Part Two: Crocheted Cloche Pattern for Chemotherapy Patients
In addition to the beanies we covered in our previous blog post, another popular style of hat for chemotherapy patients is the cloche. Cloches are close-fitting hats that were popular in the 1920s and 1930s and have recently made a comeback in the fashion world. They are often made with a brim that can be turned up or down, and they provide full coverage for the head and ears.
By choosing the right yarn, pattern, and size, and adding a personal touch, you can create a cloche that will be cherished by the patient and serve as a symbol of your love and support.
Cloches can be knit or crocheted, and there are many patterns available online or in knitting and crocheting books. We’ve included two of our favorite patterns in this post that are great for beginners.
These hats are a great alternative to beanies for patients undergoing chemotherapy, offering a stylish and flattering look while also providing warmth, comfort, and protection.
CROCHETED CLOCHE
What You’ll Need
Yarn
KnitPal Cotton to the Core (#3 DK, 78% cotton/22% acrylic, 142 yds/50g)
Approximately 93 [110, 128] yards or 33 [39, 45] grams
Hook
US E / 3.5mm crochet hook
Or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape
Details
Skill level
Easy
Gauge
4x4”/10x10cm = 22 stitches x 16 rounds in (hdc, ch1) pattern
ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS)
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd | round |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
SIZES: Small [Medium, Large]
Circumference (body): 17.5 [19, 20.25] inches
Crown (width): 5 [5.5, 6] inches
Length: 6 [6.5, 7] inches
Sizing may sound small but compensates for hair loss and for the stretch factor of cotton blend yarn. Chains at the beginning of each round always count as a stitch.
Magic Ring could also be used to start the crown, but do not pull the ring too tightly, to allow the first round to have a little gap to match the rest of the design.
Pattern
Join each round with sl st to 2nd chain of beginning Ch 3 of previous round (unless otherwise specifically stated). Chain 3 is Always counted as first stitch and first ch1 space.
Crown
Chain 5 and join with sl st to 1st chain to make a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch3, *hdc, ch1* seven times, sl st to join. (8 spaces)
Rnd 2: Ch3, (hdc, ch1) in 1st ch1 space, *(hdc, ch1, hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space*, rep to end, sl st to join. (16 spaces)
Rnd 3: Ch3, (hdc, ch1) in 1st ch1 space, (hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space, * (hdc, ch1, hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space, (hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space*, rep to end, sl st to join. (24 spaces)
Rnd 4: Ch3, skip 1st space, *hdc, ch1* in each space around, sl st to join. (24 spaces)
Rnd 5: Ch3, (hdc, ch1) in 1st ch1 space, ((hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space) two times, *(hdc, ch1, hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space, ((hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space) two times*, rep to end, sl st to join. (32 spaces)
Rnd 6: Ch3, skip 1st space, *hdc, ch1* in each space around. (32 spaces)
Rnd 7: Ch3, (hdc, ch1) in 1st ch1 space, ((hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space) three times, *(hdc, ch1, hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space, ((hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space) three times*, rep to end, sl st to join. (40 spaces)
Rnd 8: Ch3, skip 1st space, *hdc, ch1* in each space around. (40 spaces)
Rnd 9: Ch3, (hdc, ch1) in 1st ch1 space, ((hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space) four times, *(hdc, ch1, hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space, ((hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space) four times*, rep to end, sl st to join. (48 spaces)
Rnd 10: Ch3, skip 1st space, *hdc, ch1* in each space around, sl st to join. (48 spaces)
For Medium ONLY
Rnd 11: Ch3, (hdc, ch1) in 1st ch1 space, ((hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space) eleven times, *(hdc, ch1, hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space, ((hdc, ch1) in next ch1 space) eleven times*, rep to end, sl st to join. (52 spaces)
KNIT CLOCHE
Skill level
Easy
Gauge
4x4”/10x10cm = 22 stitches x 34 rnds in stockinette
What You'll Need
Yarn
KnitPal Cotton to the Core (#3 DK, 78% cotton/22% acrylic, 142 yds/50g)
Approximately 73 [88, 105, 133] yards or 26 [31, 37, 47] grams For two-color cap, approximately 41 [50, 60, 76] yards of main color and 31 [38, 45, 58] yards of contrast color is used.
Needles
3.5 mm Double Pointed Needle set, or two circular needles at 16-inch length or longer, or one circular needle at a length comfortable for the Magic Loop method or size needed to obtain gauge.
Notions
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
- Measuring tape
SIZES: Small [Medium, Large, XL]
Circumference (body): 14.5 [16, 17.5, 19] inches
Circumference (brim): 16 [17.75, 19, 20.75] inches
Length (body): 5 [5.5, 6, 6.75] inches
Length (brim): 1.5 inches
DETAILS
Abbreviations
| k | knit |
| KFB | knit front back (increase) |
| p | purl |
| rep | repeat |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| Yo | yarn over |
| p3tog | pull 3 together (double increase) |
| M1 | make one stitch using bar between stitches (increase) |
Special stitches
KFB (knit front back)
Knitting Help - Slow Motion KFB (Knit Front/Back)
M1 increase
https://blog.tincanknits.com/2013/10/03/m1/
Notes
- Sizing may sound small but compensates for hair loss and for the stretch factor of cotton blend yarn.
- Beanie is worked with the 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.
PATTERN
Use a stitch marker to mark the end of the round, slipping the marker each time you reach it again.
Crown
All Sizes: Cast on 8 sts, leaving a tail long enough to close the gap once the cap is complete. Join to work in the round.
Rnd 1: KFB in each st around. (16 sts)
Rnd 2: *k1, KFB in next st*, rep from * around. (24 sts)
Rnd 3: *k2, KFB in next st*, rep from * around. (32 sts)
Rnd 4: *k3, KFB in next st*, rep from * around. (40 sts)
Rnd 5: *k4, KFB in next st*, rep from * around. (48 sts)
Rnd 6: *k5, KFB in next st*, rep from * around. (56 sts)
Rnd 7: *k6, KFB in next st*, rep from * around. (64 sts)
Rnd 8: *k7, KFB in next st*, rep from * around. (72 sts)
Rnd 9: *k8, KFB in next st*, rep from * around. (80 sts)
Continue For Medium/Large/XL ONLY:
Rnd 10: *k9, KFB in next st*, rep from * around. (88 sts)
Continue For Large/XL ONLY:
Rnd 11: *k10, KFB in next st*, rep from * around. (96 sts)
Continue For XL ONLY:
Rnd 12: *k11, KFB in next st*, rep from * around. (104 sts)
Body
All Sizes
Knit 20 [23, 26, 32] rnds in stockinette.
Next Round: Balloon Rib is a 3-st pattern repeat, so the total sts must be adjusted to prepare for the BRIM.
Brim
Small: k1, M1, knit to end (81 sts - one st increased)
Medium: k1, M1, k44, M1, knit to end (90 sts - two sts increased)
Large: knit around (96 sts - no increase needed)
XL: k1, M1, knit to end (105 sts - one st increased)
Rnd 1: K1, *yo, p1, yo, k2*, rep from * to last two sts, then yo, p1, yo, k1.
Rnd 2: K1, *p3, k2*, rep from * to last four sts, then p3, k1.
Rnd 3: K1, *p3, k2*, rep from * to last four sts, then p3, k1.
Rnd 4: K1, *p3tog, k2*, rep from * to last four sts, then p3tog, k1.
Repeat Rnds 1 – 4 two times more, for a total of 12 rounds.
Bind off loosely (or using one size larger needle) as K1, *p1, k2*, rep from * to last to sts, then p1, k1.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Conclusion
When making a cloche for a chemotherapy patient, it is important to choose a pattern that is seamless and does not have any embellishments that could be irritating to sensitive skin. It is also important to choose a soft, non-irritating yarn that will provide comfort and warmth.
Like with beanies, cloches can also be donated to local cancer centers to provide comfort and support to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Knitting or crocheting hats for chemotherapy patients is a wonderful way to show support and provide comfort during a difficult time. Whether you choose to make a beanie or a cloche, the gesture of caring and compassion will be greatly appreciated by the patient.
Our next blog post will feature two additional styles you may not have considered when choosing a pattern for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Part Three
KnitPal - Crochet Cloche Chemo Cap and Knit Cloche Chemo Cap - 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 it 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/
- Contact KnitPal at https://knitpal.com/
- If you are on Instagram, please tag @knitpalusa so we can see what you make.
