Part Three: Knit and Crocheted Cloche Patterns for Chemotherapy Patients
This is the third post in our blog series on creating stylish and comfortable hats for chemotherapy patients. In our previous posts, we discussed the benefits of creating beanies and cloches for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
Now, we’d like to introduce two new hat styles that are sure to be practical and wearable – the crochet bucket hat and the knit newsboy cap.
Crochet Bucket Hat
Bucket hats are a classic and trendy style that can be made with crochet. They have a wide, downward-sloping brim and a rounded crown, providing great coverage for the face, neck, and ears. The bucket hat style has been updated with fresh crochet designs that make it a fashionable accessory for anyone, especially chemotherapy patients.
This pattern by KnitPal is perfect for beginners who want to try something new. It is made using basic crochet stitches and is seamless, ensuring that it is comfortable and won't irritate sensitive skin. You can choose a soft, non-irritating yarn that will provide comfort and warmth.
The crochet bucket hat is also a great choice for warmer weather or for patients who tend to overheat during treatment. It is lightweight and airy, making it a perfect option for summer chemotherapy sessions.
What you’ll need:
Yarn
KnitPal Cotton to the Core (#4 worsted, 65% cotton/35% acrylic, 218 yds/100g) Approximately 106 [122, 140] yards or 48 [56, 64] grams Y
Hook
US J / 6MM crochet hook Or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape
Skill Level
Easy
Gauge
4x4”/10x10cm = 12 stitches x 17 rnds in single crochet
SIZES: Small [Medium, Large]
Circumference (body): 16.5 [18.5, 20.5] inches Crown (width): 4.5 [5, 5.5] inches Length (body + brim): 5.5 inches
Details
Abbreviations
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd | round |
| HDC | half double crochet |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Special stitches
Crab Stitch (reverse single crochet)
How to Work the Crab Stitch in the Round Tutorial
Notes
- 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
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.
Knit Newsboy Cap
The knit newsboy cap is another stylish and comfortable hat option for chemotherapy patients. This hat has a unique style with a small, round crown and a short, stiff brim that sticks out from the front. It is a great way to add a vintage flair to an outfit.
This pattern by KnitPal is designed for knitters who want to try their hand at a more complex pattern. The newsboy cap is knit in the round, and the brim is created by using short rows, which is a fun and unique technique to learn.
The knit newsboy cap is a great option for cooler weather, as it provides ample coverage for the head and ears while also keeping the neck warm. You can choose a soft, non-irritating yarn that will provide comfort and warmth to the patient.
What you’ll need:
Yarn
KnitPal Cotton to the Core (#4 worsted, 65% cotton/35% acrylic, 218 yds/100g) Approximately 72 [87, 105] yards or 33 [40, 48] grams.
Alternate yarn: KnitPal Cotton to the Core DK (weight #3 - 78% cotton/22% acrylic, 142 yards per 50 grams) can be substituted, but the gauge given will not match exactly, the yardage needed will be slightly more, and the project dimensions will be slightly smaller. But the end result will give a lighter cap that may be preferable for warmer climates.
Needles
US 8 / 5mm double-pointed set, or two circulars 16-inch or longer, or one circular at length comfortable for Magic Loop Method, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Notions
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
- Measuring tape
Skill Level
Easy
Gauge
4x4”/10x10cm = 20 stitches x 24 rnds in stockinette
SIZES: Small [Medium, Large]
Brim circumference: 16 [17, 18] inches
Body circumference: 18 [20.25, 22.5] inches
Crown width across: 4 [4, 4.75] inches
Body length: 6 [6.5, 7] inches
Details
Abbreviations
| k | knit |
| k2tog | Knit two together (decrease) |
| LH | Left hand (needle) |
| p | purl |
| p2tog | Purl two together (decrease) |
| psso | Pass slipped stitch over |
| rep | repeat |
| Sl st | slip stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| wyib | With yarn in back |
| yo | Yarn over |
Notes
- Sizing may sound small but compensates for hair loss and for the stretch factor of cotton blend yarn.
- Beanie is worked with wrong side facing, throughout. Once finished, flip the beanie inside out so that the Crown shows as Reverse Stockinette. This helps allow for the smoother “knit” stitches to be against the scalp to help lessen any irritation sensitivity.
- The pattern does not describe how many stitches to place on each needle when using the double pointed needles method or the two circular needle method. Simply split the stitches evenly across the number of needles used.
Special stitches
The stitch used for the Brim is the Herringbone Stitch (variation). Please know that this Pattern is written with the knit stitch done during the pass slip stitch over as a Yarn Over instead, for simplicity. It has the same result. For visuals of creating the stitch, however, please see the two web pages provided below.
The first is a link to a written description of the stitch, with several photos showing how it's done. https://koel-magazine.com/blogs/knitting/knitting-herringbone-stitch-bycathryn-brown
Here is a link to a video for the process, from another maker. Please know that the video starts with the Wrong Side, and demonstrates the Slip Stitch as Purl wise, but this Pattern is making the Slip Stitch as Knit wise. Either method will work, but there is a slight difference in the final look based on how you slip your stitch, as knit wise gives it a bit of a twist: Mini Herringbone Stitch.
Pattern
Use a stitch marker to mark the end of the round, slipping the marker each time you reach it again. Cast on 90 [102, 114] sts. Place marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Brim
The brim is worked in joined rounds. Slip marker at the end of the round, slip next stitch as if to purl, wrapping the working yarn from back to front (or front to back, depending where it was at end of last round). Move the slipped stitch back to LH needle, move marker to LH needle, turn. Wrap working yarn from front to back (or back to front) - the opposite of what you did before, to put yarn in place for the next round.
Rnd 1 (RS): k1, *sl st knit wise, k1, yo, psso 2 sts (the knit and the yo)*, rep from * to last st of round, k1. Wrap for turning.
Rnd 2 (WS): *p2tog but leave sts on LH needle and p 1st st again. Drop stitches from LH needle*, rep from * to end. Wrap for turning.
Repeat the last two rnds 2 [3, 4] more times for a total of 6 [8, 10] rnds. Do NOT turn after the final rnd.
Body
Rnd 1 (WS - we are no longer turning): k all stitches around. Repeat this rnd for a total of 7 [9, 11] rnds.
Rnd 2: *k1, sl 2 purl wise wyib*, rep from * to end.
Rnd 3: k all stitches around.
Rnd 4: *k1, sl 2 purl wise wyib*, rep from * to end.
Rnd 5: k all stitches around. Repeat Rnd 5 for a total of 10 [12, 14] rnds.
Crown
Small: Decreases 9 stitches each rnd as follows:
Rnd 1: *k2tog, k8*, rep from * to end. (81 sts)
Rnd 2: *k2tog, k7*, rep from * to end. (72 sts)
Rnd 3: *k2tog, k6*, rep from * to end. (63 sts)
Rnd 4: *k2tog, k5*, rep from * to end. (54 sts)
Rnd 5: *k2tog, k4*, rep from * to end. (45 sts)
Rnd 6: *k2tog, k3*, rep from * to end. (36 sts)
Rnd 7: *k2tog, k2*, rep from * to end. (27 sts)
Rnd 8: *k2tog, k1*, rep from * to end. (18 sts)
Rnd 9: *k2tog*, rep from * to end. (9 sts)
Rnd 10: *k2tog*, rep from * to last st, k1. (5 sts)
Medium: Decreases 10 stitches each round as follows:
Rnd 1 – k2tog, k10, *k2tog, k8*, rep from * to end. (92 sts)
Rnd 2: k2tog, k9, *k2tog, k7*, rep from * to end. (82 sts)
Rnd 3: k2tog, k8, *k2tog, k6*, rep from * to end. (72 sts)
Rnd 4: k2tog, k7, *k2tog, k5*, rep from * to end. (62 sts)
Rnd 5: k2tog, k6, *k2tog, k4*, rep from * to end. (52 sts)
Rnd 6: k2tog, k5, *k2tog, k3*, rep from * to end. (42 sts)
Rnd 7: k2tog, k4, *k2tog, k2*, rep from * to end. (32 sts)
Rnd 8: k2tog, k3, *k2tog, k1*, rep from * to end. (22 sts)
Rnd 9: *k2tog*, rep from * to end. (11 sts)
Rnd 10: *k2tog*, rep from * to last st, k1. (6 sts)
Large: Decreases 10 stitches each round as follows:
Rnd 1 – (k2tog, k10) four times, (k2tog, k9) six times. (104 sts)
Rnd 2: (k2tog, k9) four times, (k2tog, k8) six times. (94 sts)
Rnd 3: (k2tog, k8) four times, (k2tog, k7) six times. (84 sts)
Rnd 4: (k2tog, k7) four times, (k2tog, k6) six times. (74 sts)
Rnd 5: (k2tog, k6) four times, (k2tog, k5) six times. (64 sts)
Rnd 6: (k2tog, k5) four times, (k2tog, k4) six times. (54 sts)
Rnd 7: (k2tog, k4) four times, (k2tog, k3) six times. (44 sts)
Rnd 8: (k2tog, k3) four times, (k2tog, k2) six times. (34 sts)
Rnd 9: (k2tog, k2) four times, (k2tog, k1) six times. (24 sts)
Rnd 10: (k2tog, k1) four times, (k2tog) six times. (14 sts)
Rnd 11: *k2tog*, rep from * to end. (7 sts)
Rnd 12 (Optional): *k2tog*, rep from * to last st, k1. (4 sts)
Cut yarn leaving enough tail to thread through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and fasten off. Weave in ends.
Conclusion
Creating hats for chemotherapy patients is a thoughtful way to show support and provide comfort during a difficult time. The crochet bucket hat and knit newsboy cap are both great options for patients who want to add a unique style to their wardrobe during treatment. By choosing the right yarn, pattern, and size, you can create a hat that is both fashionable and comfortable, making it a cherished symbol of your love and support.
KnitPal - Crochet Bucket Hat and Knit Newsboy Hat - CNB Craftworks ©2023
- 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/
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