The Lacey Shells Chemo Cap is a soft, lightweight crochet cap designed to be loose-fitting chemo cap has plenty of stretch and flexibility, with an open lace design that allows for airflow. The free crochet pattern is down below. If you would like an ad free pdf you can pick it up at RAVELRY or ETSY.
The Lacey Shells Chemo Cap is a soft, lightweight crochet cap with an open lace design that allows for a little airflow.
I used a soft cotton bamboo blend yarn and an H crochet hook. This is a quick design to crochet and the finished cap has lots of stretch and flexibility.
There are two sizes:
- Tween-Small
- Medium-Large
Because this cap is so stretchy, it is designed to have a loose, comfortable fit.
A Soft and Breathable Chemo Cap
Not every person going through chemotherapy needs a warm winter hat.
Some may want a lightweight cap for warmer weather, a walk in the garden, or simply a little coverage without a heavy hat.
The Lacey Shells Chemo Cap was designed with that in mind.
The open lace stitches provide airflow, while the Front Post Double Crochet stitches between the lace sections add a little structure to the design.
Ravelry Code: LACEY SHELLS
Soft Yarn for a Tender Scalp
I chose a cotton bamboo blend for this design. I also used a larger hook than I normally do for this yarn, and I found it easier to crochet than when I use a smaller hook.
When making a chemo cap, I always recommend choosing a yarn that feels comfortable against the skin.
Why I Design Chemo Caps
Five years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Since then, it has become my mission to create crochet designs that can help those who are hurting and going through chemotherapy and radiation.
Not everyone needs the same kind of hat.
Some need warmth. Some need lightweight coverage and airflow. And sometimes, they simply want something pretty to wear.
That is why I keep designing different styles of chemo caps.
The Crown
The crown is simple and flexible, just like the rest of the cap.
With the stretch of the stitch pattern, these two sizes will fit a range of head sizes comfortably.
Free Lacey Shells Chemo Cap Pattern
I hope this design gives you another option when you are looking for something soft, lightweight and comfortable to crochet for someone going through treatment.
Yarn And Supplies
3 weight yarn. I used ½ cake of Lion Brand Coboo.
Take care when washing this chemo cap. The texture and the softness can change after it has gone through a hard wash & dry. It might pill and become a bit stiff and scratchy. If the fibers become stiff, Condition with vinegar: If you find the yarn stiffening after several washes, a soak in a water-vinegar mixture (about 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) can help restore softness, then rinse well.
How to wash a chemo cap for a chemo patient.
- soak in lukewarm water.
- Use a mild detergent for sensitive skin.
- Use a bit of fabric softener in the rinse.
- Do not wring and twist when the hat is wet as it could cause the fibers to stretch.
- Gently roll your wet chemo cap in towels squeezing out the excess water. Use more than one towel if necessary.
- Then reshape and lay flat to dry.
As a Breast Cancer Survivor I have become “aware” of a few things, from personal experience.
1. 10-15% of all Breast Cancers are “NOT” detected with a Mammogram or Ultrasound.
2. A Breast MRI will give a clear picture if there is Cancer or not. If you think something is wrong, ask for a Breast MRI.
Hook: H-8/5.0mm
Gauge: 4”x 4” = 4 – 3shells and one fpdc across x 10 rows high in the lace shell pattern.
Notes:
1: Beginning CH 1 or Beginning CH 2 of each round, does not count as a stitch unless otherwise stated
Special Crochet Stitches
3shell: 3 Shell Stitch = 3 dc st’s in the stitch indicated in crochet pattern
Stitch Key
slp st = Slip Stitch
ch = Chain
hdc = Half Double Crochet
hbp hdc = High Back Post Half Double Crochet (Photo Tutorial on page 3)
fpdc = Front Post Double Crochet
nxt = Next
skp = Skip
join w/ = join with
st = stitch
* * = Repeat 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.
in = example “in nxt st” means you will be inserting the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch to complete stitch or sequence of stitches stated.
beg. = beginning
Tween-Small (head circumference 20”- 22”)
CH 3 join in ring
Round 1: ch1 & 10 hdc; join w/slp st to beg. hdc (8 hdc)
Round 2: ch1, 2hdc in joining st and in each st around; join w/slp st to beg. hdc (16 hdc)
Round 3: ch1, sc in joining st; 2dc in nxt st; *sc in nxt st, 2dc in nxt st;* 9x; join w/slp st to beg. sc (24 st’s)
Round 4: ch2, 3shell in joining st, *skp st, sc in nxt, 3shell in sc;* 7x; skp st, sc in last sc; join w/slp st to 1st dc of beg. 3 shell; (8-sc, 8-3shells)
Note: The ch1’s in rounds 5 are for expansion to the top of the chemo cap only. They will not be worked or considered in the following rounds.
Round 5: slp to second dc of prev. 3shell, ch1 sc in same st, ch1; *3shell in sc, ch1, sc in 2nd st of 3shell, ch1;* 7x; 3shell in sc, ch1; join w/slp st to beg. sc (8-3shells; 8sc) 4.25” diameter
Round 6: ch2 fpdc in joining st, ch2, dc in 2nd st of prev. 3shell, ch3* *fpdc in sc st, ch3, dc in 2nd st of prev. 3shell, ch3;* 7x; join w/slp st to the top of beg. Fpdc (16 ch 3, 8 dc, 8 fpdc)
Round 7: ch1, fpdc in joining st, 3shell in 2nd ch, sc in nxt dc, 3shell in 2nd ch; *fpdc in fpdc, 3shell in 2nd ch, sc in nxt dc, 3shell in 2nd ch;* 7x; join w/slp st in beg. fpdc (16 3shells, 8 dc, 8 fpdc)
Round 8: ch2, fpdc in joining st, ch3, dc in sc, ch3; *fpdc in fpdc st, ch3, dc in sc, ch3;* 7x; join w/slp st to the top of beg. dc
(18 ch 3, 8 dc, 8 fpdc)
Rounds 9-15: Repeat Rounds 7 & 8 consecutively
Round 16: ch1, sc in joining st and in each st around, join w/slp st to beg. sc (70 sc)
Round 17-19: ch1, sc in joining st and in each st around, join w/slp st to beg. Sc (70) sc
End off and weave in all ends
Crown to Brim = 7.5” Circumference around the outside of the brim stretched = 22.5”- 23″ – Width across folded flat on table = 9″-9.5″
Medium to Large (head circumference 22”- 24”)
CH 3 join in ring
Round 1: ch1 & 10 hdc; join w/slp st to beg. hdc (10 hdc)
Round 2: ch1, 2hdc in joining st and in each st around; join w/slp st to beg. hdc (20 hdc)
Round 3: ch1, sc in joining st; 2dc in nxt st; *sc in nxt st, 2dc in nxt st;* 9x; join w/slp st to beg. sc (30 st’s)
Round 4: ch2, 3shell in joining st, *skp st, sc in nxt, 3shell in sc;*9x; skp st, sc in last sc; join w/slp st to 1st dc of beg. 3 shell; (10-sc, 10-3shells)
Note: The ch1’s in rounds 5&6 are for expansion to the top of the chemo cap only. They will not be worked or considered in the following rounds.
Round 5: slp to second dc of prev. 3shell, ch1 sc in same st, ch1; *3shell in sc, ch1, sc in 2nd st of 3shell, ch1;* 9x; 3shell in sc, ch1; join w/slp st to beg. sc (10-3shells; 10sc)
Round 6: ch2, 3shell in joining st, ch1; *sc in 2nd st of 3shell; ch1, 3shell in sc, ch1;* 9x; sc in 2nd st of 3shell; ch1; join w/slp st to 1st dc of beg. 3shell; (10-3shells; 10sc) 5.5” diameter
Round 7: slp st to 2nd dc of prev 3shell; ch2, dc in that same st; ch3, fpdc in sc st, ch3; *dc in 2nd st of prev. 3shell, ch3, fpdc in sc st, ch3;* 9x; join w/slp st to the top of beg. dc (20 ch 3, 10 dc, 10 fpdc)
Round 8: ch1, sc in joining st, 3shell in 2nd ch, fpdc in fpdc; *3shell in 2nd ch, sc in nxt dc, 3shell in 2nd ch, fpdc in fpdc;* 9x; 3shell in 2nd ch; join w/slp st in beg. sc (20 3shell, 10 dc, 10 fpdc)
Round 9: ch2, dc in joining st; ch3, fpdc in fpdc st, ch3; *dc in sc, ch3, fpdc in fpdc st, ch3;* 9x; join w/slp st to the top of beg. dc
(20 ch 3, 10 dc, 10 fpdc)
Rounds 10-18: Repeat Rounds 8 & 9 consecutively
Round 19: ch1, sc in joining st and in each st around, join w/slp st to beg. sc (80 sc)
Round 20-22: ch1, sc in joining st and in each st around, join w/slp st to beg. Sc (80) sc
End off and weave in all ends
Crown to Brim = 9” Circumference around the outside of the brim stretched = 24.5”- 25″ – Width across folded flat on table = 10″-10.5″
More Free Crochet Chemo Caps
I have designed tight fitting chemo caps and a couple more Mesh Chemo Caps.
I have designed these caps with different yarns, textures, fits and seasons in mind, so you can find a style that works for the person who will be wearing it.
Mesh Chemo Cap
This one is lightweight and breathable, making it a good choice for warm days and hot flashes.
Mesh Chemo Bucket Hat
An airy design with extra crown coverage and a subtle brim that you can embellish.
Double Down Chemo Cap
This cap is made with two strands of cotton Bamboo blend yarn. It gives a bit of extra warmth and a soft gentle texture.
Peekaboo Ridge Chemo Cap
A soft and textured cap with a pretty, comfortable fit.
Pretty Pearls Chemo Cap
Made with silky bamboo yarn for beautiful drape and shine.
Simple Ridge Chemo Cap
An easy crochet design that has become a favorite with so many crocheters.
Crocheting and Donating is So Close To My Heart
If you know someone going through chemotherapy or radiation, consider making a chemo cap for them.
I want my crochet to be useful, and I want it to help someone feel a little more comfortable during a difficult season.
Thank you for being part of that mission and for crocheting with purpose.
It was so good to have you on my side of the mountain.
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I would love for you to join me across my platforms for more crochet patterns, video tutorials, and community fun:
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT This crochet pattern is protected by copyright© Krissys Over The Mountain Crochet 2026. Do not sell, alter or redistribute this tutorial or it’s photos in any way or form. You the maker are responsible for the finished product.
Safety & Care: This pattern is for crafting use only. The maker is responsible for safe material choice and finished item use. For full details, visit: krissysoverthemountaincrochet.com/krissys-otm-crochet-and-crafts-safety-care-guidelines/
Designer: Kristina L Moore / business: KrissysOverTheMountainCrochetAndCrafts
https://krissysoverthemountaincrochet.com
[email protected]
September 2026
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