In honor of World Cancer Day, I’ve compiled a list of 7 quick patterns that would make great gifts for cancer patients.  And they’re all free!

When someone is going through cancer and possibly chemotherapy, it’s natural to want to surround them with soft, comforting items made with love.  In this post, I offer suggestions for quick-to-knit gifts to wrap them in works from the heart.

Probably the most well-known knitting pattern for cancer patients and survivors is for Knitted Knockers.  There are several free patterns for breast prosthetics which provide a soft support for mastectomy.  I’ve linked to one pattern knit on dpns, (double pointed needles) in the round, but you can find one for your favorite technique.  Knittedknockersusa.org has lots of information about how you can become involved in providing these supports for women in your area.  If you aren’t a US resident, search for knitted knockers in your country!

One problem faced by many chemo patients is hair loss.  There are so many beautiful, knitted hat and cap patterns available, and I’m sure your recipient will be grateful for one.  I’ve chosen the ever-popular Sockhead Slouch pattern for this category.  It may take a while, but it’s very simple, just lots of stockinette stitch in your favorite sock weight yarn.  It’s also a great example of a pattern that really shows off that beautiful hand-dyed skein you’ve been saving.  I like the sock weight of the hat because it will be more comfortable for wearing inside.

Next are two patterns to help with necessary medical devices.  Often, a chemo port is placed in a patient’s chest.  These provide and easier opportunity for receiving medications, but can be really tender.  On many people, they’re placed just at the right spot for a seatbelt to really irritate!  Here’s where the Knitted Port Pillow comes in.  This little knitted pillow attaches to the seatbelt and can be placed at just the right spot to protect the port.  I wish I would’ve thought of this when my dad had his pacemaker put in.  It would’ve made riding in the car so much easier for him.

Another medical device that a patient might have to deal with is a PICC line.  This is a port placed in the arm, again to make life easier for the medical staff and more comfortable for the patient.  But if you’ve ever had an IV, you know it’s easy to knock or jostle the line, which can be uncomfortable or painful.  I like the pattern for the PICC Armband.  It’s a super simple little sleeve which can help protect the PICC from getting knocked around.  I would imagine this little thing to be very comfortable and it might just make all the difference to the wearer!

My next 3 recommendations are all about comfort!

If you’ve had any surgery, it’s really difficult to get comfortable, even in your own bed at home.  It’s nice to have a smaller pillow that can conform to your body, right where you need it.  I love this little Head in the Clouds Pillow.  It looks like just the right shape to tuck under here or there.  And so stinking cute!

With countless hours spent in bed, it’s nice to have something to do.  Most of us would spend the hours knitting, of course.  But sometimes, even that is difficult.  For those times, and for non-knitters, I love the idea of the E-Reader Pillow Prop.  It’s just a little something to hold your device upright, so you can read or watch a streaming service in bed.  Maybe even catch a knitting podcast!

My final recommendation is the Blue Ridge Mitts.  These are a sweet little free pattern from me.  They’ll keep the patients hands warm, and also remind them of mountains and sunshine.  Please go download your free copy & make them for everyone in your life!