The Blushing Bloom Chemo Hat: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Soft, Textured Beanie
The Blushing Bloom Chemo Hat: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Soft, Textured Beanie
This gentle, cable-knit hat features a delicate pink hue and a unique, textured crown that mimics soft petals, designed for comfort and warmth without irritation. The pattern uses a soft, hypoallergenic yarn and a seamless construction for a truly cozy fit. Whether you're knitting for yourself or a loved one, this hat is a heartfelt project that combines beauty with practicality.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: 1 skein (approx 150 yds) of Lion Brand Heartland in 'Great Smoky Mountains' (or any soft, washable worsted weight yarn in a pale pink)
- Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle and double-pointed needles (DPNs) for crown
- Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, stitch markers (optional)
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking
Step-by-Step Instructions
Size
Adult (to fit head circumference 21-23 inches)
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- C4F: Cable 4 Front (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle)
- C4B: Cable 4 Back (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle)
- K2tog: Knit two together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
- St(s): Stitch(es)
Brim
CO 96 stitches using the long-tail cast on. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1.5 inches (approx 8 rounds). This creates a stretchy, comfortable brim that stays in place.
Body
Round 1: *K4, P2, K4, P2* repeat from * to * around (12 repeats).
Round 2: *C4F, P2, C4B, P2* repeat from * to * around. This creates the cable twists.
Round 3: *K4, P2, K4, P2* repeat from * to * around.
Round 4: *K4, P2, K4, P2* repeat from * to * around.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 until the hat measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Round 4. The body will have a beautiful textured pattern of vertical cables separated by purl stitches.
Crown Decreases
Switch to DPNs when stitches become too tight for the circular needle.
Round 1: *K2tog, K2, P2, SSK, K2, P2* repeat from * to * around (72 sts).
Round 2: *K3, P2, K3, P2* repeat from * to * around.
Round 3: *K2tog, K1, P2, SSK, K1, P2* repeat from * to * around (48 sts).
Round 4: *K2, P2, K2, P2* repeat from * to * around.
Round 5: *K2tog, P2, SSK, P2* repeat from * to * around (24 sts).
Round 6: *K1, P2, K1, P2* repeat from * to * around.
Round 7: *K2tog, P2tog* repeat from * to * around (12 sts).
Round 8: *K2tog* repeat from * to * around (6 sts).
Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches, pull tight to close the crown, and weave in end securely.
Finishing
Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block gently by soaking in cool water and laying flat to dry, shaping as desired. This will even out the stitches and enhance the cable pattern. The result is a soft, cozy hat with a delicate, petal-like texture and a seamless, comfortable fit.
