4Real Forums: Knitting Chemo Hats

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Topic: Knitting Chemo Hats

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Betsy
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Posted: Aug 21 2013 at 4:21pm \| IP Logged

I have recently been thrown into knitting chemo hats for my mother, but I am no stranger to chemo and cancer. Until I began this journey, though, I really had no idea what kind of thought or details needed to be consider when knitting a hat for a chemo patient. I have compiled a list of some of the information that I have found helpful. I am positive that this is not an exhaustive list, but I hope that it helps get you pointed in the right direction.

What to consider when knitting a chemo hat? There are several key points to consider when knitting a chemo hat the first and for most is FUNCTION! I will briefly explore these points and give you references to where you can find more information

FUNCTION
     ::There are several point under Function to explore. I like to think of chemo hats as tools. They are very, very necessary for a person when dealing with chemo and with all tools a good one is regarded with the highest respect and a bad one is cursed ever time it is used. The points to consider for Function are: WASHABILITY, SOFTNESS, DESIGN and FIT

     ::WASHABILITY
             . Chemo hats need to be washable. The chemo drugs give off a smell and the odors will be picked up by the hat. Hat also can fall off and land on the floor-- which will need to be washed when your immune systems is lowered. A bald head can also sweat, which will need to be absorbed by the hat and want to be washed.

     ::SOFTNESS
             .When a person is going through chemo their head can become very sensitive. Each hat will need to be extra soft. There is mix reports on using wool. Some groups say absolutely no wool or animal fibers and some people say that a very soft washable wool or alpaca is wonderful. I would say that this is personal preference to the wearer! The overwhelming choice for chemo hats are soft cotton yarn or cotton blend. 100% acrylic should be avoided because they don’t absorb water well and don’t breath. Softness can also be effected by the texture of the pattern. Keep all texture on the outside of the pattern and try not to have any knots on the inside. When finishing off the hat and weaving in the ends you can unravel the plys and weave them in separately to reduce bumps.

LIST OF RECOMMENDED YARNS TO USE

     ::DESIGN
             . This is really important. While a hat is a tool and needs to be functional it also needs to uplift the dignity of the wearer. While a hat knit in bright neon colors or whimsical pattern can be right for some people, many people just want to look beautiful and NOT draw any attention to their selves. When choosing a yarn color its important to think about what the person would normally wear: black, brown and navy blue are perfect choices.

             . While I think that the most beautiful pattern you can knit is always appropriate there needs to be a consideration for holes in patterns (YO’s). Because hats are often worn for warmth and protection of the scalp, a hat with large holes is not usually well received. If there is a pattern that you want to use with yo’s you can knit the in the back on the next row to close up the hole some.
             .Basic, work horse type hats are really important, too. These are often used to sleep in (yes, most people sleep in a hat to keep their head warm) or when they are at home.
             .Hats are needed year around and in different climates. Summer hats in light fingering or dk weight yarn are great for hot weather. And thicker yarns are better for winter.

     ::FIT
             . A head without hair is smaller than a head with hair. Please keep this in mind when choosing a size. There are guidelines on the web for sizes.

RESOURCES

::HALOS OF HOPE
     .Great place for information and to donate hats to.
::RAVELRY GROUP, CHEMO CAP PATTERN LIBRARY
     .Rav group that has a plethora of information and people to ask questions is needed

::Good Patterns to start with is you don’t want to do much research:
. MARY ANN HAT
.PEGGY'S SLEEP HAT
.PI TOPPER CHEMO HAT

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When handcrafting my work, I always pray that it will raise your heart to all that is true, modest, just, holy, lovely and good fame!

pumpkinmom
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Posted: Aug 21 2013 at 6:48pm \| IP Logged

The place where my mom did her chemo always had a basket of hats. She collected a few during her year of treatments. Thank you for helping and promoting this cause.

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JennGM
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Posted: Aug 21 2013 at 9:44pm \| IP Logged

Fabulous, Betsy. We're waiting to hear the news on my cousin. I may be knitting a few in my near future for her.

I was thinking about your points of washable and soft, and bamboo has anti-microbial properties, so a combo of bamboo and cotton might be perfect.

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Jennifer G. Miller
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Betsy
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Joined: July 02 2006
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Posted: Aug 22 2013 at 7:04am \| IP Logged

JennGM wrote:

I was thinking about your points of washable and soft, and bamboo has anti-microbial properties, so a combo of bamboo and cotton might be perfect.

Most of the info that I have read agrees that cotton/bamboo is a perfect blend for chemo hats.

The only negative I have heard is that the yarn can be a bit slippery, so a good fit and design is important.

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ImmaculataDesigns.com
When handcrafting my work, I always pray that it will raise your heart to all that is true, modest, just, holy, lovely and good fame!

Betsy
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Posted: Aug 26 2013 at 2:29pm \| IP Logged

Monday Bump!

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When handcrafting my work, I always pray that it will raise your heart to all that is true, modest, just, holy, lovely and good fame!

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