Directions for an adult-size cap.
This is a description of how I knit these caps, which I donate to a local cancer center. I don't follow an exact pattern, but I've tried to describe my approach so that you can follow it. These caps will be cool in summer and warm in winter, primarily for casual indoor wear by the chemo patient. They are designed to cover at least part of the ears and give a flattering fullness around the face. Please send me a message if you have any questions and I'll try to explain. Happy knitting! Materials: At least one and a half typical size balls/skeins or several assorted partial balls/skeins of knitting/crochet cotton yarn (worsted weight), size 7 US knitting needles - 22" (or smaller) circular and a set of double-pointed, plus a stitch marker. Crochet hook (optional) to add finished edge such as shell stitch and make a tie string. Using circular needles, cast on anywhere from 100 to 160 stitches, depending on desired fullness of lower edge. Place a stitch marker in front of next-to-last cast-on stitch. Make sure stitches are not twisted, and join the first stitch to the last by knitting together purl-wise; continue first row with purl stitches. Row 2: knit around. Row 3: purl around. Row 4: knit around. Note: these first four rows make a nicely finished garter-stitch edge. For the following rows, continue to knit around (to make a soft surface against the scalp). Avoid fancy pattern stitches that might create lumps. Create color fun with things like horizontal stripes, variegated yarns, and mosaic/slip-stitch patterns. After knitting 0 to 8 more rows, decrease evenly around to 80 stitches. Leave more stitches for fuller caps, which will require more yarn. When length reaches approximately 2 inches, knit a row of “eyelets’ for the pull string: \*Knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 4.\* Repeat for an even number of eyelets. In the next row, knit the yarn over as a stitch. Continue knitting around until length reaches 5 to 6 inches (less for child, more for a larger adult or longer cap.) Distribute stitches evenly on double-pointed needles and begin decreasing as follows: Row 1: \* Knit 2 together, knit 7.\* Then knit last 1-7 stitches. Row 2: Knit. Row 5: \* Knit 2 together, knit 5.\* Then knit last 1-5 stitches. Row 6: Knit. Row 7: \* Knit 2 together, knit 4.\* Then knit last 1-4 stitches. Row 8: Knit. Row 9: \* Knit 2 together, knit 3.\* Then knit last 1-3 stitches. Row 10: Knit. Row 11: \* Knit 2 together, knit 2.\* Then knit last 1-2 stitches. Row 12: Knit. Row 13: \* Knit 2 together, knit 1.\* Then knit last stitch if necessary. Row 14 and remaining rows: Knit 2 together until approximately 8-10 stitches remain. Leave about an 8-inch tail and cut yarn. Thread through large-eyed needle and pick up every stitch from the needles to the yarn. Pull together to close the top, insert needle in middle of stitch circle to the inside, pull yarn tight, and fasten securely with a tiny knot or two. Weave in an inch and cut off remaining yarn. Make a tie string approximately 36 inches long, using one or two strands of yarn in a crocheted chain, three-strand braid, i-cord, etc. and thread through eyelets. Tie knots at each end and tie in abow. Caps can be washed by hand or machine; can tumble-dry on low setting or lie flat to dry. I buy inexpensive colored paper handle-tie bags, decorate with stick-on flowers, butterflies, a bow of curling ribbons, etc., and wrap cap in tissue paper that sticks out of the bag. I put colored sticky notes on the outside with washing instructions and "1o0% cotton" or “cotton blend."" These go on the “give-away”' table at the cancer center and it's easy for patients to take a peek and try them on. I hope that my caps bring a smile to their faces and encouragement that someone is thinking of them during this tough time in their lives.
