Knitting Pattern: Chemo Cap

We all show our love in different ways. For me, I craft. So when my friend, Rebecca, lost her hair during chemo I offered my love and comfort with a handmade hat.

Choosing the yarn for a chemo cap is absolutely critical because skin can become very sensitive and tender during treatment. It is best to avoid wool or anything that feels skritchy. I used a viscose made from sugarcane and it is silky, soft.

Also, since they are intended for bare heads, chemo caps should be sized slightly smaller than a regular stocking cap or beanie. (You'll notice it's a little tight on me.) This cap is 18 inches in circumference and 7 1/2 inches from the cast on edge to the top.

Knit Chemo Cap Pattern

Materials

• 1 hank of Araucanía Caña Ruca (3.5 oz/100 g, 319 yds/290 m) shown in #03 Auntie’s Dress
• US size 4 (3.5 mm) 16 inch circular knitting needles
• 6 stitch markers

Gauge

26 sts or 32 rows = 4 inches

Abbreviations

CO - cast on
k - knit

k2tog - knit two stitches together

p - purl

Directions

CO 132.

Rnd 1, 2, 4: [K2, p2] around.

Rnd 3: [K2tog but do not slip off left-hand needle, insert right needle between these two sts and k the first stitch again slipping both sts off the left needle together, p2] around.

Repeat Rnd 1-4 until piece measures 1 ¼ inches from cast on edge.

Rnd 5: [K9, k2tog] around. (120 sts remain)

Rnd 6 & 8: [K4, p2] around.

Rnd 7, 9, 11, 13: K all sts.

Rnd 10 & 12: [K1, p2, k3] around.

Repeat Rnds 6-13 until piece measures 5 ½ inches from cast on edge or two inches less than desired hat height.

On last rnd, place a marker every 20 sts.

[K to 2 sts before the next marker, k2tog] repeat until 6 sts remain.

Break yarn and use a yarn or tapestry needle to draw yarn through all 6 remaining sts to fasten off.

Don't you just love the swirls at the top?

Warm thoughts and love to all of those who need a chemo cap. 

A printable version of Rebecca's Chemo Cap is available in my pattern shop.