There’s something truly special about creating a handmade item that brings comfort and warmth to someone who needs it most. This softly textured Crochet Beanie Chemo Cap is designed with love, using gentle, breathable cotton yarn that’s soothing on sensitive skin. Whether you’re crafting for a loved one or donating to a local charity, this easy pattern is a meaningful project that stitches together care and hope.

Made with KnitPal Cotton to the Core Worsted, a super-soft and stretchy worsted-weight cotton blend, this hat works up quickly and looks beautifully polished in the front-post/back-post texture.

Why This Beanie Is Perfect for Chemo Patients

Cancer treatment can make the scalp sensitive, so a handmade chemo cap needs to be:

• Soft — cotton blends are gentle and non-irritating.

• Breathable — comfortable in varying temperatures.

• Snug but stretchy — to stay secure without feeling tight.

The design in this pattern keeps all these needs in mind. It creates a hat that feels comforting, looks stylish, and stretches just right.

Download the printable pattern

What You’ll Need

• Yarn: KnitPal Cotton to the Core Worsted (#4 worsted), about
  56 yds (XS), 72 yds (S), 83 yds (M), or 105 yds (L)
• Hook: US J/6mm (or size needed for gauge)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, measuring tape

Details

• Skill Level: Easy
  
• Gauge: 12.5 sts and 12 rounds = 4" in FPDC/BPDC pattern
• Finished Measurements:

  Circumference (unstretched): 11.5 [13.5, 15.5, 17.5] inches
  Length: 5.75 [6.25, 6.25, 7] inches
  

Stitch Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• HDC: half double crochet
• FPDC/BPDC: front/back post double crochet
• FPHDC/BPHDC: front/back post half double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• rnd: round
• rep: repeat

Special stitches: Post Stitch (half double crochet or double crochet)
Learn How Here

Notes

• Chemo Caps make a great charity donation gift. Check online to locate your favorite charity and confirm their rules for gifting.
  
• Sizing may sound small but compensates for hair loss and for the stretch factor of cotton blend yarn.
  
• Chains at end of each round never count as a stitch.
  
• Magic Ring is used to start the crown to allow the first round to have little, if any, gap. If you are not comfortable with Magic Ring, then chain 5 or 6 and join to make a ring.

Pattern

Design by CNB Craftworks

For the Crown section, join each round with sl st to first stitch of current round and Chain 2 to start the new round. For the Body section, join each round with sl st in space between the Chain 2 and first stitch of previous round, and Chain 2 to start the new round (except for the very last round, then Chain 1 to start the last round). Chain is NOT counted as first stitch.

CROWN

Work 8 sc in Magic Ring.

Rnd 1: Ch2, 2 HDC in each stitch around, sl st to join. (16 HDC)

Rnd 2: Ch2, *1 HDC in next stitch, 2 HDC in next stitch, rep to end, sl st to join. (24 HDC)

Rnd 3: Ch2, 1 HDC in each stitch around, sl st to join. (24 HDC)

Rnd 4: Ch2, *1 HDC in next stitch, 2 HDC in next stitch, rep to end, sl st to join. (36 HDC)

Rnd 5: Ch2, 1 HDC in each stitch around, sl st to join. (36 HDC)

For Small ONLY: 
Rnd 6: Ch2, *1 HDC in each of next five stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch, rep to end, sl st to join. (42 HDC)

For Medium ONLY: 
Rnd 6: Ch2, *1 HDC in each of next two stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch, rep to end, sl st to join. (48 HDC)

For Large ONLY:
Rnd 6: Ch2, *1 HDC, 2 HDC in next stitch, rep to end. (54 HDC) Rnd 7: Ch2, 1 HDC in each stitch around. (54 HDC)

BODY

All Sizes: 

Rnd 1: Ch2, dc in each stitch around, sl st to join (no increases).

Rnd 2: Ch2, *FPDC, BPDC, rep to end, sl st to join.

Repeat Rnd 2 9 [ 10, 10, 11] times more.

Final Rnd: Ch1, *FPHDC, BPHDC, rep to end, sl st to join. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Share Your Finished Hat!

We love seeing your creations—and this pattern is especially meaningful.
If you post your beanie on Instagram, please tag @knitpalusa so we can cheer you on!

And if you’d like more soft, gentle yarns perfect for charity crafting, KnitPal has so many beautiful options to keep your hooks busy and your heart full.

With permission of the designer, this pattern and photos are property of KnitPal and may not be altered, shared, or sold. Do not rewrite any part of this design and sell as your own design. You’re welcome to sell finished products made with this pattern, but please credit the design to KnitPal https://knitpal.com/