Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

CONTEST TIME AGAIN!! Think Winter….

by

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Okay, I’m ready to host another contest. This one is for the best CROCHETED SNOWFLAKE. The snowflake can be an ornament, a wall hanging, a doily, a runner, an applique, or whatever – so long as it can be identified as a snowflake.

Now, this is where it gets hard. You gotta be honest with me. THE SNOWFLAKE MUST BE YOUR ORIGINAL CREATION – A PATTERN YOU CREATED AND NOT ONE YOU SAW SOMEWHERE ELSE. There are a gazillion and one snowflake patterns. But, I’m greedy. I want some more.

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www.karpstyles.com example of a beaded snowflake.
So, send me pictures (jpeg format please) and patterns of your snowflakes. The contest opens now and will close on October 31, 2007. It will take me another week or so to review all the entries. You may enter more than once, but each entry must be represented in its own picture and pattern separate from any other entry.

You can use thread, yarn, water hose, macrame rope or whatever. I don’t care what size the finished product is. As usual, I will be the final judge. As usual, I have my biases, so if you are not willing to go with my decision, please don’t enter. BUT, PLEASE DO ENTER. I want to see all your great ideas. And, I want to give something away.

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Not this kind of snowflake!

What’s the prize? A selection of items from my stash. This time the prize will include yarn/thread and books/magazines/leaflets. If your entry is especially charming, I might even ASK you what interests you to determine what of my stash to share.

Plus, you’ll have braggin’ rights all through the Winter of 2007-2008. So, get busy with those hooks!

Comments

  1. i would like to find out where i can find snowflake patterns that are between beginners and intermediate thanks
    debbie mcmahen

  3. debbie,
    there are lots of free snowflake patterns online. just google ‘crochet snowflake patterns’ and you’ll have several hours of surfing ahead of you!
    jd

  6. Sorry to ask a stupid question, but, assuming I have something to send in, to what email address do I send it ?

  7. entry from vl titus

    3-d snowflake

    size 10 thread
    size 7 hook (or hook of choice)

    Stitches:
    sl st – slip stitch,
    ch – chain
    sc – single crochet
    dc – double crochet
    tr – treble crochet

    Special stitch – picot – ch 3, sc in first ch.

    Chain 6, join with sl st to make loop.
    Row 1: ch 1, *sc into loop, ch 1*, repeat * to * 5 times, join with sl st (6sc, 6 ch spaces).
    Row 2: ch 1, (sc,dc,sc in sc, ch 1) 6 times, join with sl st (6 ch spaces).
    Row 3: sl st into dc, ch 1, *sc in dc, picot, ch 1,*, repeat 5 times (6 picots).
    Row 4: ch 4, *(ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1) in sc of picot, tr in sc*, repeat * to * 4 times, do () one more time, sl st into 4th ch of beginning ch.

    3-d effect:
    [*ch 2, (dc, ch2, dc, ch2, dc) in sc of row 4, ch 2,* sl st into sc of row 2. sl st in ch, and into next sc, repeat * to *, sl into tr. sl st in each stitch until next tr]. do a total of 3 times.
    After sl st in starting tr, repeat for other side.

    Hanger:
    Make a chain about 4 inches long, sl st into first ch. Finish off, and weave in any ends.

    _________________

  8. SNOWFLAKE I

    Original Pattern by Aparna Mukherjee

    1. Thread 6 gold beads on to white thread.

    2. Make 4 ch, join into ring with a sl st.

    3. Make 10 ch, holding last lps on hook, make 2 dtr into the 5th ch. Draw thread through all the lps on hook. This combination of 5ch, 2 dtr is a cluster = cl.

    4. 1 dtr into ring. 1 cl into tip of previous cl. Rep. 4 times more so that you have a total of 6. Join the tip of the last cl to the 5th ch which is the base of the 1st cl.

    5. make 12 ch. Join with sl st to junction of 2 clusters of previous rnd. Rep. around.

    6. 1 ch. Turn. ( 8 sc into 12 ch sp. 1 ch, 1 beaded ch. Sc into last sc made. 7 sc into 12 ch sp.) Rep. the bracketed section around. Sl st to join. Turn.

    7. 5 ch. 1 dtr into 4th sc. 18 ch. ( Holding the last lps on hk, dtr into 4th sc after the beaded picot, dtr into sp between sc at the junction, dtr into 4th sc. Draw thread through all lps. 18 ch) Rep bracketed portion around. Join with a sl st.

    8. Into the 18 ch sp, make 10 sc. Mow make a triple picot thus : ( 3 ch, sl st into 3rd ch from hk ) 3 times. Sl st into last sc made. 9 sc into sp. Rep. into remaining 18 ch sps. (There are 5 more). Sl st to join.

    Fasten off.

    Beaded ch : draw up a bead before making the next ch.

  9. SNOWFLAKE II

    Original Pattern by Aparna Mukherjee

    1. Thread 18 gold beads on to white thread.
    2. Make 6 ch. Sl st to join into a ring.
    3. Sl st into ring. Ch 1, 18 sc into ring. Sl st to join.
    4. Make 20 ch, sl st into 7th ch from hk.

    Make 5 ch, sl st into 6th ch from previous sl st.

    Make 7 ch, sl st into starting point.

    5. 1ch, insert hk into the 1st 7-ch sp. 5 sc into sp, 3 ch, 4 sc into same sp.

    ( 4 sc into 5-ch sp, 1 ch, 1 beaded ch, sc into last sc made, 3 sc into same sp.

    4 sc into 6 -ch sp on top of spoke, 1 ch, 1 beaded ch, 4 sc into same sp.)

    Now make a reverse journey, repeating the sts as given for the 2 sps. Sl st into starting point.

    6. Sc into the front lps of the next 5 sc. Sc into both lps of the next sc.
    7. Rep Step 4.
    8. Rep. Step 5.
    9. Rep. Step 6.
    10. Rep. Step 4.
    11. Rep. Step 5.
    12. Sc into front lps of remaining 5 sc. Do not join.
    13. 1ch, sc into free lps of next 3 sts.
    14. Rep Step 4.
    15. On the reverse journey, join to the 3 – ch sp on the next spoke, by making (1 ch, drop lp from hk, insert hk into 3-ch sp, make 2 more ch.) Make sure the thread remains at the back of the work throughout, or it will be impossible to continue.
    16. Sc into next 2 free lps. 1 ch. Sc into next 3 free lps.
    17. Rep Steps 4, 15, and 16, until 2 more spokes have been completed. Sc into remaining free lps. Sl st to join. Fasten off.
    18. This snowflake has to be blocked to lie flat. Also, pull up the beads to the front of the work.

    Beaded ch : draw up a bead before making the next ch.

  10. Original Pattern by Aparna Mukherjee

    Thread 18 gold beads on to white thread.

    1. 6ch, sl st to join into a ring.
    2. Sl st into ring. 2ch, holding last lps on hk, make 2 dc, draw thread through all lps – beg cluster made. ( 7 ch, sl st into 6th ch from hk, 1 ch, make a cluster by holding last lps on hk, make 3 dc, draw thread through all lps.) Rep until a total of 6 clusters have been made. 7 ch, sl st into 6th ch from hk, 1 ch, sl st to tip of 1st cluster.
    3. Sl st upto and into 1st 5-ch lp. 5 ch, 1dtr into next 5-ch lp.
    4. Make 11 ch, sl st into 6th ch from hk. 5 ch, holding last lps on hk, dtr into previous 5-ch lp, dtr into next 5-ch lp, draw thread through all lps on hk. Rep around, make last dtr into 1st 5-ch lp, and join the length of ch with a sl st.
    5. 4 sc into 1st sp. 1 ch, 1 beaded ch, sc into last sc made, 2 sc, 4 sc into sp, 1 ch, 1 beaded ch, sc into last sc made, 3 sc into same sp. Rep. above sequence all around. Sl st to join. Fasten off.

    Beaded ch : draw up a bead before making the next ch.

  11. FOR YOUR INFORMATION –
    Aparna sent her three contest entries in a timely fashion to my private email. the delay in posting them here was my fault.

    I’ll be getting back to readers with the contest winner(s) in a week or so.
    THANKS to those who entered!
    jd

Have you read?

Make To Donate: Crochet Chemo Cap Patterns

There are some crochet projects that are lovely to make, and then there are the ones that feel like they have a little more purpose stitched into them. Chemo caps definitely fall into that second category.

A handmade crochet chemo cap can provide warmth, privacy and comfort to someone experiencing treatment-related hair loss, but this is one charity crochet project where the yarn and pattern really do matter. A beautiful hat made with scratchy yarn or an open lace stitch may look lovely sitting on your craft table but be completely wrong for a sensitive scalp.

If you are new to making handmade donations, our broader Make To Donate crochet pattern collection is a useful place to start. 20 Crochet Patterns Perfect for Donating to Charities You can also read our guide to crocheting for a cause before choosing an organisation to support. Crochet for a Cause: Using Your Skills to Make a Difference

Before you start crocheting, contact your chosen cancer centre or organisation and check its current requirements.

Crochet for Cancer asks that donated caps are new, clean and free from perfume, smoke and pet hair. They recommend soft cotton, acrylic, silk, fleece or blends and specifically advise against wool and alpaca because they may irritate sensitive scalps. They also recommend close stitches without large gaps. Knots of Love similarly asks makers to avoid lacy or see-through designs and maintains its own approved yarn list.

In other words, this is not the project for that mystery skein of scratchy wool you bought on clearance twelve years ago and have been trying to justify ever since.

Crochet Chemo Cap Patterns to Make and Donate

1. Simple Crochet Chemo Cap

Get the Simple Crochet Chemo Cap free pattern

This is a very practical place to start. The pattern was specifically designed as a chemo cap and comes in sizes from children through adult extra large.

It uses a cotton and rayon blend and combines half double crochet with subtle ridged sections, giving the hat some texture without creating big open spaces. I particularly like having several sizes in one pattern because cancer treatment affects people of every age.

2. Canadia Chemo Cap

Get the Canadia Hat free crochet pattern

The Canadia Hat from Banana Moon Studio was designed specifically with chemo care in mind. It uses a light worsted yarn and linked stitches that help create a fairly solid fabric without making the hat stiff.

The pattern includes a range of sizes and the free version is available directly on the designer’s website.

3. Lily of the Valley Chemo Cap

Get the Lily of the Valley Chemo Cap pattern

If you would like something a little prettier without wandering into overly open lace territory, this floral-textured chemo cap is a lovely option.

It was created for the Crochet Cancer Challenge and is designed using soft lightweight yarn for comfortable wear. It has enough detail to feel special while still being intended specifically for cancer patients and donation programs.

4. Velvet Ridge Chemo Cap in Four Sizes

Get the free Velvet Ridge Chemo Cap pattern

This newer chemo cap pattern includes four sizes from approximately age five through adult XL.

It uses plush chenille-style yarn and has a simple ridged band for a little visual detail. The designer also suggests checking with your local cancer centre before making donation caps, which is advice I wish every charity pattern included.

5. Soft Heart Chemo Hat

Get the Soft Heart Chemo Hat free crochet pattern

The Soft Heart Beanie was created for the 2025 Crochet Cancer Challenge and comes in six sizes, from preemie through adult.

The design is seamless, soft and designed to work up relatively quickly, making it a particularly useful pattern if your crochet group is planning to make multiple hats.

6. Diane Beanie Chemo Cap

Get the Diane Beanie free crochet pattern

The Diane Beanie is a simple top-down design made primarily with single crochet and finished with a back-loop ribbed brim.

The result is a fairly dense fabric, which is exactly what we want for a chemo cap. The pattern includes teen/small adult and large adult sizing.

7. Textured Stripes Chemo Cap

Get the Textured Stripes Chemo Cap free pattern

I like this one for anyone who gets bored making completely plain hats.

The texture gives the cap a little personality, but the designer has kept the inside comfortable and smooth. It was created specifically for cancer-hat donation projects, so it fits our Make To Donate theme beautifully.

8. Elixir Chemo Cap

Get the Elixir Chemo Cap free crochet pattern

The Elixir is another pattern created specifically for charity donation and cancer awareness.

It includes three sizes and was designed to be lightweight, breathable and gentle. You can also choose a yarn colour associated with a particular cancer awareness cause if you are making hats for a specific fundraising or support event.

9. Cancer Ribbon Crochet Beanie

Get the free Cancer Ribbon Beanie pattern

This one makes the symbolism quite literal, with an awareness ribbon worked into the hat design.

The pattern comes in toddler, child and adult sizes and uses front-post colourwork to create the ribbon motif.

For actual chemo use, I would pay particular attention to the yarn choice and inside texture. For awareness events, fundraising or support gifts, though, the ribbon detail is especially meaningful.

10. Hopeful Butterfly Chemo Hat

Get the Hopeful Butterfly Hat free pattern

This hat was originally created as a chemo cap and incorporates awareness-inspired detailing along with butterfly symbolism.

It is a lovely choice when you want something that looks less like a basic medical head covering and more like a thoughtfully designed handmade accessory.

11. Summer Chemo Cap With Sun Hat Brim

Get the Summer Chemo Cap free crochet pattern

Most chemo-cap collections lean heavily towards cold-weather beanies, so I was pleased to find this summer option.

It combines a lightweight cap with a small sun-hat-style brim and was designed specifically for people undergoing treatment or experiencing sensitive scalps.

It is also a good reminder that people undergoing cancer treatment may need comfortable head coverings all year round, not just when the temperature drops.

12. Consuelo Beanie

Get the Consuelo Beanie free crochet pattern

The Consuelo Beanie was created for the Crochet Cancer Challenge and the complete crochet pattern remains available free on the designer’s blog.

It is beginner-friendly and was designed specifically as a hat suitable for donating to someone living with cancer.

13. Linda’s Easy Chemo Cap

Get Linda’s Easy Chemo Cap pattern

This is an older pattern, but still a useful one to keep bookmarked.

The adult-small version remains available as a free download, and the design was created specifically for makers pledging to donate a hat to a cancer patient or treatment centre.

14. Just Chenille Chemo Cap

Get the Just Chenille Chemo Cap free pattern

If the receiving organisation accepts chenille yarn, this plush option is worth considering.

The free pattern includes three adult sizes from XS through XL and uses soft chenille yarn to produce a warm, velvety cap. As always, check the charity’s yarn list first because individual cancer centres may have different requirements.

15. Kim’s Chemo Hat Crochet Pattern

See Kim’s Chemo Hat crochet pattern on Etsy

For our paid Etsy option, Kim’s Beanie from ThroughTheLoopYC was originally designed for the Crochet Cancer Challenge.

The PDF includes child, adult small and adult large sizing plus a photo stitch tutorial. It is labelled as an easy to advanced-beginner pattern and was designed specifically as a soft, comfortable chemo cap.

Choosing Yarn for Crochet Chemo Caps

This is one area where I would choose yarn for the recipient rather than because I happen to love the colour.

A yarn that feels perfectly comfortable against your hand may feel completely different against a scalp made sensitive by chemotherapy.

Look for soft, smooth and washable fibres and avoid heavily textured, scratchy or hairy yarn unless the receiving organisation has specifically approved it.

Knots of Love actually maintains a required yarn list for its own donations, which is a good reminder that there isn’t one universal “best chemo-cap yarn.”

If you’re buying yarn specifically for charity projects rather than raiding the stash, I would choose practical washable colours and yarn you can reliably buy again. Nobody needs to discover halfway through a 20-hat charity project that the beautiful bargain yarn was discontinued in 2009.

What Makes a Good Crochet Chemo Cap?

For most donation programs, think:

soft rather than scratchy

close stitches rather than open lace

comfortable seams

good scalp coverage

washable yarn

no heavy embellishments unless the charity specifically allows them

a useful range of sizes

And always make the hat to the requirements of the organisation receiving it.

For more general hat donations, you can also browse our 10 crochet beanie patterns to make and donate. See the charity crochet beanie roundup

CraftBits also has a free vintage child’s crochet beanie pattern that can be useful for general children’s winter charity projects. Free Vintage Crochet Child’s Beanie Pattern on CraftBits For cancer-care donations, however, I would only use it after checking the yarn, fit and stitch coverage against the receiving organisation’s chemo-cap requirements.

There is something quietly powerful about making a chemo cap for someone you may never meet. It is not going to change their diagnosis or make treatment easier, but it can make one cold waiting room, one difficult morning or one vulnerable moment a little more comfortable.

Sometimes a ball of yarn really can become something much bigger than we expected.