Free Chemo Headwear Pattern and Tutorial-Special Request

chemo headwear patternHere’s a chemo headwear pattern and tutorial so you can make that essential accessory to help her feel more beautiful during recovery.

Today is Mother's Day in most parts of the world, so Happy Mothers Day!  To all of you that have experienced the privilege of raising children and the immense love and fear of being responsible for a little one, I salute you and my wish for you is that you are remembered today.

chemo headware pattern

Today is also the beginning of a few styles I will be dedicating to the woman that I admire the most.  I should start with my mother and grandmother, but this is not in a particular order.  These are the woman that for some reason or another have touched my heart because their resilience, strength, dedication, sacrifice, and love for the people around them and themselves have let them take the “road less traveled”, the one thing they have in common: they are strong.

I begin with the story of my Aunt Rossi.  My Aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 61.  She thought she would never have to worry about checking her breast anymore, but one morning she rolled on her bed and felt a sharp pain on her side.  She touched the source of the pain and discovered a lump.  Worried booked an appointment and was found to have stage 3 breast cancer.

chemo headware

Recently at her hospital, she rang the bell for those that have finished the treatment and are free from cancer cells.  The amazing part about my Aunt is that no one can say she was upset, depressed or that she complained about the treatment or her bad luck –not even once.  She got out of bed and went about her day as usual working when the treatment allowed her and never giving up.

When I asked her what kept her going, she said it was her children.  “I can't give up.  I want to see them married with children of their own”.   Below is a picture of my aunt ringing the bell and with her children. chemo headwear pattern

Her hair is not out yet, so she is wearing a wig, but wigs are quite warm.  So here is a headscarf to make the wait for her hair to re-grow less difficult.  This headscarf pattern is also been requested by a few other readers that are going through chemo.  We've also seen a lot of readers make these as part of their sewing for charity initiatives.  We hope this free pattern and tutorial will help.

Materials:

Tools:

  • sewing machine
  • scissors
  • size 70 needle
  • serger or overlocker (optional)
  • loop turner

Pattern download:

We're going to continue to use the new Payhip webstore to distribute our patterns. As most readers know, Craftsy is changing a lot and they have stopped designers like us from publishing new patterns on their site, so we've had to move to another service.

Our patterns are still free, but now you now have the option of making a small contribution if you like our work! We'd really appreciate it and it will help is keep going with new and fun designs like this. Even a dollar or two really goes a long way.

Thanks so much in advance for helping us out.  You can use any credit card and you don't need a Paypal account, although you can use one if you have one.

Download the Pattern HERE

Layout of the easy headscarf pattern:

chemo headwear pattern

How to print your chemo headwear pattern

Print the pattern in Actual Size and Landscape format using the latest Adobe Reader version.

Skill Level:  Intermediate

Although this is a simple chemo headwear pattern, a thorough understanding of pleats is essential and necessary.  IF you have never worked with pleats, and do not know how to follow instructions this is not the project for you. Read all the instructions and watch the video before attempting this project.

Video tutorial:

Subscribe to the YouTube channel:
 

Cutting the fabric

If you are using silk, the best way is to lay a piece of cotton fabric on your work table then lay out the silk and place the pattern on the silk fabric.  The cotton underneath will prevent the silk fabric from moving around too much.  You can also spray a thin coat of hairspray over the silk, but test this first!   The hairspray will make it easier to hem.  Pin the pattern and cut while marking the pleats with tailor's chalk.  If using cotton or rayon you can mark using a notch.

Step One: Making the pleats

Following the pattern make the pleats from the top to the bottom.  The pleats are very close to each other.  Topstitch on the sides at 1/4″ to keep the pleats from coming apart.

chemo headwear pattern Zigzag or use your serger on both left and right sides of the chemo headwear.

If you are using silk or voile hemming might be a bit more difficult.  Here is a tutorial that will show you a few ways to hem delicates fabrics.

How to Hem Sheer or Lightweight Fabrics

Step Two:  Making the elastic band

Cut the rectangle and sew on the longest side at 3/8″.  I am using a different fabric because it will be easier for you to see but I think it is better to use the same fabric. chemo headwear patternTurn the rectangle inside out using your loop turner. Iron.

Insert the elastic and sew at 1/4″.  Pin the elastic on the other side and sew at 1/4″.  chemo headwear patternYou should now have an elastic band.chemo headwear pattern

Step Three: Attaching the band and thin elastic

Pin this elastic band  2 1/4″ from the 1″ hem side.  chemo headwear pattern Fold over the band until the edge is at the end of the pleats.  chemo headwear patternSew at the 1/2″.chemo headwear patternPull the band across to the other side and line it up in the same spot. chemo headwear pattern

Fold over the band and sew at 1/2″.chemo headwear pattern

Step Four: Sewing the top and bottom edge

Make a small zigzag on the hem fold and iron. chemo headwear pattern

Fold the hem 1″.chemo headwear pattern

Sew at 1/8″.  Iron.

Repeat the zigzag on the lower edge, fold 1/8″ and fold again then sew. chemo headwear pattern

If you are using silk or voile hemming might be a bit more difficult.  Here is a tutorial that will show you a few ways to hem delicates fabrics.

Pin the elastic under the last pleat on both sides about 1/4″ from the stitching line. chemo headwear patternDo the same on the other side.chemo headwear patternPin and pull the elastic in a few places.chemo headwear pattern Sew the elastic using a medium zigzag.  Match the top thread to the elastic, in my case it is white. chemo headwear patternZigzag or use the serger on the sides.  Turn and sew the sides at 1/4″. chemo headwear patternchemo headwear pattern

And you're done!  This is a very easy and functional chemo headwear pattern.  Used with a different type of fabric will become a great accent for any wardrobe and will ease the wait for the hair to come out after chemo and most importantly make her feel more beautiful during recovery.

Hope you make a few for a special someone or make many for charity and donate to hospitals and churches. Do send me a copy of your take on this Chemo headwear pattern I would love to see what fabrics you have chosen.  Until next time, happy sewing!

P.S. IF you pattern pdf sais to cut a 2X22″ strip of fabric that was a typo and what you can do with that is:

A Quick And Easy Headband Project in 15 minutes.

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joey
joey

Can a brim be attached to this head piece? If not, do you have a free pattern that I can use.

Jan Komancheck
Jan Komancheck

I also need to make one for my seven year old grandaughter. Did you ever resize this for a younger child? see Marjet SeyferthJUNE 24, 2019 AT 4:44 AM
almost like the statement around the head measures 48 cm or 18.9 inches. Over the head measures 40 cm or 15,75 inches.

Would really appreciate
those measurements. Startingr her third round of chemo soon and has lost most all her hair, but Grandma is going to try to make some fashionable headwear for her. Jan

Cathy Hosler
Cathy Hosler

Oh, and one other thing – I added buttons to the side, so I can hook my mask to the hat instead of over my ears.

Cathy Hosler
Cathy Hosler

I love this pattern. Thank you so much for making it available. I am starting chemo next week and I need something bright and cheerful for my head. I made a few minor alterations. I had a dickens of a time with the paper pattern, so I just use my heat erasable pen, and draw the lines from the pattern on to the fat quarter. Also, Instead of sewing the elastic right on the fabric, I use 1/2 single fold bias tape to make a casing. I am allergic to latex, so this puts a slight barrier between the elastic and my skin.

Thank you again for this pattern!

Mary
Mary

thank you very much for my mum

Ada Rose Fahrenholt
Ada Rose Fahrenholt
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

I have a question regarding the elastic on top and underneath. Are they place at the spot or is one above the order. I added a little more fabric at the bottom and used a price of contrast fabric to make a long tie I love it. And thank you so much. I am going to use the other lady’s idea and attach bottoms to whole my mask on as well.

Than you everyone for sharing.

Kieley Ekanayake
Kieley Ekanayake

INstead of an elastic band can I just sew on wide ties so it can tie to fit? Thanks

Kieley Ekanayake
Kieley Ekanayake
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Thanks 🙂

Sheri Lewis
Sheri Lewis

My printer only prints the red lines, none of the black lines. Is there a pattern with the actual dimensions on it? That would help greatly. Thank you.

Jenni
Jenni

I just made the headscarf (and a matching face mask) for my sister who starts chemo on Tuesday. I struggled a little, but by watching the video and comparing with your directions in this post, I was able to make a headscarf I’m happy with and proud of. Thanks so much!

Linda D Blalock
Linda D Blalock

Thank you very much for this pattern and instructions. My neighbor will start chemo next week and i want her to feel beautiful, as she is a very beautiful and special person. The directions and video were great and easy to follow.

Joan
Joan

Has anyone made these a bit longer in the back? I see a lot of scarves made that way, but can’t find a pattern.

Kristi Reuille
Kristi Reuille
Reply to  Joan

Hi Joan – I am no expert, but it seems as though using a piece of fabric that would be longer at the neck (see the pattern above to see what I mean) would allow this to be a longer scarf… you could experiment by making a head wrap as is, then figuring out how long you would want to make the scarf portion.. then you could figure out what width and length of fabric you will need for the finished prodjuct

Martha Heuer
Martha Heuer

Great directions. thank you for posting.

Rhonda Ragan
Rhonda Ragan

LOVE IT! Fast and Easy. I think some of the beautiful women here are trying to hard. Keep it simple. Easiest Chemo Cap I have ever made~! THANK YOU

Rhonda D Cornilles
Rhonda D Cornilles

I am a member of a non profit who make things for charities. We are making chemo caps now and your pattern is wonderful. May I share it with our group? Thank you, Rhonda C. Mending Souls founding member

Sherry Bartlett
Sherry Bartlett

Thank you for this pattern! I have a friend undergoing chemo now, and want to make some for her. My problem is that I don’t know how to fit the pages of the pattern together correctly. Do the small marks in the corners of each page need to be overlapped, or should the pages just butt up against one another? Without this info, I’m not sure that the pattern will be the correct size.

Thank you so much for your help and, again, for this great pattern!!

Sherry Bartlett
Sherry Bartlett
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Thank you for your prompt response. The 2″ square is 2″on my prints, but the circles are 1/4 circles. I’ll try matching the quarter circles. Can you give me the dimensions of the pattern? I believe that information will be helpful. Thanks again for this pattern!

Lisa Goetzman
Lisa Goetzman

Hi. Thank you so much for the pattern. I plan on making some hats to donate . Would you please give the dimensions of the actual pattern pieces (The hat pattern and the Elastic band). I want to make sure my printer provided accurately. Also, Where are the guidelines for placing the elastic band. Thank you.

Rosetta Nybro
Rosetta Nybro

Thank you for sharing this. While going through chemo, I did not have any idea how to make one and could not afford the $20 stores around here charged. If approved by you I would like to share with the ladies of my daughters church, they have a sewing circle and this is something they would do to help others.

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  Rosetta Nybro

Hi Rosetta, absolutely, please share the post with the ladies at your daughter’s church. Sounds like a great opportunity to help others. Kind regards, Mayra

Diane Becker
Diane Becker

Thank you I have been crocheting hats to give this will be great too

thatgrl
thatgrl

Thank you so much for making this! My sister had cancer and lost all her hair and I bought her a bunch of things to wear and they made her feel so much better, I’d love to donate a bunch of these in her honor to the local cancer center!! Thank you again!!

Brenda Jerles
Brenda Jerles

Thank you for this pattern! It is exactly what I wanted to try and make. I am to begin chemo in a week and a half for breast cancer.

Gill
Gill
Reply to  Brenda Jerles

Our thoughts are with you throughout your treatment.
Hugs from New Zealand

Brenda
Brenda
Reply to  Gill

Thank you! I appreciate that.
Myra, thank you for the video! That helps alot. I was a bit confused as well.

Deborah D Andrews
Deborah D Andrews
Reply to  Brenda Jerles

Be sure to have mint essential oil on hand to smell while going through chemo. It really helps to push back the nausea and headaches. Also, check out Dr. Walter Luongo who has a great book out about intermittent fasting. It really has helped me and many others.

I am a breast cancer survivor.

Brenda
Brenda

I have some peppermint oil. I will add it to my chemo bag. Thanks!

Deborah D Andrews
Deborah D Andrews
Reply to  Brenda

Also, a large cup of ice water to sip during the infusion. It really does help to prevent the blisters in the mouth. I was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of breast cancer last August. Thankfully, it did not spread and I had a wonderful doctor/team. Lots of prayers and support to get me through. I am now healed and cancer free. You and everyone are in my prayers for healing.

Jodie
Jodie
Reply to  Brenda

don’t drink ice water unless it’s approved to do so. My mom wen into shock because her chemo you couldn’t touch cold things, check first! Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Strength to you~

Cloe
Cloe

You mention that there is a video to watch for this pattern. Where can I find it?

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  Cloe
Guylaine
Guylaine

I made two for a friend : one with regular cotton from my stash and one using a Levi’s bandana someone gave me long time ago. Both fit her very well and she is very happy. She doesn’t have treatment anymore and her hair just began to grow. As she’s going on vacation in Mexico, it will be appropriate on the beach and she will wear her wig at night. Thanks a lot for this pattern!

Nancy
Nancy

I am finding these instructions very confusing. Where are you suppose to place the
4 x 22 bands? And what is the correct size of the square? Thank you.

Suzi Gatward
Suzi Gatward

Is the video coming soon? I understand most of the instructions,, but start to get confused after looking at attaching the band and the thin elastic. I’m planning on making these for my mum who has just begun her treatment recently.
Can you give the measurements of all the fabric needed?

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  Suzi Gatward

Hi Suzi, here’s the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrJApCXXGAo&t=

Susan EdsLl
Susan EdsLl

Is there a video? Got a little confused on adding the elastic covered band. Making it for a dear sweet lady with breast cancer. Thank you!!

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  Susan EdsLl

Hi Susan, here’s the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrJApCXXGAo&t=

Barbara Keller
Barbara Keller

I don’t know what I did wrong, but mine looks like a nightcap. Do you have a video of you making it?

D Mayo
D Mayo

Would like to see video.

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  D Mayo
Gwyneth
Gwyneth

When I went through cancer treatment and lost my hair, I used head wraps my sister made for me. I was wearing them so others would not be nervous about my baldness. The up side was I got to let them know how awesome my sister is! My journey taught me more about what is more important in life and it is not hair or the lack of it.

Marjet
Marjet

Thank you so much for the pattern! Sadly I need to make this for a six year old. Can you give me a tip on how to adjust the size?

Marjet Seyferth
Marjet Seyferth
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Hi Mayra, thank you so much for your reply. It took a while, but here are the head measurements. Al around the head measures 48 cm or 18.9 inches. Over the head measures 40 cm or 15,75 inches.
The girl is starting chemo this week, so she might need them in a week or two. Do you think you could find a moment this week to look at it? I know it’s short term, but the partents were waiting for the right time to tell her she’s going to lose her hair, so I only got the measerments just now.
Hope to hear from you!

Sally
Sally

I’ve looked out for a long time for a pattern somthank you for sharing!

Brenda Jerles
Brenda Jerles
Reply to  Sally

I have too! I can find a lot of knit or crochet patterns but it is way too hot in TN right now for those. I am so greatful for this pattern.
Do you think it could be made out of jersey fabric as well?
Thanks again!

il
il

Thank you! Happy Mother’s Day and healing thoughts for loved ones in recovery.

Belinda
Belinda

When you featured this pattern two years ago, I made two of them for my niece with pancreatic cancer. She said they were comfy and breezy during the hot summers. She beat the averages and hung in there for 20 months after diagnosis. Her daughter-in-law put together a video of photos of our sweet niece and I was honored to see so many photos of her wearing the head wraps that I had made. Without your pattern, I wouldn’t have had a clue where to start. Thank you for facilitating the heartfelt wishes that many of us have to help someone.

Ivlia Vespasia
Ivlia Vespasia

Was looking forward to adding these to the coverings I make for cancer patients. Great idea for a pattern.

Birgit A.
Birgit A.

Thank you for this pattern! I just began chemotherapy because of breast cancer. I hope I could try your pattern next weak for my “no wig”-days.

Adele
Adele

Thanks so much. So far I’ve been sewing basic cotton knit hats for the leukemia ward where my mother was treated but this could be a nice addition as well. Almost three years with leukemia and it keeps on coming back so she needs a lot of these… thank you! BTW I’m from Czech and love your site 🙂

sglld22
sglld22

Looking forward to making some for our local cancer clinic. I can’t find the link to the tutorial. Please help.

Maggie Drafts
Maggie Drafts

Thank you for reminding me to get busy making these head coverings! I am a retired oncology certified R.N. with breast cancer myself! Since I also do machine embroidery, I have a few “uh oh” tshirts that I am going to use for these in the beginning! Iwant to embroider a little pink ribbon on the outside of the band. Hopefully I can get these made before my next check up with my oncologist!

Diane
Diane
Reply to  Maggie Drafts

Love your idea to use those t shirts. Do you find using a knit, the starting piece of fabric can be a bit smaller, since there is some stretch there? Best wishes to you, Maggie, and prayers for the best outcome!

Julie
Julie

Is there a video? Thank you!

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  Julie

Hi Julie, here’s the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrJApCXXGAo&t=

Sue Whaples
Sue Whaples

I love this. I wish I had it when my daughter was going through chemo. That was 10 years ago and she is now cancer free.

Yvonne Jinks
Yvonne Jinks

Thank you for this pattern. If each of us could make one and donate it to the Cancer Society for distribution, we could make a huge impact on so many lives. Thank you again.

Nancy Wenstrand
Nancy Wenstrand

Don’t see my original comment but when I changed the printer to landscape, it came out much closer to the 2 inch square. There is no way this would fit on a fat quarter. Main piece measures 19 3/4 by 17 1/4 inches.

Donna Nemeth
Donna Nemeth

That should still fit bc a fat quarter is 22″ x 18″.