How to Knit Chemo Caps Perfect for Warm Weather
Here’s your guide to knitting chemo caps that will comfort tired heads during the spring and summer months
Chemotherapy doesn’t take a break during the spring or summer, unfortunately!
Those of us who knit chemo caps normally consider creating warm, wonderful hats to keep bare heads warm during the colder months. But during the spring and summer, chemotherapy patients continue to need the comfort of a cap for their hairless heads.
They just don’t need said caps to be quite as warm!
So then the question is, how do we alter chemo caps to make them suitable for spring and summer?
Obviously, the first item of consideration will be the yarn you use. That means you want something that isn’t going to retain heat like heavy wool does.
The second characteristic of a warm-weather cap? Think thinner. Think lighter. Bulky yarn is out, of course, but bulky hat design is as well. (This isn’t the time for a “slouchy” hat, that’s for sure.)
Below are several free knitting patterns that will work very well for the warmer months of spring and summer! Then, keep reading for yarn suggestions.
Spring/Summer Chemo Cap Patterns
These are lovely, lightweight hats that are perfect for the warmer months.
Not-Just-for-Chemo Reversible Cloche
Double Double Cloche
Bobcap
Not-Just-for-Chemo Reversible Cloche
Double Double Cloche
Bobcap
All three photos: Mary Keenan
Odessa
Eyelet Rolled Brim Hat
Lace Edged Women’s Hat
Odessa
Photo: Joan Rowe
Eyelet Rolled Brim Hat
Photo: Kmcassedy on Ravelry
Want more advice on knitting chemo caps? Take a look at this guide to knitting the perfect chemo cap!
Yarns for Warm Weather
The yarn you use needs to not trap heat the way wool does, of course, but remember that it still needs to be very soft, and it also needs to have elasticity. So even though cotton, silk, linen, and bamboo fibers are all breathable and allow heat to escape, they also can be stiff and inelastic.
The best way around this is to use a natural plant fiber like cotton that’s blended with a more elastic fiber. Some good ones to look for are wool, acrylic, and nylon.
Looking for examples? I always recommend checking out the Knots of Love Approved Yarns List. (You’ll find the PDF linked on this page.) Just look for the cotton, silk, bamboo, and linen blends.
(Also, if you’re looking for a place to donate chemo caps, Knots of Love is a great option!)
Thanks to these patterns, and the wonders of breathable yarn, you can knit the perfect hats for chemotherapy patients during the warmer months. Be sure to keep that need in mind for your next chemo cap project!
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What type of yarn would be best for summer. My neighbors son has a hat that was given to him and said that even though it is lighter he keeps putting his hands over it because he can feel the sun through it. Any suggestions?
Cotton (preferably mercurized, as it’s softer), linen, and/or bamboo yarn would be great choices for summertime yarn.
is there a chemo knit pattern for men?
Hello Janet! I think the Double Double Cloche pattern (without the button, perhaps) or the Bobcap would be perfectly reasonable chemo knit caps for men.