Comforting Caps for Chemo and Other Hair Loss

I was recently asked if I knew of any recommendations for patterns to fit this topic. Alas, I did not have any resource so I did a bit of hunting with a mish mash of results. Then decided to reach out to the wonderful folks on my Let's Go Sew email list. Wow! So many came through with stories, ideas, and links to share, so I am putting together this post to hopefully help anyone who would like to make "comfort caps" as a charity project or for those they know who have the need for this. 

Beret Style Hat

Let's start with the one that came up multiple times, a beret style hat that was originally shared by none other than Nancy Zieman. Known as the Creative Kindness Cap, designed by Gail Brown, I searched for the original post myself but found it gone from the archives. However, the instructions live on via a quilt guild post with modified instructions, you'll find HERE.

Stretchy Turbans

Turbans are another popular style. Friends contributed a few resources for this one,  and I found a couple more. Below is a list. Pick one that clicks with your style of sewing:

Simple Turban published on Sewing.org HERE.

Turban for knit fabrics with video and written instructions from the Sweet Red Poppy site.
Link for video HERE.
​Link for written instructions HERE.

Woven Cotton Head Wrap

Laura Ann Coia from the Sew Very Easy channel designed a cotton head wrap you can make with fat quarters. CLICK HERE to watch her video. Thanks Blanca for sharing this one!

Newsboy Style
​for a Clever Head Covering

The idea for a newsboy style cap came up more than once from kind friends who submitted ideas and resources. Do your own search on YouTube and you'll find several, including some freebie patterns.

One reasonably priced pattern was recommended and found on the ButterflyTree Etsy site HERE. This one is fully lined which will prevent irritation issues from seams.

If you're looking for ideas for embellishing any of these styles I found an inspiring site with ready made cancer caps HERE.

Knitted & Crocheted Styles

If you are gifted in the art of knowing how to knit or crochet (it's on my bucket list), you'll find a ton of free patterns HERE on the Knots of Love site. What a wonderful resource this is!!!

The Ever Popular Knit Fabric Beanie Cap

Riley Blake designs produced a nice video with a coordinating PDF pattern you'll find HERE. My Let's Go Sew friend C.P. made these from the bottom edge of T-shirts left over from making T-shirt quilts. What a great way to re-cycle! She also suggests using double brushed poly fabric.

Final Thoughts for Creating Headcoverings

The American Cancer Society has a whole lot of tips for choosing and using head coverings. Take a look and the wisdom shared HERE on their website:

Thanks for reading! I welcome any comments or thoughts you care to share.

Note: Information above deemed reliable but not guaranteed.