Crochet Bucket Chemo Cap – Free Pattern
There’s something incredibly meaningful about crocheting for someone going through a tough time. Handmade chemo caps offer comfort, warmth, and a touch of joy—especially when crafted with soft, breathable cotton yarn. Today, we’re excited to share this beautiful Crochet Bucket Chemo Cap, designed with gentle stitches, a flattering shape, and a brim that adds both practicality and charm.
Whether you're donating to a cancer center, supporting a loved one, or simply crafting for comfort, this easy bucket-style hat is a wonderful project.
Why This Bucket Hat Is Perfect for Chemo Patients
According to the Notes in the pattern (page 3), chemo caps are best made with yarns that are:
- Soft and non-irritating
- Breathable and lightweight
- Not overly tight, since sizing compensates for hair loss
- Made with fragrance-free materials
The KnitPal Cotton to the Core Worsted yarn used here is ideal—its cotton/acrylic blend is gentle, stretchy, and feels soothing against sensitive skin.
The added brim provides sun protection and a touch of style, making this cap both functional and uplifting.
Download a printable pattern PDF
What You’ll Need
- Yarn: KnitPal Cotton to the Core Worsted (#4 worsted), approximately 106 [122, 140] yards or 48 [56, 64] grams
- Hook: US J / 6 mm or size needed to obtain gauge
- Notions: Tapestry needle, measuring tape
Details
- Skill Level: Easy
- Gauge: 12 stitches × 17 rounds = 4" in single crochet
-
Finished Measurements:
Circumference (body): 16.5 [18.5, 20.5] inches
Crown (width): 4.5 [5, 5.5] inches
Length (body + brim): 5.5 inches
Abreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- rep: reoeat
- rnd: round
- HDC: half double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
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 counts 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 6 or 7 and join to make a ring.
Pattern
Designed by CBN Craftworks
Join each round with sl st in 1st st of previous round, and Chain 1 to start the new round (unless new round is HDC, then Chain 2). Chain is NOT counted as first st.
All Sizes:
Work 10 sc in Magic Ring.
Rnd 1: Ch1, *1 sc, 2 sc in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (15 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch1, *2 sc, 2 sc in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (20 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch1, *3 sc, 2 sc in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (25 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch1, *4 sc, 2 sc in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (30 sc)
For Small ONLY:
Rnd 5: Ch2, *5 HDC, 2 HDC in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (35 HDC)
Rnd 6: Ch2, *6 HDC, 2 HDC in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (40 HDC)
Rnd 7: Ch1, *3 sc, 2 sc in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (50 sc)
For Medium ONLY:
Rnd 5: Ch1, *5 sc, 2 sc in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (35 sc)
Rnd 6: Ch2, *6 HDC, 2 HDC in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (40 HDC)
Rnd 7: Ch2, *7 HDC, 2 HDC in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (45 HDC)
Rnd 8: Ch1, *3 sc, 2 sc in next st, rep to last st, sc in last st, sl st to join. (56 sc)
For Large ONLY:
Rnd 5: Ch1, *5 sc, 2 sc in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (35 sc)
Rnd 6: Ch1, *6 sc, 2 sc in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (40 sc)
Rnd 7: Ch2, *7 HDC, 2 HDC in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (45 HDC)
Rnd 8: Ch2, *8 HDC, 2 HDC in next st, rep to end, sl st to join. (50 HDC)
Rnd 9: Ch1, *3 sc, 2 sc in next st, rep to last two sts, sc in each of next 2 sts, sl st to join. (62 sc)
All Sizes
Next Rnd: Ch1, working in Back Loop Only, sc in each st around, sl st to join (no increases).
Next 14 rounds: Ch1, sc in each st around, sl st to join, no increasing.
BRIM
Rnd 1: Ch1, *1 sc, (2 sc in next st) twice, rep to last two sts, sc in next st, 2 sc in last st, sl st to join. (83 [93, 103] sc)
Rnd 2: Ch1, sc in each st around, sl st to join.
Rnd 3: sc in each st around, sl st to join.
Rnd 4: Ch1, *sc in next 9, 2 sc in next st, rep to last 3 sts, sc in each of next 3 sts, sl st to join. (91 [102, 113] sc)
Rnd 5: Ch1, sc in each st around, sl st to join.
Rnd 6: Ch1, *sc in next 9, 2 sc in next st, rep to last 1 [2,3] sts, sc in each of last
remaining sts, sl st to join. (100 [112, 124] sc)
Rnd 7: Ch1, sc in each st around, sl st to join.
Rnd 8: Ch1, *sc in next 9, 2 sc in next st, rep to last 0 [2, 4] sts, sc in each of last remaining sts, sl st to join. (110 [123, 136] sc)
Rnd 9: Ch1, Crab Stitch in each st around, 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/
