Crochet

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WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT CROCHET-ALONGS?

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Have you ever participated in a CAL (crochet along)?  Neither have I.  Oh, a bunch of readers will have participated in them.  I can’t really determine how I feel about them.  The Mystery CAL’s seem like they might be more interesting than a ‘regular’ CAL.  I’m not quite sure what benefits there might be for a CAL.

This is the first motif in a Lion Brand CAL that I just received information about.

CAL motif 0909Aside from the fact that I don’t want to join motifs, I find this hexagon to be quite pretty.  Don’t know where this CAL is headed – if it’ll be an afghan, scarf, or garment.  I’d have to sign on every Thursday to find out.

Therein lies the rub.  I won’t remember on Thursday.  Will you?  Yeah, I know I could maybe figure out how to use the calendar feature on my browser and have it remind me – but I’d probably have piles of other work to do on Thursday and would overlook the reminder.

My friend Ronnie has made several interesting things on CAL’s.  The latest of her projects that I’ve seen turned out a unique, very smart cardi-wrap that I would like to make.  But, it was a Mystery CAL, so since I didn’t know which way it was headed, I woudn’t consider joining.

So, what are the pros and cons of CAL’s.  Let me here from YOU!

Comments

  1. I don’t particularly like CAL’s or KAL’s due to the fact that 1: I’ve seen too many errors during the process. Therefore when that happens you have to wait for the errata and start again. 2: You don’t know what you’re making, so it might not be something you want to make, nor do you even have a clue as to what it’s supposed to be, so have no idea if you’re on track with the directions given. Too many mysteries for my taste. If I’m interested in the slightest, I wait till the whole pattern has been posted with photos before I decide to actually make the project or not.

  2. I’ve just started on CAL’s. The first one I totally enjoyed (maybe because I suggested the doily to use)… lol
    The CAL’s make sure that I get done with the project instead of keeping starting new ones. The fact that you are supposed to show your progress makes for interesting discussions. And also, if you have a problem with a pattern, then everyone is on the same page.

  3. I agree, the hexagon is very pretty though not my favorite color combo. I would be much more likely to join if I knew which way it was heading. The colors I would use for a scarf are very different from what I would use for a afghan which are very different from what I would use for a sweater. And how the heck do you know how much yarn to buy?? BTW – I would love to see the cardi-wrap pattern

  4. As you may have gathered…I’m addicted to CALs…especially the mystery ones.

    I look at them as an opportunity to test patterns, to give the designer/host input on the pattern, to review different pattern writing techniques/phrases/styles.

    And then comes the unveiling…seeing the pattern done in different colors or yarns is very exciting…

  5. A few years back I participated in two crochet-a-longs for Irish Crochet butterflies, and we used antique patterns that were supplied to us by the group’s owner. We could post questions, or suggestions, to the group; and it was a big help to read other peoples comments about how they were solving the Irish Crochet problems they were encountering. I gleaned some very helpful tips at how to master the Irish Crochet padding cords that I had never used before. It was wonderful to see the photos of the finished butterflies that others had created. The knowledge that I gained about Irish Crochet was definitely worth me joining the crochet-a-long.

  6. I do NOT participate in any crafts-alongs. I want to see the whole project, with a picture, and preferably schematics, before I start so I know where I’m heading. As a previous poster said– I want to know if it’s going to be something I want to make in the first place, and “one row a day” is not my way of crocheting (or anything else). I don’t like working “blind”- the “discovery” aspect is usually disappointing IMO, no better than the current “prizes” in Cracker Jack boxes.

  7. except when you have a designer of the caliber Ronnie seems to hit on (hi /ronnie) I don’t do cals either but I admire those who have the courage to do so.

  8. I have only ever done one crochet along, and I am currently participating in it. I have really enjoyed doing this crochet along as it has helped me with some techniques, and also helped me learn to more efficiently plan my time, and I know I can always go and ask someone in the crochet along what to do if I get stuck. It is kind of fun to see everyone do the same project, but all with different colors and yarns. I am most excited to see everyones finished afghans (we are crocheting one 12″ Granny Square per month). I joined the block a month crochet along because it is NOT a mystery crochet along, so you know what you are crocheting, and they give you alternative squares to do as well. I would definitely recommend that everyone get out there and join at least one crochet along if you have never done one before.

  10. I have never participated in a CAL, but just signed up to have new ones sent to me. I would like to try one, but not a mystery. Those of us who are seniors with no children & no babies to crochet for would not always want to crochet another granny afghan…couldn’t begin to tell you how many of those I have made. I would love to try one for a cardigan sweater for myself or for socks you can wear with shoes. Thanks for the question.

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.