Gentle Comfort Chemo Cap

A soft, quick-to-make beanie perfect for charity donation with a smooth, comfortable fit.

🤍
Difficulty
🟢 Beginner
Time
⏱️ 4-6 hours
Hook
🪡 E / 3.5mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 400 yards
Finished Size
📏 22 inches circumference x 8 inches height
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 20 sc x 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
📋

At a Glance

The Gentle Comfort Chemo Cap is a free Beginner-level charity pattern with a E / 3.5mm hook . Estimated time: 4-6 hours. Finished size: 22 inches circumference x 8 inches height. You'll need approximately approximately 400 yards of yarn.

20 steps across 3 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🛒 Materials

DK Weight Yarn, Machine Washable
400 yards total, soft acrylic or cotton blend in one solid color (light gray, cream, or pale pink recommended)
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Crochet Hook
Size E / 3.5mm, aluminum or bamboo
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Yarn Needle
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
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📖 Abbreviations

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
sl st — slip stitch
st(s) — stitch(es)
rnd — round
inc — increase (2 sc in same stitch)
dec — decrease (single crochet 2 together)
cont — continue

📌 Before You Begin

💡

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds using the spiral method. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

💡

For patient comfort, ensure all yarn ends are woven in securely with no loose threads or bumps inside the hat.

💡

Test yarn for softness before committing to full project. Avoid stiff or scratchy acrylic blends.

💡

This hat has no brim or ribbing for maximum comfort against sensitive scalp and ears.

💡

Pattern is designed to be slightly stretchy for a comfortable, non-restrictive fit.

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: The magic ring method creates a neat center with no hole. If unfamiliar, substitute with ch 2 and 6 sc in second ch from hook.
  1. Round 1
    Make a magic ring (or ch 2). Work 6 sc in the ring. (6 sts)
  2. Round 2
    Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
  3. Round 3
    *Sc 1, inc*, repeat from * around. (18 sts)
  4. Round 4
    *Sc 2, inc*, repeat from * around. (24 sts)
  5. Round 5
    *Sc 3, inc*, repeat from * around. (30 sts)
  6. Round 6
    *Sc 4, inc*, repeat from * around. (36 sts)
  7. Round 7
    *Sc 5, inc*, repeat from * around. (42 sts)
  8. Round 8
    *Sc 6, inc*, repeat from * around. (48 sts)
  9. Round 9
    *Sc 7, inc*, repeat from * around. (54 sts)
  10. Round 10
    *Sc 8, inc*, repeat from * around. (60 sts)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: This section forms the main body of the hat. Work evenly and keep tension consistent for a smooth appearance.
  1. Rounds 11-22
    Sc in each st around for 12 rounds, maintaining 60 sts. (60 sts)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: These decreases shape the crown gently. Work decreases evenly spaced to maintain a smooth, rounded top.
  1. Round 23
    *Sc 8, dec*, repeat from * around. (54 sts)
  2. Round 24
    *Sc 7, dec*, repeat from * around. (48 sts)
  3. Round 25
    *Sc 6, dec*, repeat from * around. (42 sts)
  4. Round 26
    *Sc 5, dec*, repeat from * around. (36 sts)
  5. Round 27
    *Sc 4, dec*, repeat from * around. (30 sts)
  6. Round 28
    *Sc 3, dec*, repeat from * around. (24 sts)
  7. Round 29
    *Sc 2, dec*, repeat from * around. (18 sts)
  8. Round 30
    *Sc 1, dec*, repeat from * around. (12 sts)
  9. Round 31
    Dec around. (6 sts)
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Cut yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread through yarn needle and pass through remaining 6 stitches, pulling tight to close the crown completely. Weave the tail to the inside of the hat, securing it well. Go back and weave in the initial cast-on tail from the magic ring. Use the yarn needle to gently smooth any bumps or loose areas on the inside. Do a final check to ensure no yarn ends are poking through or irritating. The finished hat should feel soft and smooth both inside and out, with no uncomfortable seams or protruding yarn ends.

🧺 Care Instructions

Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. Do not iron. This hat can be hand washed for extra gentleness if preferred. Yarn is tested for colorfastness; however, wash in cool water with like colors initially to prevent any dye transfer.

🤖 This pattern was generated by AI and may contain errors. Always test your gauge before starting.

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Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Dk). You'll need about approximately 400 yards, so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
Yes! This is one of the friendlier patterns to start with. You only need to know: ch, sc, sl st, st(s). Work slowly, count your stitches at the end of each row, and don't be afraid to frog (rip back) and redo a section — that's how everyone learns. Budget about 4-6 hours; beginners often take a bit longer, and that's totally fine.
Usually it's the joining or finishing — where individual sections meet and need to align. Read through the entire pattern once before you start so there are no surprises. Use stitch markers generously to track your place, especially in rounds. If a section looks wrong, count your stitches before proceeding — catching an error early saves a lot of frogging later.
For this pattern, gauge is "20 sc x 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet". For decorative or non-fitted items it's less critical, but matching gauge ensures you use the right amount of yarn and get the proportions the pattern intends. If your swatch is too small (too many stitches/inch), go up a hook size. Too large — go down.
Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. Do not iron. This hat can be hand washed for extra gentleness if preferred. Yarn is tested for colorfastness; however, wash in cool water with like colors initially to prevent any dye transfer. A general rule: when unsure about the yarn, hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, squeeze (don't wring), and block flat to dry. This is safe for almost every fiber.
Each section builds on the last, so yes — follow them in order. That said, some finishing sections (like embellishments or optional edging) can be skipped if you prefer a simpler look. Read through all sections before starting so you understand how the pieces fit together and can plan your yarn usage across sections.