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 AraucanÃa 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 onk - knit
k2tog - knit two stitches together
p - purl
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.
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.