This time when I knit the hat, I wrote down what I was doing, so that I can share the pattern here! I've decided on the Crossed Comfort Cap since it uses the crossed stitch pattern and it is a comfy, cozy cap! I love the visual texture of the stitch - it gives it a little something extra. Both fit adults - the navy is knit on size 10 needles and fits more snugly. The turquoise is worked on size 11 needles and is a bit roomier. Either will work nicely as chemo caps or as winter caps for a loved one.
I spend a lot of my time trying to make a difference and do some good. I love to hear from people who read this blog and view the patterns. By all means, if you find a mistake, point it out! I'm more than capable of making mistakes and I need help finding them. I always offer to email the patterns to anyone who has trouble printing them and I have done so literally hundreds of times.......and I have met some amazing people too. I've met people who need caps sent to friends, people who are making a difference in their communities, in other countries and just wonderful people who say "hi". I've answered all sorts of questions and I will always answer an email. It makes my world a happier place to know that so many people are out there doing good things!
But, I've decided something too.......the rare few who post negative comments......will be deleted. This blog is about bringing cheer and happiness to people......about making the world a better place in a tiny way. If you have trouble printing the pattern email me. If you have a question or find a mistake, comment here or email me - I'm grateful to hear from everyone and I will answer and correct any errors found. But, if you're just cranky, irritated, lazy or rude and you comment here, I've given myself permission to delete your comments so that you don't taint the wonderful feeling that I want everyone to get when they read this. There - off my soapbox now and on to the new pattern!
If you have any trouble printing this pattern it can be found as a PDF here.
Crossed Comfort Hat
5-weight yarn: (dark blue was Premier Serenity Chunky Tweed and the turquoise was Loops & Threads Charisma )
Size 10 or 11 circular knitting needles: (the dark blue model was stitched with size 10 circular needles. Size 11 circulars were used for the turquoise model)
Explanations:
Slip 1 purlwise: Holding the working yarn as if you were going to purl the stitch, just slip the stitch from the left needle onto the right needle, without purling the stitch.
YO: yarn over – wrap the working yarn around the needle, creating another stitch.
K2tog: knit two stitches together, decreasing the total number of stitches.
Cast on 56 stitches
Work in K2, P2 rib for 2 inches:
Row 1: K2, P2 across row
Repeat Row 1 until piece is desired length
Work in Crossed Stitch Pattern until piece is 8 inches in length:
Row 1: * slip 1 purlwise, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over both stitches*; repeat from * to * across row
Row 2: Knit all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece is desired length
Decrease the crown:
Row 1: * slip 1 purlwise, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over both stitches*; repeat from * to * across row
Row 2: *K5, K2tog* ; repeat from * to * across row (this row will then have 48 stitches)
Row 3: * slip 1 purlwise, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over both stitches*; repeat from * to * across row
Row 4: *K4, K2tog* ; repeat from * to * across row (this row will then have 40 stitches)
Row 5: * slip 1 purlwise, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over both stitches*; repeat from * to * across row
Row 6: *K3, K2tog* ; repeat from * to * across row (this row will then have 32 stitches)
Row 7: K2tog across row
Finish:
Cut working yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Draw the end through the stitches left on your needle and cinch closed.
Weave in ends.
Enjoy your hat or better yet, give it to someone undergoing chemo to help them get through their treatment.
Remember, all are welcome to join us in some way - we love to see new people and are grateful when more people hear about us. So, spread the word! And, as always, if you or anyone you know is in need of chemo caps, please feel free to contact me directly at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will be happy to ship some out.
Delaware Head Huggers
Kozy Kovers for Kids
I belong to a knitting/crocheting group that meets once a week. We make hats, scarves, mittens, etc. mostly for charity. One of us knits almost exclusively for chemo patients. Thank you so much for sharing your patterns.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
That's fabulous Margaret! People like you are why I share the patterns!! All of us put together will make a difference! :)
DeleteI just found your web site it was on all free knitting what a lovely person you are to offer your patterns Thank You so much you made my day and the photo of your doggie he is adorable
ReplyDeleteThank you! That made MY day!!! :)
DeleteThank you for this pattern. I make hats for charity and want to try this one!! I am a fairly new knitter but I think I can tackle it.
ReplyDeleteYou can. It's not difficult at all!
ReplyDeleteDoes the Crossed Comfort Hat use 1 skein of yarn to make 1 hat?
ReplyDeleteYes, actually less than 1 skein of both yarns used........
DeleteI love your hats but sometimes have trouble with the wool needed and have to think weather you are a UK or US website as we have different names for various types of wool
ReplyDeleteBrenda
If you tell me what you are having trouble with, I will try to help........ Sorry it took me so long to respond....the notification for a comment went to my SPAM folder instead. I'm in the US.
DeleteHi Robin,
ReplyDeleteYour patterns look really good. Am just wondering if they are unisex. I'm a fairly new knitter and have some wool left over from a previous project and I'd like to knit one of your patterns for my son, so which one would you suggest.
Thanks
Shabnam
Many of the hats are unisex.........it would just depend on the colors you use. I would say this one could be for a man, Cozy Cobblestone and Stylish Tiles definitely and Bamboozled would be a great one too. The Basket of Love beanie would work too I think.........just in a more masculine yarn than I used for the model one.
ReplyDeleteI can not believe that through the grace of God that I found your website. You are living the way we are supposed to, giving and sharing our talents. Thank you so much for all you do.
ReplyDeleteI personally partake in many charity endeavors. I am now interested in knitting the chem caps for donation to our local chem center. It is attached to the Catholic Hospital where I am employed.
Perhaps those with negative comments need our prayers for more happiness in their lives.
Thanks again to you and your most adorable dog.
Kate in Upstate New York
Kate,
DeleteThank you! And you are right - negative people always need prayers and happiness! :)
If you would please let me know the name of the hospital that you work at, I would love to send a box of hats to the chemo center there. You can either post here or email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org.
Thanks!
Robin
I love your cap pattern. Planning to make a bunch to donate to a homeless shelter.
DeleteI am so happy I stumbled upon your blog. I just recently taught myself to knit because a friend of mine is expecting a baby and I wanted to make some infant booties. Having done that, I am hooked and am on the hunt for new patterns that are easy to follow so I can increase my skill.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have a miniature Schnauzer named Bisou and your dog caught my eye ;)
Glad you found it! Happy Knitting!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the free patterns. I have the summer off from teaching piano, and can try some patterns that are a little more difficult than my normal "in front of the TV at the end of the day" knitting....mitts and scarves. Nancie
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for this pattern. The daughter of my friend is having surgery next week to have a brain tumor removed. I am knitting this cap for her to help cheer her up. Mary
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
DeleteIf she could use other hats as well, let me know and Delaware Head Huggers will be happy to send her some. You can email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org
I too stumbled across your blog and am very thankful. I volunteer at the cancer center here and have recently started knitting chemo caps to donate. Thanks so much for your wonderful patterns! I can't wait to try some of them (I currently have 1 cap finished, 2 more women's, a baby cap, a baby blanket and a throw in progress)....never a dull moment!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for your wonderful patterns and inspiration!
Amy
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that you stumbled across us! If you think the center that you volunteer at could use some caps, just let me know and I will send some. Email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org
I love your patterns and casual way of describing the pattern, and yet you do it thoroughly. I especially appreciate your giving spirit. Though most of the things I knit are gifts for family and froends, you have planted the seed for me to start doing some chemo caps for a,local center. Thank you for offering the interesting patterns dor free! Pay it forward, for sure...
ReplyDeleteHi Robin,
ReplyDeleteI'm very happy to have found your site here.
You have such a happy & generous heart. I'm sure anyone
who gets one of your hats is blessed with your tenderness.
I would like to make hats for the cancer center at hospital near me.
I've got arthritis in my hands but I'll see what I can do :)
Bless you,
margo
Hi Margo,
DeleteThank you. If you are having trouble and would like me to send some hats to your cancer center, please let me know. You can email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will send them anywhere in the USA.
Robin,
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled to have located your site and your beautiful patterns! Four years ago our 35 year old son fought cancer and won. After radical chemo and very risky surgery, I am thankful to say he's now 3-years cancer free. I was so touched by the compassion and care the doctors and nurses demonstrated not only to our son, but to our family. I was equally impressed by the basket of handmade hats and head scarves left for the patients in the infusion center. I promised myself I would someday contribute handmade items to that basket to honor our son and everyone's loved ones who are fighting this terrible disease. That was 4 years ago and here I am -- recently retired -- knitting as fast as I can and loving every minute of it!! I just downloaded patterns for your Waves of Hope and Cross Comfort hats and can't wait to buy yarn! Thank you for your generosity -- I promise to pass it on.
Franci in Colo
I'm so happy that your son is cancer free! And very happy that you found us! :) Welcome to our group.
DeleteThank you for sharing. This sounds easy enough for even a novice knitter to make.
ReplyDeleteI came across your pattern for Comfort Caps and thought of a friend who is recently diagnosed with cancer and is loosing her hair. I will make her a pink one-her favorite color. Thank you so much for sharing and doing what you do.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteIf your friend needs more caps and is in the US, let me know and I will send her some. You can email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org
I want to make this hat for a gentleman for Christmas. I just don't know if 86 stitches is going to give me the size I want. And I don't have the ability to check the head of the man. Can you help me to know what is the average size had for a normal man? You also have another hat that I like but the problem is the same.
ReplyDeleteIf you use size 11's, it should work for an average size man's head. Most of my hats, unless I state otherwise have fit on myself and my 22 year old son and my husband. This link lists common sizes: http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/size-chart.html
DeleteWhat is the length of your circular needles for this hat? 16"? 24"? Thanks for taking the time to answer my question and have a blessed day!
ReplyDelete16" are used for all my hats
Deletei don't see a row six on this pattern.AmI missing something? Thanx!!
ReplyDeleteit's a 2 row pattern for the hat and a 7 row crown decrease. what are you looking for?
DeleteCan you please clarify something i am not understanding, is the hat knit in the round on four point needles or on the circular magic loop, or can it be done on straight needles with a seam??? Thank you so much Sandy
ReplyDeleteAs the pattern states, this was knit on circular needles. If you prefer using double points you could use them as well.
DeleteI'm kind of new to knitting hats, and need a little clarification...After knitting two inches of ribbing, the pattern calls for knitting the Crossed Stitch pattern until piece measures 8 inches in length. Is that a TOTAL of 8 inches (including the ribbing), or 8 inches of the Crossed Stitch pattern?
ReplyDelete8 inches in total!
DeleteReally glad to find your site. My daughter had stage 3B Hodgkins at 23. Now, 8 years & 1 gorgeous little boy later she is doing well & now a hospice nurse. We have a HUGE family history of cancers (5 of 13 grandchildren). I have been donating hats to the cancer center for 8 years & lap robes to the nursing home for 6. Have also made hats & mittens for headstart. Sou much yarn, so many patterns, so little time. Thank you for great patterns!
ReplyDeleteThank you I make chemo hats too. I have found that weird hairy yarn which comes in many colors to be very soft and a big hit. Keep up your good work and thanks.
ReplyDeleteWill this work with that furry yarn, I think it is worsted weight, and smaller needles? My babysitter is half way through her chemo and I would like to knit her a cap. Do I need to cast on additional stitches?
ReplyDeleteI think you would lose the pattern with the furry yarn......and that is usually 5 weight, so you could probably use the same size needles
DeleteRobin, Once again I thank you for the free patterns you post. I Hve tried all but Crossed Comfort Cap and plan on working on that tonight. I know the cancer patients at our local med park sure appreciate all the caps we make for them. It is a SMALL thing we can do to help. After watching a dear friend fight this horrible disease for 9 years now, I want to do any thing I can to help someone else. I do appreciate all your different patterns. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI make chemo caps and this looks like a very good pattern.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your patterns free.
If you can't print a pattern I just copy and paste in my on line notebook. That way I have it on my iPad to use.
Merry Christmas, Robin & Schnapps....and may our Lord Jesus Christ Bless you in your mission in helping others. Just found your patterns....thank you.......Blessings, Marilyn and Diva (my ragdoll knitting partner)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you as well! Welcome!!!
DeleteFor years I have made quilts for charity (for our church and also for our veterans) and then pillowcases for the Konker Kancer for Kids and then knitted hats for vets at the local veterans home. Thank you for your generous gift of the free pattern so we can try a different and pleasant pattern.
ReplyDeleteI have come across your patterns on multiple times through allfreeknitting and think you are a most generous person to share your patterns. As a creative person, you are sharing a bit of yourself with each pattern you create and post. And that is truly paying it forward. I am part of a knitting group that meets twice a month at a hospice. We have a large stash of needles and yarn and encourage families and friends of patients to knit with us. And if they just want to sit and talk, we are there for that as well. In addition, we are making an afghan to be auctioned at this year's gala and also knitting hats and caps for each person that will attend the Family Camp later this year. The camp is for people who have lost a loved one within the past year. As you can see, your hat patterns will be put to very good use. You are amazing, and I wish you all good things.
ReplyDeleteCan you print out this hat in sizes to fit children?Please and Thank you
ReplyDeleteI was looking for a new chemo hat pattern to knit (for charity). Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteClaire
I am a beginner in knitting. On knitting the pattern section of the Crossed Comfort Cap row 1: slip 1 purlwise, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over both stitches, I find it decreasing the row from 48 stitches to 24. What am I doing wrong?
ReplyDeleteYou must not be making the yo - yarn over. That increases a stitch so that when you pass the slipped stitch over you then have the same number of stitches as when you started the row.
DeleteHI, looks like a great pattern to try as a newbie hat maker! I was wondering what length of circular needle you would use-I didn't see it mentioned in the instructions! thanks so much for your good work.
ReplyDeleteI just found your Crossed Comfort hat pattern and am adding it to my pattern library to make. I've been knitting hats to give to patients in the infusion center for blood cancer patients at the Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. I drop them off when I go for my infusion. It's so much fun watching other patients pick one and wear it out while I am sitting in my room getting my infusion. I'm using all kinds of yarns, patterns and colors. Warmer ones for the winter and light and airy ones for the hot months. I'm looking forward to knitting this hat. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOHAI! Knit Picky Patterns from AllFreeKnitting had your cap listed today, and I've been thinking about simple hats lately--so seredipitous! thanks
ReplyDeleteIs this knit in the round?
ReplyDeleteMy first chemo appointment is tomorrow. I will be bringing needles and yarn to make this for myself while I receive chemo. Thank you for the pattern!
ReplyDeleteMy first chemo appointment is tomorrow. I will be bringing needles and yarn to make this for myself while I receive chemo. Thank you for the pattern!
ReplyDeleteTammie, If you are in the USA, please email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I would be happy to send you hats! Many hugs and much hope and love your way. Robin
DeleteHello Robin, Here in Chester, England, we are lucky to have a wonderful breast care unit at the Countess of Chester hospital. The care is second to none, from mammograms to surgery, everything in-between and after. We have a post op. group of girls (ladies of all ages and abilities) who attend a weekly easy exercise/stretch class. We also have a monthly get-together for talks, demonstrations and trips out. Each year we have a Pamper Day in the breast care unit, this can be attended by more than 100 ladies throughout the day. Refreshments are provided plus the ladies themselves bake and bring along some delicious cakes, (we never knowingly under cater!) We have treats from local businesses in the form of Reki, Indian head massage and neck and shoulder massage. A manicure or pedicure file and polish from the local beauty salon, a Godsend for those ladies whose nails have been affected by chemo. We also have a team of beauticians who come to give us facials and a makeover, advising us on how to make the best of little or no eyelashes or eyebrows, also a chance to try different colours and styles of makeup. We are also given free samples of the products for us to try at home. Our day is FULL of chat and laughter, swopping ideas and information and yes remembering those friends from the group who are no longer with us. At no time are we cranky, rude or miserable but there is a lot of black humour of the cancer type, eg wobbly wigs and escaping breast enhancers, lol. You will have noticed I did not give cancer a capital letter, we in the group refuse to give it that distinction and often feel free to blow it a raspberry. Thank you for your great chemo hat patterns, I am busy making some to sell for funds at the next pamper day. With very best wishes to you and Schnapps from myself, Nuala the Whippet and Gizzmo the Harrier hound. xxx
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a wonderful way to be supported and supportive of each other through a difficult time. I am so happy that you are using some of my patterns to help! Hugs from me and tail wags from Schnapps! xoxo
DeleteI have been looking at hat patterns to try and I really like yours because one of them you used Charisma yarn which I can get on sale easily. I noticed one difference in your pattern from others, that you don't switch to DPNs as you start to decrease, this will save me from purchasing other needles. Please correct me if I am wrong, at the time you stop decreasing you have 32 stitches on the circular needles and pull an approximately 6 inch length of yarn through those stitches to finish the top off? Thank you so much for sharing your pattern! Callie's Mom
ReplyDeleteYou decrease one more row by k2tog across, so you end up with 16 stitches. You can do it on the circs, although dpn's might make it easier for you.
DeleteHello there, It's great tutorial!
ReplyDeleteHow long did it take to knit the hat?
I want to knit this pattern with Loops and Threads Charisma on 4mm needles. Cast on 56 st seems too few stitches. Can you clarify this for me. Thank you. Marie
ReplyDeleteI intend to try this one :-) I just want you to know how much you're appreciated - altho it seems everyone is telling you that :-) One thing I SOOOO appreciate is that you don't use pdf except by choice - I miss out on a lot of patterns
ReplyDeletebecause I have no working printer so can't use pdf. They won't copy/paste :-( I soo love your site, and sooo love your pup (excuse me, "assistant"). It DID annoy me that I had to create a Google email to be able to comment here.
I am curious about the same issue as Marie who posted on 11/18/2015. The pattern in the blog and the PDF (as well as the one on Ravelry) cite a cast on of 56 stitches. That just doesn't seem possible unless I am missing something (but perhaps I'm just losing what's left of my mind?). I noticed a earlier commenter mentioned to you that she was worried that "86" stitches might not be big enough for a man and when you replied to her, you didn't correct her and suggest she use "56" as the pattern states. I looked at some of your other patterns and notice you often use a cast on of "86." I'm guessing that is the correct cast on - but if you have the time and could clarify this, I would greatly appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI already responded to your Twitter question also. 56 is the correct number of stitches. Most of my patterns are 48 stitches with size 13 needles. This is size 11 needles. 86 stitches would be ridiculously huge using 5 weight yarn and 86 stitches. Of course, feel free to do whatever you want with it. The pattern is written the way it was designed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this fun pattern. I'm an older woman but a fairly new knitter. When I first spotted this pattern I thought it might be more than I could tackle but I dove in and to my delight I found it to be very very easy. It's just beautiful when completed. I knit 3 or 4 hats for charity each week and this pattern adds variety to my knitting. Thanks again. I'll try some of your other patterns as well.
ReplyDeleteRobin, thank you so much for sharing your clever, easy patterns. I have made a few of your Braided Hope hats - so cute and hip. I'm working on the Crossed Comfort Hat now for my Mother-in-Law, who is undergoing chemo treatment. I chose this pattern because because I thought the hat looked dense - meaning no holes to see through to her head. I'm think I am doing it correctly and there seem to be some lacy open areas between the crosses. Is this how it should appear? It looks pretty, but it's not providing as much coverage as I think she would like. If this is how it should look, then I'm wondering if another pattern might be better for my MIL and wondering if you can suggest one that uses this weight yarn? Thanks so much. Hi to Schnapps! Aimee
ReplyDeleteYes, there are lacy areas and openings in the hat. Most of my patterns have directions for all different yarn weights.........Since I don't know your MIL and her style preferences, I'd suggest you go to my Ravelry page and see all the patterns. If you have any problems, feel free to email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org The Ravelry page is here: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/robin-celli/
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDoh - sorry! wrote the same message twice cause I thought the first one never posted!
ReplyDeleteI will check out your Ravelry page now. Thank you! Aimee
I just love your site! My knitting skills are not that great but your patterns with the easy to understand explanations on how to do certain stitches are wonderful. Thank you for sharing these and for all u do! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteHi Robin! I SO love your patterns - and I SO love it when I click on a link and your pretty pup shows up, cuz I know it'll be a pattern I can understand and do :-)
ReplyDeleteI donated some things to my local hosp when my son was born, (36 years ago <3 ) and discovered later that the woman I gave the things to kept them :-( Sooo now I'm a bit leery of donating. I've also heard that the things given go to their "favorite" patients. How can I get around this kind of "stuff" (being polite here). I badly want to make baby blankets for those who have no access to pretties, and don't want them to go to people who CAN otherwise have them, just because the nurse likes them. Help! Jeannie C
Hi Jeannie,
ReplyDeleteNot really much you can do........I think most centers do get the items to those that need them, but there are always some who don't. Just as there are people who donate things just because they want recognition instead of just wanting to help others. We can't be responsible for the actions of others......all we can do is try to help those who need it.
I love this hat and Schnapps looka really adorable!
ReplyDeleteI'm in England where circular needles are not that popular.
Could this be done on straight needles and seamed? I've done this before with otherbut a bit unsure if I could get the pattern on this one to come out the same. How would I do the slip one purlwise row please?
Many thanks for any help, love Morag x
It should be fine if you work Row 1 as written and then purl all for Row 2 instead of knit all...........I haven't tried it on straight needles, but I am pretty sure it would work fine.
DeleteHi Robin, thank you, it sounds obvious now you've told me!
DeleteWeird but your message has only just turned up, I see you actually replied very quickly.
Anyway, many thanks! The hat is actually for me but I knit teddies which are raffled or auctioned for charity which is my big 'thing'.
Well done on your work for charity and thanks for this pattern and your help XX
I'm really happy I found your blog 2 days ago. I just finished the cross stitch cap and it's nice. I plan to make more to donate to a cancer center. Thanks again!!
ReplyDeleteIs there a gauge for this pattern? I'm using 3 yarn instead of a 5 yarn size and need to adapt for that. Does anyone have any helpful hints?
ReplyDeleteThese hand-knitted hats are special, but weaving hats is a complicated job, and I think maybe I can't master this technique forever.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these patterns. I'm making caps and hats for chemo patients. Never done the purlwise st but will give it a try.
ReplyDeleteThank you for lovely pattern. I'm knitting for a charity shoebox project. Thus far we have knitted 750 caps. Always on look out for new & easy patterns. Am from Cape Town South Africa.
ReplyDeleteMy husband just got diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and have started chemo. I have started making him hats for when he looses his hair and look forward to trying this pattern. Thank you for your website.
ReplyDelete