Cancer hats
 

I went to my friends chemo treatment yesterday and gifted her the quilt that I made to keep her warm during her ordeal. I found that she may need 8 more treatments. I think she is strong and dedicated to getting better. Her hair is thinning. She will probably lose it before her treatments are over. I would like to make her some hats. I have tried to find free patterns but am not having much luck. Does anyone know of some cute easy patterns that I can download. She loved her quilt!!! We both shed a few tears. I am sure she would like a couple of cute hats, she is young (50) and pretty,. Would love to make something to cheer her when the hair goes. Thanks, Carol aka Reba

no help here, but just wanted to say how sweet of you to help her out in her time of need.

I made some for a friend. I think I found the pattern on Hancocks. Look for free patterns for chemo caps. My friend liked the one made from soft fleece. Almost minky soft. It was soft and stayed on her head. Looks like the little stocking caps for babies. Super easy to sew up

When I was going thru the chemo I bought the "hats". My favorite were the scarf type that tied in the back. And the fabric needs to be super soft, but not too slippery. Has she tried any on so that you know what she likes and finds comfortable?

Just make them with warm fabrics...fleece, flannel, etc. I went through last winter with no hair from chemo and my head was always cold even in the house. I did not wear a wig; just couldn't bring myself to wear one. You're a good friend to her and that matters more than anything.

I made over a hundred fleece chemo hats for our local cancer center. The nurses told me the patients liked these best. I chose solid colors (brown, red, turquoise, green, cream, etc). I had Ovarian Cancer, but was lucky I didn't lose my hair. My friend had Breast Cancer & she lost her hair. She told me the wigs hurt her head. She said her head got very cold, especially at night. She had gotten several hats at the local Cancer Organization, but they also hurt her head. The more seams on the inside the worse they hurt. So I searched the internet for patterns. I made her fleece hats and another style sort of like a equestrian riding hat. She wore those for more dressy occassions.

These are the patterns I used:

Fleece beanie: http://helpinghearts0.tripod.com/id8.html

A no-pill fleece works great. Note the fabric, as some stretches out, but doesn't go back all the way. You want the type of fleece that holds it's shape. These sew up great on a serger or if you don't have one, use a overlock stitch.

Equestrian Style: https://curiouslycrafty.wordpress.com/milinery/ Scroll all the way down to see the finished hat.

This hat covers the whole head down to the hair line. It can be made from any non-stretchy type fabrics, including quilting cottons. I used twill for the outside & satin for the inside/lining so it wouldn't be irritating to her head. I also made a few from quilting cottons in a pretty print. I used iron-on interfacing to keep the pieces from stretching any while sewing. I used a very stiff craft interfacing for the brim. The pattern is a tad complicated, but there are 3 pdf printable pattern pieces you use. I copied/pasted the directions & photos to make it easier to follow. Make sure you mark all pieces & the edges or you can end up sewing them together wrong. I got the covered button kit & used them to cover the top center. My friend loved these & still wears them. I also made a couple for one of my husbands co-works wives who had breast cancer. She was so upset she was losing her long red hair. She loved this hat as well, as it's more dressy than a beanie.

Thank you for your responses!! I will be checking out the patterns and shopping for soft fabric!!

http://hkfstores.com/content/freeprojects/Chemocap.pdf This is the pattern I used. You can get 2 caps from a half yard if you cut carefully.

I tried to crochet one but was so unsuccessful. It is so nice of you to help your friend out.

I have a bandana style one that my Dad gave me just so I could use it as a pattern but I have never made any. I would think if you Googled it you could find a variety of patterns. It was so nice of you to go to Chemo with her. That means a lot to her to have your support. I hope everything goes well for her & pray for a speedy recovery.

(((Hugs))) to you and your friend. I just want to say, when DH was in the hospital with cancer, the nurses could find only one knit hat (donated) that was suitable for a guy (i.e., not pink or pastel). They were donated by a group from a local yarn shop. He loved his. If you are making them, don't forget to make some for guys too!!

So nice of you to help your friend. Sending prayers to help her get through this.

Nancy Zieman co-authored a book "Creative Kindness". There are free patterns at the website for Nancy's Notions or Sewing With Nancy. So many free patterns out there, just Google "free hat patterns hair loss".

You are a very good friend.

http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/spatt01.htm

This is the easiest pattern in my opinion.. very simple, very little fleece.

I knit sleep hats for Halos of Hope. I have ten sitting here that I could send you if she'd like knitted ones. A friend of a quilter is a good cause for me. These are all different colors and weights.
SVAL

I had breast cancer, lost my hair and it was winter. I made the Chemo Caps, AKA Headhugger's. They were quick and easy to make, I jazzed mine up with some holiday trim, added purchased bows other cute stuff. I received a lot of compliments on them.

Here's a great site for all types of caps and hats. My daughter had breast cancer, and the "do-rag" type of head coverings were the most comfortable and easy to use and make. http://craftstew.com/sewing/free-hat-patterns

My daughter in law absolutely loved the ones I made with 100% cotton. It is breathable. No polyester or such fabric that makes the head sweat. I wish I could post the pattern here for you. I think I bought it from Nancy's Notions. It is padded in the front. Mainly I wanted to let you know to use the 100% cotton. Also, soft. When they lose their hair their head is very sensitive, and some say even a little painful like pin pricks.

Wonderful of you to do this and be a supportive friend. This post came in very handy for me as my niece was diagnosed just 3 weeks ago with ovarian cancer. She had surgery two weeks ago today and has been back to the hospital 2 times since with complications. Chemo is scheduled to begin Monday and I have been with her 12 hours a day through this and will continue to be with her through her chemo. She was told she will loose her hair and I have been thinking about hats for her.
Thank you for being a wonderful friend and for posting this request for patterns.
Also, thank you all for responding.