Scroll down to find the rolled brim instructions found at the bottom of the pattern.
                                                    

The next rounds will make the off center 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: Turn, CH1 SC in Back Loop Only BLO (26x) Note: BLO was the front loop, before you turned

Round 17: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 2 st’s, SC in nxt st (22x); SLP ST in nxt st; (22 SC)

Round 18: CH 1 and TURN; Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (18x);  (18 SC)

Round 19: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (15x);  (15 SC)

Round 20: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (11x);  (11 SC)

Round 21: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (9x);  (9 SC)

Round 22: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (6x);  (6 SC)

Round 23: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (4x);  (4 SC)

Round 24: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (3x);  (3 SC at the peak) at the end of this row, with the brim turned up, you will be looking at the outside of the hat.

Round 25: Edging round: With the brim turned up, looking at the outside of the hat, SC 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 side of the off center peak. Continue to SC up the slope, smoothing out the rough edges, until you reach the 3 SC at the peak. SC in 1st st, 3 HDC in nxt st, SLP ST in the 3rd SC . End off leaving a tail to sew the peak to the side of the hat.

Finishing measurements = crown to brim 8 – 8 ½”; across the folded hat  10 ” – 10.5”;  circumference 20.5”- 21.5” 

I think the turned up brim is lovely on it’s own, but if you want to fancy up the hat, just add a sparkly button or a brooch.

                                           Turned Up Brim Without A Peak

Follow instructions below, to make this hat with a turned up brim

Round 16: TURN, CH 1, SC in BLO and in each stitch around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (50 SC)Note: BLO was the front loop, before you turned

Round 17: CH1, SC in joining st, SC in nxt st (8x), 2 SC in nxt st; *SC in nxt st (9x), 2 SC in nxt st;* 4x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (50 SC)

Round 18 – 23: CH 1, SC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (55 SC) End off at the end of Round 23 and weave in ends. (If you would like a wider brim, just add more rows)

Finishing measurements = crown to brim 8 – 8 ½”; across the folded hat  10 ” – 10.5”;  circumference 20.5”- 21.5”  

The turned up brim is so nice, but you can easily add a brooch to dress it up too!

 

Large to Extra Large

Round 5: CH 1; HDC in joining st; HDCin next st (2x), 2HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st 3x, 2 HDC in nxt st* 9x;

join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC (50 HDC)

Round 6: CH 1; HDC in joining st; HDCin next st (8x), 2HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st 9x, 2 HDC in nxt st* 4x;

join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC (55 HDC)

NOTE: This pattern is written for those who have lost their hair due to chemo or other medical conditions. 

 Diameter = 6.5 – 7”

Round 7 – 14: HDC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC (55 HDC)

total measurement from crown to Round 14 = 8” – 8 ½”

Round 15: CH 1, SC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (55 SC)

Round 16: CH1, SC in joining st, SC in nxt st (9x), 2 SC in nxt st; *SC in nxt st (10x), 2 SC in nxt st;* 4x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC

(60 SC)

Round 17: CH 1, SC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (60SC)

NOTE: If you would like to make a basic beanie end off after this round.

Turned Up Brim with an Off Center Peak – Large/ex Large

Follow instructions below, to make this hat with an off center peaked brim. Scroll down to find the turned up brim instructions found at the bottom of the pattern. 

The next rounds will make the off center 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 18: TURN, CH 1, SC in BLO and in each stitch around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (60 SC) Note: BLO was the front loop, before you turned

Round 19: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 2 st’s, SC in nxt st (22x); SLP ST in nxt st; (22 SC)

Round 20: CH 1 and TURN; Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (18x);  (18 SC)

Round 21: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (15x);  (15 SC)

Round 22: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (11x);  (11 SC)

Round 23: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (9x);  (9 SC)

Round 24: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (6x);  (6 SC)

Round 25: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (4x);  (4 SC)

Round 26: CH 1 and TURN;  Skp 1 st, SC in nxt st (3x);  (3 SC at the peak) at the end of this row, with the brim turned up, you will be looking at the outside of the hat.

Round 27: Edging round: With the brim turned up, looking at the outside of the hat, SC 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 side of the off center peak. Continue to SC up the slope, smoothing out the rough edges, until you reach the 3 SC at the peak. SC in 1st st, 3 HDC in nxt st, SLP ST in the 3rd SC . End off leaving a tail to sew the peak to the side of the hat.

Turned up Brim without a Peak – large ex large                                            

Follow instructions below, to make this hat with a turned up brim

Round 18: TURN, CH 1, SC in BLO and in each stitch around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (60 SC) Note: BLO was the front loop, before you turned

Round 19: CH1, SC in joining st, SC in nxt st (8x), 2 SC in nxt st; *SC in nxt st (9x), 2 SC in nxt st;* 5x;

join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (66 SC)

Round 20 – 25: CH 1, SC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (66 SC) End off at the end of Round 25 and weave in ends. (If you would like a wider brim, just add more rows)

Finishing measurements = crown to brim 8 ½”- 9”; across the folded hat 10 ½” –11”;  circumference 21”- 22”  

The turned up brim is so nice, but you can easily add a brooch to dress it up, or make just the beanie and add a vintage brooch.