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Cashmere Chemo Hat
Knitting
We all
hope that
we
will never be in a situation where we need to look for a chemo hat
knitting pattern - it is a sad day when we find out someone we know has
cancer and will need chemotherapy. Unfortunately modern medicine hasn't yet found a
simpler solution, and until then, patients undergoing chemo are going
to lose their hair. A kind gift for a friend or family member
undergoing this treatment is an attractive and comfortable knitted
chemo hat.
The first
consideration is
<i>comfort</i> - a cancer patient has so
many other discomforts to deal with that your chemo hat should never
add to them.
This
means, first and
foremost, choosing the correct yarn. Cashmere chemo hat knitting
patterns create some of the softest hats around! Worsted weight is the
most popular weight for chemo hat knitting patterns, although DK/sport
weight works as well. Avoid wool or scratchy acrylic yarns - other
favorite soft yarns include angora, chinchilla, and alpaca.
Also, be careful when dealing with stretchy yarns - a hat which has to
be stretched over the head, rather than simply placed on, can be
irritating to already sensitive skin.
Next,
choose
your stitches carefully - avoid anything that creates a lot of
bumpiness on the reverse side, especially fancy color work like fair
isle knitting which requires a lot of ends to be woven in. Again, watch
for stitches or knitting patterns which rely on stretch to fit
properly, and patterns which require hems to be folded toward the
inside (creating a ridge inside the hat when seamed).
Finally,
find something that suits your loved one! A man may prefer a simple
cashmere chemo hat in a solid dark color, with little or no decoration,
or with "classic" patterns like the cables on a fisherman's sweater.
A
woman might like a simple smooth chemo hat knitting pattern as well,
but there are many decorative touches that can be added for effect.
Fancy stitches, bright colors and add-ons to the outside, such as beads
or knitted flowers, can make for a very cheery chemo hat. There are
even "kitty ears" caps and other whimsical designs available.
Whatever
the design, knit your hat pattern with care and love, and the recipient
will be reminded of your sympathy and encouragement every time they put
on the hat you have made for them.
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