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I’m sharing this easy crochet chemo cap pattern in support of the 2018 Cancer Hat Challenge. Sharing an easy crochet cancer hat pattern with you all means a lot to me, because my grandma Linda, the matriarch of our family, is a breast cancer survivor.
I’m so grateful that she lived to pass on the unrelenting faith and strength of character that helped her through that difficult time. I honor her bravery, and celebrate the way she allowed the trial by fire of her diagnosis refine her character and shape our family for the better.
I’m proud to stand with those of you who have lost loved ones to cancer and honor their memory with your craft. We remember them, and use their memory to encourage us to do good.
For those still fighting cancer, the crochet community wants you to know that you are not alone. A crochet chemo cap is a small gift, but it’s what we have to offer. Know that it comes with our prayers for your healing, and our hope for your future.
Linda’s Easy Crochet Chemo Cap Pattern
When I was designing this crochet chemo cap, I noticed that there weren’t many crochet chemo caps for summer. So, I researched the best yarns for crochet beanies for cancer, looking for some cotton fiber options.
One of my favorite yarns, Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton! was on the list. I really enjoy working with it, because it’s so buttery soft! I chose a pink color to honor my grandma, but they have a beautiful selection of colors available.
Materials for Linda’s Crochet Chemo Cap
This post uses affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support the free content and tutorials available on Salty Pearl Crochet.
1 skein Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton! 100% cotton, worsted (4) weight yarn,
J / 6.0 mm Crochet Hook – Try the Hobby Lobby Yarnology Ergonomic Hooks!
Scissors
Yarn Needle for finishing
CLICK HERE to Purchase the Fully Sized Pattern on Ravelry
For the month of October, in support of the 2018 Cancer Hat Challenge Crochet Along, you can get the fully sized crochet pattern for FREE by pledging to donate at least one chemo hat per download to the Cancer Treatment Center or Charity of your choosing.
Use the coupon code Cancer18 at checkout to pledge your hat donation and receive your free crochet chemo cap pattern! Coupon has expired, but I honor the discount each year for the Cancer Hat Challene in October. Bookmark and Check back, or Subscribe to my email list and you’ll get the details there!
Note: Please make sure your coupon is working correctly before purchasing, as I cannot offer refunds through Ravelry.
Crochet Chemo Hat Pattern Free Download
To honor those of you who are battling cancer with your crochet hooks, I’m making the Adult Small size of this pattern available for a FREE download. Just click the link below. Your download is a pledge to donate at least one hat to charity (or to a loved one undergoing treatment for cancer).
Linda's Easy Chemo Cap Pattern - Adult Sm (41273 downloads)Thank you so much for using your crochet craft to make a real difference in your community.
Lisa says
What an absolutely fabulous idea! This time last year I was diagnosed with cervical cancer so I will make and donate a few to the cancer centre where I was treated xxx
Katie says
Lisa, that’s so incredibly thoughtful of you to donate to the center you were treated at. What a great way to show your appreciation and help others. My thoughts go with you for your continued health and healing!
Katie
Jennifer Williams says
On facebook the pattern for this hat is free if I promise to make one and donate it to the cancer charity. When I clicked on the Ravelry link above to get the pattern I have to pay for it.
Katie says
Hey Jennifer!
Sorry for the confusion. Read the whole post, and you’ll find a coupon code you can use on Ravelry. It’s still good for the remainder of the month. Hope that helps!
Katie
Becky says
Hello Katie,
I cant wait to make this! I am doing the cancer challenge in honor of my brother. He passed away last year from cancer. My mom is also making beanies to donate. She is 88 🙂 Our goal is to donate a box to every state. With all of these wonderful patterns there are going to be so many blessed people ♡ Thank you for sharing your pattern and for honoring your grandma in such a beautiful way.
Becky
Katie says
Hi Becky,
I’m so glad to hear that you’re honoring your brother’s memory like this. I’m sure he would be so proud of you and your mom! My best wishes for your goal- you guys rock!
Have a Blessed Day,
Katie
Sharon K says
Linda,
This looks like a great pattern (I saw it on Ravelry today). I have a friend who has her first chemo treatment tomorrow, so I will be making this cap for her asap! Thanks very much.
Katie says
Hey Sharon!
So glad you found the pattern just in time to gift to your friend. That’s so thoughtful of you! My best wishes for her quick recovery. <3
Katie
ByteAngel says
Thanks for this cute hat pattern. I am going to make it for my best friend who is in stage 4 ilio-sacral cancer. I met her when I was 12 and we have been friends for 50 years (and hopefully!) counting. She has friends that are in chemo with her and I am going to make each one of them a hat so she can give them. I am not donating to a hospital or charity organization but does this still count as a donation for the free pattern?
Second question, would you consider creating a chemo cap suitable for a child? I truly want to donate to children in this situation.
Thanks again for designing this beautiful chemo cap!
Karen
Katie says
Karen,
My best wishes for healing for your friend. <3 I'm so glad you're able to be a support to your friend- and yes, that absolutely counts as a pledge to donate. And you'll see when you get the download that this gorgeous cap is sized from Preemie all the way through Adult Large, with child and teen sizes in between.
Enjoy the pattern! And please let your friend know the crochet community is standing with her.
Katie
ByteAngel says
I will and thank you so much. Where did you find the best yarns to use for cancer patients and is there a list of what is best for preemies?
Katie says
I found the approved yarn list through Knots of Love HERE. Anything that’s soft enough for a chemo patient would also be perfect for preemies, but my favorite baby hat charity, Little Hats, Big Hearts, recommends worsted weight cotton or acrylic.
Hope that helps!
Katie
Heidi says
Thanks so much for sharing this pattern! I was searching for patterns that were both easy and really cute to be able to donate to a local oncology radiation center as I have a friend going through cancer treatment right now. This hat is just what I’m looking for!
Katie says
Heidi, I’m so glad you found this pattern at just the right time! Thanks for supporting your friend and your local radiation treatment center. It’s a pleasure to crochet for this cause with you!
Katie
Vickie says
I’m so glad I have until the end of the year to fulfill this promise! I love the patterns. I miss my two brothers every day I lost to pancreatic cancer. Can the code only be used once. I’m so confused lol. I was able to get one pattern and then it says code is not valid
Katie says
Hi Vickie,
Thanks for remembering your brothers with me. <3 I'm so glad you'll be honoring their memory by making a donation to your local cancer center!
This particular code is valid just for Linda's Chemo Cap. I do plan to offer more free patterns for charity later in the year, and I periodically send out freebie offers to my newsletter if you're interested in subscribing.
Happy crocheting this weekend!
Katie
Fiona says
Pledged. Thank you. I belong to a charity crochet group in South Africa, I will make sure we make a bunch of these (using a local yarn) for one of our Breast Care Clinics for you and your granny. And now that I see if comes in children’s sizes we will make for them too.
Katie says
Thanks so much for pledging and for taking the time to share about where you’ll be donating! I am so excited to see this hat making it’s way around the world to bring help and comfort to chemo patients. I’m honored to be a little part of it- but it’s awesome people like you who are making the real change in your communities. Keep up the good work!!
Happy crocheting,
Katie
Elaine says
This is such a cute pattern, I am making preemie blankets and hats to donate to our local hospital. Would love do some of these hats but I am confused as to what you mean by “working in third loop”.
Katie says
Hi there Elaine!
So glad you like them, and donating baby hats is such a great cause!
Here’s a video tutorial I like from ELK Studio that shows the HDC through 3rd loop stitch.
Hope that helps!
Katie
Shelley says
Thanks for the pattern and the video. It was not clear if you meant the front or back 3rd loop. The video shows the back loop so now I can make myself this hat. I have alopecia and have lost over half my hair. I would also be interested in a hat with lighter weight yarn. It is too hot in the summer to wear worsted. Thanks for all you do.
Katie says
Hi Shelley,
So glad you found what you needed to make this! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice comment. I’ll definitely look at designing some lighter hats for you- I could use them myself down here in Florida for the summer.
Happy crocheting,
Katie
Donna Buonomo says
Thank you for the free pattern. I was looking for an easy chemo cap to make for my cousin LINDA who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. When I saw this, I knew I found the right one. I will be making hers tonight, and I will make a few to bring with me the next time she goes for chemo. I’ll be happy to share them with the patients.
Such a nice way to honor your grandmother. So happy she beat her cancer. Praying that my cousin does the same.
Katie says
Hi Donna!
Wow, what a neat coincidence! So glad you’re able to support your cousin Linda during her treatment. I hope and pray that she finds the same healing, peace, and strength of character my Grandma Linda did. Keep crocheting for good! I know your beautiful handiwork will place a little light of hope in those patient’s lives.
Blessings,
Katie
Regina Worrell says
Hi Katie: Thank you so much for this pattern. I donate to our local cancer center, because my sister is fighting cancer. I am making an Adult large and on row 7, after I crochet the 2 dc in one stitch, and then 10 dc, and repeat to the end, it is not coming out with an even 10 dc at the end. Sorry, I know that I am not explaining this well, but I do needs some help. Maybe I am reading the pattern incorrectly. It is a beautiful hat by the way.
Thanks
Regina
Katie says
Hi Regina!
Thank you so much for letting me know about this little error! I know we chatted about it last week on Facebook But I wanted to make sure you know that I’ve updated the PDF and sent the update to everyone on Ravelry.
I’m so glad you love the hat, and that you’re able to support your sister and her chemo center! Sending prayers for her recovery!
Katie
Jane Visser says
What a bummer! I have breast cancer & had a mastectomy. Because of what I know & felt, I have been crocheting cancer hats. I have 15 caps done & wanted to do this one. I just came upon it & it state the code is no good. Is there a chance I could still get the pattern?
Katie says
Hi there, Jane! I’ve gone ahead and sent you the pattern on Ravelry to the email address you’ve supplied here. You ROCK for supporting cancer patients, keep crocheting with love!
Katie
Shelley says
I love this pattern! Sadly I am too late learning to crochet as I would have loved to have made this for my Mom (2nd round) and the code is now full. I have knitted several for folks with this dreadful affliction, but have just learned to crochet. I am still searching for a beanie thank you for sharing
Katie says
Hi Shelley,
Thanks for your lovely comment, and for the wonderful charity work you do! I know it really does help the patients. <3 I do give away a coupon code for a free pattern on my email list, if you haven't subscribed, that's one way you could get it.
Happy crocheting!
Katie
Becky Flowers says
I would like to donate the Easy Chemo Hat that was featured in your 2018 cancer hat challenge to the center where I am receiving treatment. Is there anyway I can get a copy of the pattern?
Katie says
Hi there, Becky!
Thanks for stopping to comment! If you’ve not yet subscribed to my newsletter, there’s a coupon code for one free pattern from Ravelry in the welcome email I send out. I’m also for sure going to do another pledge drive come October for cancer awareness month, and I’ll be sure to send it out in my newsletter, too. Keep your eyes peeled!
Happy crocheting,
Katie
JOANN says
Hi Katie, I just purchased the chemo cap pattern to make for a friend just diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
I need some help with where to place the sl at the end of each row. Do I sl to the ch1, the hd or the 3rd loop of the first hd. Thanks in advance for your help.
Katie says
Hi there JoAnn! For this pattern, the chain stitches do not count as stitches, so you will place your slip stitch in the top of the first hdc of the round. I did mine through the top loops, but if you feel working the slip stitch through the 3rd loop makes a nicer finished look, you may do that as well.
Hope that’s helpful!
Katie
Barbara S. Ratter says
I just tried to obtain a pattern and it told me the coupon was expired but I thought it was good for the month of October.
Katie says
Hi Barbara!
Sorry for the confusion! The coupon code for the Linda’s easy chemo cap was from last year. This year you can snag the Lemons Chemo cap pattern for free for a few more days.
I’ll make sure to get this updated this week to avoid further confusion, and I think I am going to make one size available for free in the next week or so as a CAL.
Hope that’s helpful!
Katie
Ellen says
Hi Katie,
This is such a beautiful pattern. I would love to make it to donate to my local cancer hospital. I had cancer a few years ago, but was fortunate not to need chemotherapy. I downloaded your free pattern for smaller heads to see if I could do this. My problem is I do the first round, with 10 hdc, then slip stitch into the first hdc. I start the second round, where you hdc twice in each 3rd loop and I am only ending up with 18 stitches. I have put the last 2 hdc in the slip stitch, but I suspect that is not correct. I am very new at this: my crocheting skills are limited. If you have any advice I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!
Katie says
Hi Ellen,
What you’re describing isn’t exactly as I did, but I always liked the phrase, “If it a’int broke, don’t fix it.” Your solution of putting 2hdc in the slip join sounds like it will work!
I am so thankful to hear that you were able to avoid chemo- best wishes for your continued health, friend!
Hope that helps,
Katie
Ellen says
Thank you Katie. Unfortunately, it is not really working for me. I notice it looks like you have a seam in the back. Are you turning the work at the end of each row? That might solve my problem. Best wishes, Ellen
Katie says
Hi Ellen,
To answer your question, no, I’m not turning at the end of each row.
Wish I could just sit down next to you and help puzzle this out, I’m sure it would be easier that way.
Good luck, and feel free to ask as many more questions as you need (but emailing would be a quicker way to get my attention.)
Katie
Shirley says
Thank you for this free hat pattern. I lost my father and a few special coworkers to cancer. I will be making several hats to donate in honor of all of them.
Katie says
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for your commitment to honor them. I really appreciate you sharing their memory in such a loving way.
Katie
Thelma gilliland says
I love the chemo beanie…great job
Katie says
Thank you so much! <3 I appreciate your comment, so glad you enjoyed this hat, too.
Katie
Sue says
Hello thanks for this pattern. My neighbor was just diagnosed with cancer and I’m wondering about the fit. On my head it fits loosely and of course I have hair. But as she looses her hair it will be roomier. Should I make it so it fits me snugly?
Katie says
Hi Sue,
I would say that I’ve heard that chemo makes your head super sensitive, so I heard it’s best to make it fit just as you would on your own head (unless you have super super thick hair) and then it’s okay if it’s a little loose, as it’s not pressing the bare scalp. Hope that helps, and best wishes for your friend.
Katie
Lois Meier says
Thank you so much for making this beautiful pattern available. I’ve been living with stage 4 with a lot of treatment. I donated regularly to the University Of MI CANCER CENTER. We are now in central FL & I donate to Orlando Health Cancer Center. It’s brought me joy to give back in this way.
Katie says
Hi Lois, I’m so glad you enjoyed this pattern and are able to give back! You have such a kind and generous heart. My best wishes for your health.
Katie
Deanna Moberg says
I am just now discovering your pattern and want to make them for my sister and to donate to the cancer center where she is being treated. I was wondering if you could recommend what the best way to wash/dry them would be when using the I Love This Cotton yarn based on your experience. I want to include care instructions and fiber content when I donate. Thank you!!
Katie says
Hi there Deanna,
I always recommend that hats be washed on a cold delicate cycle, in a garment bag if possible. Air drying flat is best for natural fibers so it doesn’t get stretched out, but this particular one would be okay in a short dryer cycle on low heat.
Hope that helps!
Katie
cynthia says
Thank you so much. Looking forward to making this for my mom (and more to donate if I can make a good one). Do you have a video of how to do the hdc in the 3rd loop? I’m still a beginner and more of a visual learner 😝
Katie says
Hi Cynthia!
I’m working on getting that video onto Youtube, but in the meantime I learned a lot from Tamara at Moogly- here’s her video.
Thanks for stopping by to comment!
Katie
Francine says
My sister passed away from Breast cancer, my significant other passed away from lung cancer, & I now have have a friend with pancreatic cancer. Thank you for this beautiful pattern.
Katie says
Francine, I’m so sorry to hear about your losses. Wishing all the best for your friend’s recovery and health. It’s my privilege to be able to help support you crocheting for your loved ones. Keep up the good work!
Katie