Your Guide to Knitted and Crocheted Chemo Hats and Other Items for Cancer Patients

Free Patterns for Chemo Hats, Shawls & Gifts for Cancer Patients

Knitting and crocheting are beautiful ways to show love and support to those going through cancer treatment. Handmade chemo caps, knockers, shawls, and blankets provide not just warmth, but also comfort, dignity, and care. This guide brings together free patterns, yarn suggestions, and helpful tips so you can create thoughtful gifts for someone in need.

Why Handmade Chemo Gifts Matter

Cancer treatment can leave patients feeling cold, fatigued, and in need of gentle comfort. A handmade hat or shawl can:

  • Provide warmth in cool hospital environments
  • Protect sensitive skin after hair loss
  • Offer emotional comfort and encouragement
  • Show someone they’re not alone

Even the smallest handmade gift carries love in every stitch.

Chemo-Friendly Projects  

 

  • Chemo Caps & Beanies – soft, breathable, non-irritating
  • Knitted Knockers – lightweight, comfortable breast prostheses
  • Prayer & Healing Shawls – wraps that comfort body and spirit
  • Blankets & Throws  – cozy, portable warmth for treatments


Free Crochet & Knitting Patterns for Cancer Patients

We’ve gathered together a whole bunch of free patterns for gifts for cancer patients. From chemo caps to knitted breast prosthesis, you’ll find it here! 


Chemo Caps, Hats, and Beanies

Chemo treatment can cause hair loss, which means that a cancer patient will probably need a hat of some kind to keep their head warm – even if this is only at night. For this reason, chemo caps or hats are one of the easiest and most practical gifts to give to a loved one who is going through chemo treatment. Ideal yarn choices are smooth and soft, such as Cotton to the Core (breathable and soft), Cotton Bliss (gentle on sensitive skin), Tweed Twinkles (lightweight, flecked texture)

Keep reading for hat sizes for your chemo cap. 

Free Patterns for Chemo Caps or Beanies

Your Guide to Knitted and Crocheted Chemo Hats and Other Items for Cancer Patients

Knitted Chemo Cap – Knitted in the round, this simple pattern can be knit up quite quickly. A number of suggested yarns and knitting needles are also given in the article, making it easy to start. (For a longer list of yarns, keep reading!)

 

Knots of Love has a lot of free patterns for chemo caps and hats on their site. Our favorite patterns from this site, are:

Basketweave Cap – This cap has a beautiful basketweave pattern that makes for an interesting texture. 

Lupe Pattern – This lacy (but not see-through) pattern will look great in any color.

Shirley’s Shell Hat – Another hat with a lace-like stitch pattern, this one is also not see-through. The shell pattern really makes the look. 


Other free patterns for chemo caps include:

Knitted Chemo Cap with Swirl Pattern – We love this knitted chemo cap with it’s swirl pattern. Easy to knit as well! 

Double Dip Ribbed Knit Hat – The interesting braid-like detail on this hat really makes for something special. 

Soft and Cozy Knit Hat – A simple knitted hat, this project is quick and easy to make. 

Hat Sizes for Chemo Caps: Baby to Adult

In the table below we’ve gathered together the size of hat that you can make for people of different ages – from baby or 6 months old to adult sizes for men and women. 

This table is especially handy if you’re making a lot of hats of different sizes for a charity or hospital. 

Size

Age

Head Circumference

Hat Height

X-small

Baby (6–12 months)

16–19”

6.5”

Small

Toddler (12months – 3 years)

18–20”

6.5–7”

Medium

Child – Teen

20–22”

7–8”

Large

Adult

22–24”

8–10”


It’s not just hats or chemo caps that you can make for patients, however. One of the most creative – and also very needed – items are breast forms (“knitted/crocheted knockers”) for women who’ve had mastectomies. 


Knitted Knockers & Crocheted Knockers 

Knitted Knockers and Crocheted Knockers

What are Knitted Knockers?

“Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers on the other hand are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. Our special volunteer knitters provide these free to those requesting them.” – The Knitted Knockers Website

The official Knitted Knockers organization provides free breast prosthesis patterns for knitters and crocheters. Supplies can be found on the Knitted Knockers website.   

The Knitted Knockers organization provides a list of officially approved yarns. Cotton Bliss is also an excellent choice, as it is soft, breathable, and comfortable against delicate skin.

Prayer Shawls, “I Care” Shawls, & Healing Shawls 

Your Guide to Knitted and Crocheted Chemo Hats and Other Items for Cancer Patients

Prayer shawls – which can also be called healing shawls, care shawls, etc. – are a shawl or wrap given to someone as a sign that you’re praying for them, care for them, and are thinking of them. Ideal yarns for prayer shawls will be soft, warm, and not too heavy. We recommend GentleBliss for elegant drape, and Cotton Alpaca Tweed for cozy warmth.

While any shawl or wrap can be given as a prayer shawl, here are some free knitting and crochet patterns that have been made specifically to serve as prayer or healing shawls:

Colorful Hugs Prayer Shawl – This colorful shawl is sure to make anyone smile! 

Crochet Prayer Shawl – A simple repeated pattern makes this prayer shawl meditative to work on and the pattern easy to follow. An ideal make for beginners who want to tackle a larger project. 

Prayer Shawl / Healing Shawl – Another easy make, this shawl will work up in no time. 

Lacy Comfort Prayer Shawl – We really like the lacy pattern of this shawl – ideal if you’re looking for a lighter or more feminine shawl. 

Chevron Lace Prayer Shawl – A simple, but beautiful lace pattern to knit into a shawl for a loved one. 

To Zola With Love – This knitted wrap is a great way to try your hand at lace knitting and to keep meditative while knitting. 

Blankets 

Your Guide to Knitted and Crocheted Chemo Hats and Other Items for Cancer Patients

Blankets, from lap blankets to afghans, also make a great and practical gift for hospital stays and infusion centers. We love Merino Moments and Off-the-Yak for cozy warmth, and Ombré Encore for cheerful color transitions.

Cancer Support One-piece Lap Blanket – This crocheted blanket was designed specifically to support someone during their cancer journey. Gorgeous! 

Free knitted blanket patterns – This page from Love Crafts has a variety of free knitted blanket patterns that you can make as is, or adapt to whatever size you need. 

Free crocheted blanket patterns – Another page from Love Crafts, this one has free crocheted blanket patterns that you can use. 


Which Yarns to Use for the Chemo Caps and Other Knitted and Crocheted Items

With all the different types of yarn on the market, it can be difficult to choose which one to use for your chemo cap or other items. It's important to choose yarns that are:

  • Soft & gentle (no scratchy fibers)

  • Breathable (cotton and cotton blends are best)

  • Washable (for easy care)

Our top recommendations:

Knots of Love also provides a long list of yarns – which are all available at specialty yarn stores and craft and hobby stores. 

    Tips for Making Chemo-Friendly Gifts

    Because the beanie or hat will most likely be rubbing against the scalp of the person wearing it, you need to make sure that the yarn you use won’t be scratchy or uncomfortable to wear. For example, using wool – unless the recipient chose it specifically – shouldn’t be used as it can be too rough or scratchy. People can also be allergic to wool.

    You should also keep in mind that many recipients will sleep in the chemo cap and, therefore, the yarn shouldn’t be “lumpy” speciality yarns. Some of the fake fur yarns can also be scratchy, so just watch out! 

    Cotton, bamboo, and tencel work very well for chemo caps, specifically those used to make baby yarns. Some acrylics are also very soft (as can be seen in the list above) and some synthetic blends – for example acrylic and alpaca – may also be a good choice for a chemo cap, depending on the brand.  

    No chenille yarn should be used. 

    Before Gifting the Chemo Cap or Other Item, Take These Steps

    Before gifting the chemo cap or other item, make sure that the item is:

    • Fragrance-free
    • Smoke-free
    • Pet hair free
    • Odor-free.

    Wash the item with a fragrance-free detergent if necessary, and make sure that the item is completely dry before gifting it. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s the best yarn for chemo hats?

    Cotton and cotton-blend yarns are the best because they’re soft, breathable, and comfortable against sensitive skin.

    Are knitted knockers safe to use?

    Yes. Knitted knockers are recommended by many doctors and cancer care centers as a lightweight alternative to heavy prosthetics. Always use approved yarns.

    What size should I make a chemo hat?

    A standard adult woman’s hat (20–22 inches in circumference) works for most. If in doubt, look for patterns marked “chemo cap” that include sizing guidance.

    What Colors are Associated with Different Cancers? 

    Type of Cancer

    Color Associated with Type of Cancer 

    Month Dedicated to the Type of Cancer

    All cancer

    Lavender 

    Appendix cancer 

    Amber

    Bladder cancer 

    Yellow, purple, and navy 

    May

    Bone cancer 

    Yellow 

    July 

    Brain cancer 

    Gray 

    May

    Breast Cancer 

    Pink

    October

    Inflammatory breast cancer 

    Hot pink 

    October

    Hereditary breast cancer 

    Teal and pink 

    October

    Breast cancer in men

    Pink and blue 

    October

    Cancer survivors

    Lavender

    June

    Carcinoid syndrome

    Black and white stripes

    November

    Caregiver of cancer patient

    Purple 

    November

    Cervical cancer 

    Teal and white 

    January

    Childhood cancers

    Gold

    September

    Colon cancer 

    Dark blue 

    March

    Colorectal cancer 

    Dark blue 

    March 

    Endometrial cancer 

    Peach 

    Esophageal cancer 

    Light purple/periwinkle 

    April

    Ewing’s sarcoma 

    Yellow

    July

    Gallbladder/bile duct cancer 

    Green

    February

    Stomach cancer

    Periwinkle

    November

    Glioblastoma

    Gray

    Gynecological cancer

    Purple

    September

    Head and neck cancer

    Red and white

    April 

    Hodgkin lymphoma 

    Violet

    September

    Kidney cancer

    Green or orange

    March

    Laryngeal cancer

    Burgundy and white 

    Leiomyosarcoma 

    Purple 

    July 

    Leukemia

    Orange 

    September

    Liver cancer 

    Emerald green 

    October

    Lung cancer 

    White

    November

    Lymphedema

    Light blue

    Melanoma

    Black 

    May

    Mesothelioma

    Pearl 

    Myeloma

    Burgundy

    March

    Myeloproliferative diseases 

    Orange and red

    Neuroendocrine cancers

    Black and white zebra stripes

    November

    Oral cancer 

    Burgundy and white

    April

    Osteosarcoma

    Yellow

    July

    Ovarian cancer 

    Teal 

    September

    Pancreatic cancer 

    Purple

    November

    Pharyngeal cancer 

    Burgundy and white

    April

    Prostate cancer 

    Light blue 

    September

    Rare cancers (and rare diseases) 

    Black and white zebra stripes

    Rectal cancer 

    Blue

    March

    Retinoblastoma 

    White

    Sarcoma 

    Yellow 

    July

    Skin cancer

    Black 

    May

    Small intestine cancer 

    Periwinkle 

    Testicular cancer 

    Purple 

    April

    Throat cancer 

    Burgundy and white 

    Thyroid cancer 

    Blue, pink, and teal 

    September

    Uterine cancer 

    Peach 

    September 

    Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia

    Pearl 


    Source: VeryWellHealth

    Keep Crafting Comfort with Care

    Every handmade hat, shawl, or blanket is a gift of time, love, and hope. Whether you knit a cozy chemo cap with Cotton Bliss or create a healing shawl in GentleBliss, your stitches carry comfort. Together, we can spread warmth to those who need it most. Share your makes – or favorite patterns – in the comments or on our KnitPal Facebook Group!

    Comments

    Tallal Hassan

    Patterns for men after chemotherapy

    Tallal Hassan

    @ Mattie Morrisey

    It’s a great act. You may consider the following charities for your knitting-related donations:

    The Salvation Army of Florence (2210 Hoffmeyer Rd, Florence, SC 29501)

    House of Hope of the Pee Dee (020 W Darlington St, Florence, SC 29501)

    Tallal Hassan

    Where can we donate my knitted caps for adults, preemie, babies, and toddles? I live in Florence, South Carolina

    Tallal Hassan

    @Laurie You may donate your crafts Crafts for Charity (7445 Cherry Tree Dr Fulton, MD, 20759), or you may drop them off in person at their box located at Happy Helpers for the Homeless (1550 Caton Center Drive Halethorpe, MD 21227). You may visit their website for further information: https://craftsforcharity.com/

    Tallal Hassan

    Where can we donate finished products? I am in maryland.

    Tallal Hassan

    Hello Kathy,

    What you are doing is so important. If you do not have a specific cancer patient to knit for. I would suggest any warm colors such as pink, purple and etc.

    Tallal Hassan

    What colors can I make for chemotherapy patients
    I’m going to be knitting this hats I would like to know what colors would be good for them?

    Leave a comment