Cancer Strong Hat – Free Crochet Hat Pattern

It’s time for another Crochet Cancer Challenge! This is the 10th installment of the challenge and I’m so honored to play a small part in it again this year. When designing this crochet hat pattern, I wanted you to be able to make it quickly, as I know you have many other hats you are pledging to make. It works up fast, in just a few hours, even for the adult sizes.

Last year, the St. Peregrine hat was a tribute to my Aunt who is fighting lung cancer, and this year I wanted to pay tribute to all the women I know who have fought breast cancer. The Cancer Strong Hat pattern includes 6 different sizes so that you can make one for all the cancer warriors in your life.

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This pattern was previously featured as part of the 2022 Crochet Cancer Challenge by Sweet Potato 3

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Introducing the Cancer Strong Crochet Hat Pattern

When trying to decide which cancer to raise awareness for, this year I felt called to support the many brave women in my life who have been affected by breast cancer. Fortunately, my aunts, friend, and husband’s Grandma all survived their bouts with cancer, but I know many families are not so lucky. I know breast cancer hits close to home for pretty much everyone, so I hope this hat brings comfort and hope to your cancer warriors.

Using super bulky weight yarn like Lion Brand Hometown, Thick and Quick, or your favorite yarn, this hat starts by making a super cozy ribbed brim and then working the rest in the round. The extended single crochet stitch creates a beautiful look while still maintaining a tight stitch that will keep heads toasty warm.

You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern on Etsy, Ravelry, and LoveCrafts.

About the Stitches

Before you can get started with this crochet hat, here are some details you need to know.

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Materials:

• Weight 6 Super Bulky Yarn, such as Lion Brand Hometown, Lion Brand Thick and Quick
  • Infant – 14-16″ (35.6-40.5 cm) head circumference – 64 yards
  • Toddler – 16-18″ (40.5-45.7 cm) head circumference – 72 yards
  • Child – 18-20″ (45.7-50.8 cm) head circumference – 78 yards
  • Teen – 20-22″ (50.8-55.9 cm) head circumference – 85 yards
  • Adult Small – 21-23″ (53.3-58.4 cm) head circumference – 91 yards
  • Adult Large – 22-24″ (55.9-61.0 cm) head circumference – 98 yards
• K-10.5 (6.5mm) Hook
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Gauge: esc 9 st x 7 rows = 4” square

Finished Dimensions:

• Infant – 6 x 6″ (15.2 x 15.2 cm)
• Toddler – 8 x 7″ (20.3 x 17.8 cm)
• Child – 8.5 x 7” (21.6 x 17.8 cm)
• Teen – 10 x 8” (25.4 x 20.3 cm)
• Adult Small – 10.5 x 8” (26.7 x 20.3 cm)
• Adult Large – 11 x 8” (27.9 x 20.3 cm)

Stitch Abbreviations:

• sl st – slip stitch
• ch – chain
• esc – extended single crochet
• esc2tog – extended single crochet two stitches together
• BLO – back loop only
• st – stitch
• rep – repeat
• * * – repeat instructions between asterisks as directed

Pattern Notes:

• US Terms (US to UK terminology conversion)
• Ch 1 doesn’t count as a stitch
• Count the number of stitches in round 1, and use this as your stitch count for each round until you reach the decreasing rounds
• If the stitch count for the first round is an odd number of stitches, your last stitch in the decreasing rounds will be one esc instead of esc2tog
• Use the measurement below for the length of the brim
  • Infant – 13″ (33.0 cm)
  • Toddler – 15″ (38.1 cm)
  • Child – 17″ (43.2 cm)
  • Teen – 19″ (48.3 cm)
  • Adult Small – 20″ (53.3 cm)
  • Adult Large – 21″ (58.4 cm)

How to Make This Quick and Easy Crochet Hat for Cancer Patients

Infant Size

Make the Brim

Ch 4

Row 1: Sl st into 2nd ch from hook, sl stitch to end, ch 1, turn. (3)

Row 2: BLO sl st to end, ch 1, turn (3)

Repeat row 2 until you reach the desired length.

Ch 1, Turn. Bring same sides together, sl st through both layers. Do not fasten off.

Make the Body

Round 1: ch 1, esc in the edge of the ribbing all the way around. Sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 2: ch 1, BLO esc in each stitch, sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 3-5: repeat row 2

Round 6: ch 1, * BLO esc, BLO esc2tog, * rep from * to * to the end of the round, sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 7: ch 1, BLO esc2tog in each stitch, sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 8: rep row 7

Fasten off, leaving a long tail approximately 8-12” (20.3-30.5cm). Weave through every other st and pull tight. Continue to weave in ends.

Add pom (optional).

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Toddler and Child Size

Make the Brim

Ch 5

Row 1: Sl st into 2nd ch from hook, sl stitch to end, ch 1, turn. (4)

Row 2: BLO sl st to end, ch 1, turn (4)

Repeat row 2 until you reach the desired length.

Ch 1, Turn. Bring same sides together, sl st through both layers. Do not fasten off.

Make the Body

Round 1: ch 1, esc in the edge of the ribbing all the way around. Sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 2: ch 1, BLO esc in each stitch, sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 3-6: repeat row 2

Round 7: ch 1, * BLO esc, BLO esc2tog, * rep from * to * to the end of the round, sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 8: ch 1, BLO esc2tog in each stitch, sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 9: rep row 8

Fasten off, leaving a long tail approximately 8-12” (20.3-30.5cm). Weave through every other st and pull tight. Continue to weave in ends.

Add pom (optional).

Teen and Adult Sizes

Make the Brim

Ch 6

Row 1: Sl st into 2nd ch from hook, sl stitch to end, ch 1, turn. (5)

Row 2: BLO sl st to end, ch 1, turn (5)

Repeat row 2 until you reach the desired length.

Ch 1, Turn. Bring same sides together, sl st through both layers. Do not fasten off.

Make the Body

Round 1: ch 1, esc in the edge of the ribbing all the way around. Sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 2: ch 1, BLO esc in each stitch, sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 3-7: repeat row 2

Round 8: ch 1, * BLO esc, BLO esc2tog, * rep from * to * to the end of the round, sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 9: ch 1, BLO esc2tog in each stitch, sl st into the top of the first esc.

Round 10: rep row 9

Round 11 (Adult Large only): rep row 9

Fasten off, leaving a long tail approximately 8-12” (20.3-30.5cm). Weave through every other st and pull tight. Continue to weave in ends.

Add pom (optional).

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Purchase the Cancer Strong Hat Pattern

You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern on Etsy, Ravelry, and LoveCrafts.

More Crochet Hat Patterns Perfect for Donating

• St. Peregrine Hat
• Loops Hat
• Chunky Cozy Hat

I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making the Cancer Strong Hat, I’d love to see yours on Instagram. To be sure I don’t miss it, please tag me @remingtonlanecrochet when you share your photos!