This free crochet bucket hat pattern was designed as part of the 2024 Crochet Cancer Challenge, a heartfelt initiative to raise awareness and support for those battling cancer. In honor of lung cancer warriors, this hat symbolizes strength, hope, and resilience. Whether you’re making it for yourself, a loved one, or to donate, each stitch serves as a reminder of the courage of those facing this illness. Let’s crochet for a cause and show our solidarity with the brave fighters in their journey.
Inspiration behind the hat
For the last three years, I have participated in the Crochet Cancer Challenge hosted by Sweet Potato 3. Each year, we choose a cancer to represent and design a hat using the color associated with a particular disease. This year I’ve chosen white to represent lung cancer.
My brother in law who suffers from COPD did some testing and learned he also had lung cancer. This year I created my hat in honor of him and his brave fight. He is one of the lucky ones and just recently found out after a scan, he is cancer free.
To find out how to get a free PDF download of this hat during the month of October 2024, scroll down. This hat is offered in this way in return for your pledge to make at least one to donate to a charity of your choice.
Materials needed for this free crochet bucket hat:
#4 soft Aran-Color A 150-200 yds. Color B small amount
US H Hook {5 mm}
Tapestry needle for weaving ends.
Gauge:
10 rnds X 16 sts = 4”
Skill Level:
Advanced Beginner +
Sizes:
Adult Medium-Crown Measurement = 7″ Hat Height = 8.5″
The Adult Medium is available for free here on the blog. Purchase the premium PDF on Ravelry, which includes Child, Teen/Adult Sm, Adult M, Adult L, and Adult XL.
Abbreviation Used: {US Terms}
MR = magic ring
Rnd = round
HBdc = Herringbone double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
Inc = Increase {2 stitches in same stitch
dc = double crochet
2dctog cl = 2 double crochet together cluster
st(s) = stitch(es)
rep = repeat
sk = skip
sc = single crochet
BLO = back loop only
Special Stitches used in this free crochet bucket hat:
HBdc: {Herringbone double crochet} yo, insert hook in stitch, yo, pull through stitch and immediately through next loop, yo, pull through one loop, yo, pull through remaining 2 loops.
Notes:
Ch 2 does not count as a stitch.
Helpful Hints:
- To minimize a noticeable seam, use invisible join.
- Hat can be made in all one color.
Pattern Instructions for the Free Crochet Bucket Hat:
Rnd 1: With Color A and using MR, 8 HBdc in MR, pull to close, sl st in 1st st to join [8]
Rnd 2: ch 2, Inc in each st around, join [16]
Rnd 3: ch 2, HBdc next st, Inc in next st around, join [24]
Rnd 4: ch 2, HBdc in next 2 sts, Inc in next st around, join [32]
Rnd 5: ch 2, Hbdc in next 3 sts, Inc in next st around, join [40]
Rnd 6: ch 2, Hbdc in next 4 sts, Inc in next st around, join [48]
Rnd 7: ch 2, Hbdc in next 5 sts, Inc in next st around, join [56]
Rnd 8: ch 2, HBdc in next 6 sts, Inc in next st around, join [64]
Rnd 9: ch 2, HBdc in next 7 sts, Inc in next st around, join [72]
Rnd 10: ch 2, HBdc in each st around, join changing to Color B in last st made [72]
Rnd 11: ch 2, HBdc in each st around, join [72]
Rnd 12: ch 2, HBdc in each st around, join changing to Color A in last st made [72]
Rnds 13-16: ch 2, HBdc in each st around, join [72] Do not fasten off.
Now working on brim-work in BLO
- ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 7 ch, sl st in next st on rnd 16 of hat, turn
- ch 1, working in BLO, sc in next 8 sts, turn
- ch 1, working in BLO, sc in next 8 sts, sl st in next st on rnd 16 of hat, turn
- ch 1, working in BLO, sc in next 8 sts, turn
Continue this repeat all the way around the hat. When back to the beginning, sl st BLO the two openings of brim together. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
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Previous year’s Cancer Challenge Hat designs:
2023 Give Me Grace Hat/In honor of All Cancers
2022 Hoty Hat/In honor of Childhood Cancer
2021 Glacier Ridge Beanie/In honor of Ovarian Cancer
Free crochet bucket hat feature in Crochet Cancer Challenge 2024
The Just Breathe Bucket Hat was featured in the 2024 Crochet Cancer Challenge hosted by Sweet Potato 3.
To see all the hats designed for this event, use the button below. There’s still time to donate for this cause. I’m sure most if not all of them will still be available as free on each designer’s blog.
Thanks so much for visiting and your continued support! Come again real soon.
All patterns and their images are copyright protected and the sole property of Simply Melanie Jane. Please do not redistribute, transfer, or sell the pattern, or alter it to claim as your own. You may sell any products you create from this pattern. Please credit the designer by linking online listings.
Love this hat. Thank you for sharing in the cancer challenge!!
That makes me happy! Absolutely my pleasure!
How does one start a hat with HBDC in a magic ring? The directions make no sense.
Hi Tam,
Please refer to the Special Stitches section for the HBdc. You would place those in the the magic ring the same way you would a regular dc. I’ve also sent you an email.