Most crochet hats can be made for any purpose, but when I make a chemo hat pattern there is a deeper meaning to it. I think about all the people who are fighting so hard. So, while anyone can wear the Cross My Heart hat, the heart behind this crochet pattern was with chemo patients and their families.
As some of you may know, I have had the privilege of participating in the Crochet Cancer Challenge for as many years as Christine has been organizing it, and each year I aim to create something meaningful. For those first few years I did it to support all those who were facing tough battles. But for the past 5 or 6 years, my designs have been personal. This year, I chose skin cancer because it’s the battle that one of the most important people in my life is facing right now.
If you haven’t heard of the Crochet Cancer Challenge here is a quick rundown. You receive a free pattern (the offer is for a limited time). In exchange for that pattern, you pledge to make at least 1 of that hat and donate it to cancer patients, or a treatment center. The challenge runs through the month of October, which is cancer awareness month.
WHY I CHOSE SKIN CANCER
My boyfriend has had multiple skin samples test positive and currently gets regular scans. He’s proactive (which helps) but it’s still scary. I created the Cross My Heart hat to support him and all those who have been diagnosed with skin cancer.
I wanted just a little bit of texture without making it too hard, so I used the x-stitch….hence the name.
X-stitch = “Cross” My Heart
Honestly, cancer has taken it’s tole on my family. The past 6 years have been the hardest years of my adult life. In addition to the physical tole it takes on people, it also takes mental tole. This journey has been a struggle for my family with my ex now being terminal. My kids and I are struggling to get through it and I would never wish this on my worst enemy.
I wrote the following for the Hope Lives Chemo Hat that I made for the challenge in 2018, but I end up sharing it every year. We need to remember there are so many people out there struggling to keep their hope alive. Hopefully these hats will help just a bit.
So, this year, I pray my hat can be a reminder to keep your hope alive and never give up.
CROSS MY HEART HAT CROCHET PATTERN INFO
Finished Sizes: Child (18-20”), Adult (20-22”)
Yarn: #4 worsted weight
Sample used: Yarn Bee Pearlspun in Gunmetal – 2.3 oz/165 yds (will make any size)
Hook: Size H/8 (5 mm). Change hook size to get correct gauge if needed.
Notions: Yarn Needle
Difficulty: Adv Beginner – Uses beginner stitches and has increases.
Notes: Hat is worked from the top down.
Please remember that if you download a copy of the hat pattern, you are pledging to make at least one hat from it to donate to a cancer patient or treatment center.
The downloadable PDF is available for purchase in my shops:
ETSY
RAVELRY
LOVE CRAFTS
Happy Crocheting!
