Chemo patients often experience scalp sensitivity, so a handmade hat isn’t just a gift, it’s a hug in yarn form. This pattern creates a snug yet gentle fit that helps keep the head warm without irritation. It’s the perfect knit hat for cancer patients, but it also works as a simple everyday beanie for cooler weather.
Get more details about this project
What you need
1 ball Berocco Chinchilla
16 inch round and 1 set dpns size 9 or size to meet gauge
Instructions
Why You’ll Love This Chemo Cap Pattern
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Only one ball of yarn needed – affordable and stash-friendly.
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Beginner-friendly knitting instructions – great for new knitters.
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Soft and comfortable design – gentle on sensitive skin.
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A meaningful charity project – ideal for donating to hospitals, cancer centers, or local support groups.
Knitting for charity is a powerful way to use your skills to help others. Whether you’re making this chemo cap for donation or for a loved one, each stitch carries care and encouragement.
If you’ve been looking for an easy free knitting pattern for chemo hats, this one ball design is a perfect place to start.
Gauge
About 3 stitches to the inch (2.5 cm).
With round needle, cast on 60 stitches and join, being careful not to twist.
Knit in rib pattern (knit 3, purl 2) for about 2 inches, then continue in stockinette until piece measures about 5 to (12 cm) from the beginning.
Decrease rows:
1. Knit 8, knit 2 tog, repeat around
2. and all even rows: knit
3. Knit 7, knit 2 tog, repeat around
5. Knit 6, knit 2 tog, repeat around
7. Knit 5, knit 2 tog, repeat around
9. Knit 4, knit 2 tog, repeat around
11. Knit 3, knit 2 tog, repeat around
13. Knit 2, knit 2 tog, repeat around
15. Knit 1, knit 2 tog, repeat around
17. Knit 2 tog around
Cut yarn and draw through remaining 6 stitches, pull tight and fasten off on inside.
Fold cuff up on bottom to fit.
This project was contributed by Joan Fernbach, [email protected]
This chemo cap is knitted in the round and has a roller brim, This chemo cap is knitted in the round and is ridged with a small rim. We have some other patterns for knitted chemo caps too, check them out here.
One Ball Knitted Chemo Cap beanie
Visit our charity crafts page for listings of groups in your area who collect and donate these knitted items to charity.
This is a basic hat pattern. Could use the magic circular instead of short circular and switching to double points. Select any yarn that is very soft, washable, at least hand washable, but in same yarn weight. If using different weight yarn must make adjustments. Head sizes do differ so a swatch is a good idea, measure, adjust for size required.
I am a new beginner at knitting. I prefer using the straight needles. Have not yet tried the circular needles. Is it possible to knit this hat with straight needles.
This project needs a picture.
I agree. If I decide to wear a chemo hat I’d like to know what it looks like. Especially with chinchilla yarn. Is this a faux fur- type yarn?
Trying this today as it starts to get chilly here. I’m trying to find out if the terms are US or UK so I cn convert to Australian, oh well I think I have it sorted. Will see. Please remember you have an international audience.
when do you switch to the double pointed needles.
I switched when I started the decrease rounds. Worked out well.
Can you do the whole project on the circular needle?
Nonnie
I would like to see a picture.Is that possible?
Lorelle,
We are hoping one of our members will help us out and Knit this pattern and send their image to us at [email protected].
I would like to see a picture of the hat? Is it for adults or children? I am interested in patterns for Children size chemo hats.
Am I missing it, or is there a picture of this project???
I’m a beginner knitter, I will try my best to make this hat. Thanks for the pattern!
thank you for this simple pattern i do knit for charity too I knit a lot of hats this is a standard I may have to increase it to fit the one I am making it for He has a large head Thanks Gay
very easy and fast to knit and can be made to fit a teen ager.