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The Coolest Thing! You Tube Scores Again…

by

http://youtube.com/results?search_query=1970+K-Tel+Knitter+Commercial&search=Search

ktel600.jpg
You gotta check this thing out. I wonder if we can still buy this item anywhere but Ebay?? Anyone out there own one or ever used one? Does it really work? Inquiring minds and fingers want to know.

Well, I answered my own question by going to Ebay and finding two of these for sale. I’ve bid on one and will be receiving it before long. I’ll report back on how well it works. Can’t wait to give it a try!

UPDATE – I purchased one of these ‘Knitters’ on Ebay. Couldn’t figure out how to work it with the instructions that were included. Took it to my local crochet club meeting where experienced crocheters and knitters each had a try at it. No one could figure it out!! No wonder K-Tel didn’t keep them on the market very long. Would love to hear from anyone who has used this implement successfully.

Comments

  3. I have one that I found, probably in a thrift store a long time ago. Were you able to follow the video well enough to make it work?

  4. I was able to pick up one of these this morning at a yard sale but mine is called a Grant One Needle looper. It came with instructions which seem clear to me. If anyone is interested, I could scan and send them.
    HI JAN. I actually have the instructions that came in the original package. I just don’t understand them! Nor do my knitting friends. I choose to spend my little bit of spare time on crochet so will set this ‘toy’ aside. Perhaps one day it will become clear to me. jd

  5. I have 3 different balls of Kountry Kable Kotton by Lily. App.77 yards. This is heavier than Speed Cro Sheen . Would like a pattern or suggestions on how to use this as it is 3 different colors. Thanks

  6. i have 2 but they are my moms my husband tried to bid on one on ebay, but lost in the final seconds.. i want my very own because it is what i learned on and is all i can comprehend…any info as to how i can own one for myself. please let me know
    thanks tish
    TISH,
    I got mine on ebay. I suggest you look there. Didn’t work for me. No one at my LYS could figure out how to make the thing work!
    jd

  7. Tish,
    Try asking for these hooks on a knitting discussion list on yahoogroups.com or on the crochetpartners or crochetville list. I bet some folks have them and would be willing to part with them for a few bucks if you ask.
    jd

  8. I have a k-tel knitter and after much frustration trying to figure out how to get it going, I finally figured it out and I have already made many things. Not from patterns, but from picking my own brain. I would love to find some patterns especially baby clothes patterns that I can use my k-tel knitter. The k-tel knitter really makes some beautful items. For just starting out, I would suggest you work on your basic chain. Pull it apart, do it again. And again and again until you can almost do it with your eyes closed. Then work on a scarf. Once you get the hang of it, you’re well on your way!

  9. my mother in law has one and she uses it everyday she is 91 and it’s the only craft she can do with her eyesight. it’s reativly easy it’s very similar to the afgan stitch

  11. I actually just ordered one from Etsy for $7.50 with shipping included… they have it on Ebay for $22 bucks plus shipping… that’s crazy

  13. I have used this K-tel knitter and it is easy to use it. So far I have done a few throws with it and used three different types of stitches out of the nine listed on the booklets.

    Many people have written many negative online comments about this needle but you need to realize that this is a different way of knitting and it is fun.

  14. Used this in 1975 when I was pregnant with my daughter. Made her Blanket, sweater,cap and booties she wore home from the hospital. Made a few more things then other crafts and life took over but then in 2010 bought one one Ebay and have been happily making scarves, affgans and other things with it. I could never knit or crochet but can work away with this needle for hours!!

  15. I have one it was my moms mostly I make baby blankets. I nedd a book to make more stuff easy to use

  16. I had one of these K-tel knitters years ago and I remember using it and I didn’t have any problem with it. I made an afghan with it. I have a very good friend that is sending me one because over the years I guess I lost the one I had. I would be glad to tell or show anyone how to use it.
    Reta

  17. K Tel Betty Ann Knitter / Grant Loop
    Have just found these old messages – does anyone have instructions/patterns they could scan and email please? I have two Betty Ann knitters from the 1970s and remember making a blanket with them but I really need instructions and patterns to set me off again.
    Thanks
    Julia

  18. I had one back in the 70’s went to get it,and the instructions were in the box but not the tool. I would love to find one again, but have not been able too. Understood the instructions better then crochet or knitting with crochet hook or knitting needles.i had lots of fun making things .

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.