Gift Knitting
Yarns For Chemo Patients
7 Things to Keep in Mind Knitting for Chemo/Cancer
I’ve noticed daily postings asking what yarn(s) to use for a chemo hat. They usually say something like:
“My friend, brother, or loved one has cancer. What yarn should I use for making them a hat now that they are doing chemo?”
Have you seen these posts in various knitting groups too? Sometimes I’m happy to join in with an answer. However, just the thought of doing chemo can cause me to cringe and I just scroll away without replying. Other times I can’t stand the arguments that can happen when such an innocent question is asked, so again I scroll away.
It’s only been 1 year, 5 months, and 20 days post chemo for me. I still remember the wonderful feeling that came over me when I got an unexpected box in the mail. A wonderful friend knit me several hats to help me get through cancer and chemotherapy. Each time I see one of her handmade hats, it’s like getting a big warm hug.
Since this yarn question comes up frequently (because cancer sucks and goes after so many people we love) I wanted to share with all of you how I recently replied. I hope you find it helpful as you knit hats, scarves, shawls, or anything, for those you love who will be doing chemotherapy.
Please keep in mind this advice is based on my experience.
More Important Than Yarn
Before I tell you what I wrote, please know that above all else, we (cancer/chemo folks) LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you want to knit and create for us. It lifts us up when you want to comfort us with your knitting. It help us feel safe and yes loved. It still brings me to tears when I think of all the beautiful chemo hats an amazing friend knit for me.
What I’m saying is, even if you use the wrong yarn, make loads of mistakes, and even if you think the hat (or whatever) is hideous, we don’t care. Really, we don’t care. You made it. We love you for it. It need not be perfect for our balding and naked heads!
My Advice on Yarns
Okay, here is my reply to the poster from sunny and humid Florida about what yarn to use for a chemo hat.
“Merino wool and silk in the fingering weight, tight twist, is a good choice. When I went through chemo it was hat on, hat off, hat on, hat off all day. So a hat that’s easy to wear, like a fisherman’s rib hat, both during the day and while sleeping.
Merino or Merino/silk blends wick away sweat and will keep him more comfortable in Florida heat without feeling soggy on the head. Cotton absorbs moisture and does not wick it away.
One can get cold doing chemo, especially if there’s AC.
Be sure to make the hat a little smaller (because no hair) and block it to get out any chemicals, make it softer, and to get true size. You’re making him a hat, that’s such a beautiful act of love 😘. I wish him all the best.”
7 Things to Keep in Mind Knitting for Chemo/Cancer
To help you out I’ve turned my reply into a quick list.
- Fingering weight yarn – lighter to wear
- Yarn with a tight twist – harder wearing and less likely to pill
- Knit something comfortable that can be worn day or night while sitting up or laying down
- Knit something that is easy to wear – easy to put on and take off
- If you can, use* merino wool and silk blends, or just merino – for wicking away moisture (sweat) and has antibacterial properties that can keep the knit from getting smelly – less laundry! (*see final paragraph)
- Make hats a few stiches smaller to fit balding and naked heads
- Block or at least wash knits gifted to chemo patients- all of the chemicals are washed away and the knits are softer, look their best, and they will be true size (no growing due to wearing)
THE One Thing to Know When Knitting for Chemo
I said it earlier, but I want to be sure this point sticks. Wool, silk, cotton, acrylic, hemp, merino, it does not matter what yarn you use (unless there’s an allergy). We chemo patients do not care what the yarn is, what pattern it is, or who the designer is. Please don’t let these things bother you so much.
You should know that we already love that you are making something for us from your heart. Your knitted gift transforms into a touch point of love every time we put it on or look at it. Whatever you make will help us emotionally during a difficult and traumatic time in our lives. Thank you 💖 for showing us such kindness and love with your knitting.
What’s your go to knit for chemotherapy or for someone who is ill?
6 COMMENTS
Thanks for this. It’s come at an opportune time. Just to be clear – there isn’t any particular sensitivity on the skin that makes some fibres less comfortable?
Hi Kristi, I’m so glad it’s helpful to you and so sorry to hear that it’s needed. Everyone is different and some people are naturally more sensitive or have more allergies than others. For myself, I had no issues wearing the 100% wool felted bucket hat (see pics above). I was truly surprised that it was so comfortable because it was scratchy before felting. These days the yarns are so much nicer to wear and softer that it’s easier to find a great yarn for a chemo hat or shawl. If the yarn after washing is comfortable on your hand and face, then it should be just as comfortable for a chemo patient too. Honestly, the most important part is that you are showing your love and support through a knitted gift. That means so much more than the actual gift itself. It truly is uplifting, something that we need lots of to make it through cancer and chemo. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Thanks very much for your help, Brenda. I wish you continued good health and a need for hats only when it’s cold out! (Or fashionable.)
You are very welcome 🙂
I read somewhere that bamboo is not a good choice for chemo hats. It’s very soft though. Do you have any information on that?
I just did a quick search on the internet and didn’t come across info stating that about bamboo. It can shrink more than cotton, so just be careful of that. So go ahead and use it or to ease your mind, consider using a wool/bamboo blend.
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