Use this written tutorial to crochet a beautiful lace PICC line cover for women undergoing IV treatments or chemotherapy. This free sleeve pattern is a protective and stylish alternative to traditional bandages. Make it with #10 cotton crochet thread for easy washing and care.
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If you plan to make this PICC cover to donate to a cancer center, or to someone who’s going through IV treatment, use coupon code “caring” to get the printable PDF pattern for free. You’re on your honor to make this happen.
One of the reasons I started designing was because I wanted to provide more beautiful patterns to those who craft for good causes. The Wrapped in Lace PICC Line Cover speaks specifically to that goal. An estimated 650,000 people receive chemotherapy treatment each year, in addition to those who require IV therapy for other illnesses like Cystic Fibrosis, Lyme Disease, and it doesn’t take a genius to know that that’s a lot of people in need. I’m sure at least a few of these individuals are ladies who would appreciate having a pretty PICC cover to go over their IV port. <3
This PICC cover pattern calls for #10 cotton crochet thread so it can easily washed in cold water, making it not only pretty, but convenient for the person receiving it. Since cancer, or other forms of IV therapy know no age limits, this PICC line cover can be adjusted for all ages and sizes. You will need the person’s upper arm measurements before starting this piece, but I have included some averages, should you plan to make these to donate to charity organizations. If you’re wanting to make this for babies, try using #20 or #30 thread, and a smaller hook.
This is an intermediate to advanced level pattern because of the need to figure out how to evenly space the edging stitches in multiples of 12 without making the cover edging wider than the body. I strongly recommend reading all the notes before beginning this pattern.
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Difficulty:
Intermediate/Advanced
Materials Needed:
1.5mm steel hook, or hook needed to obtain gauge
150-200 yards Aunt Lydia’s #10 crochet thread in the color of your choice
scissors
yarn needle
(Optional) 1 yard ¼” ribbon
Stitches Used:
sl st = slip stitch
ch= chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
Additional Terms:
3-dc cluster: dc 3 together in the same stitch
hdc in the 3rd loop: work all stitches for the round in the 3rd loop of the hdc from previous round. Instructions: Look at the top of the stitch, and locate the sideways “V”, bend the stitch to look at the back, and you should see another “V”. You’ll be working into the back loop of that “V”, this is called the 3rd loop.
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sp/sps = space/spaces
Gauge:
For the main part or “body” of the cover: 4 rows give 1″ of height.
The piece should be 5″ wide before adding edging.
For the edging: 24 stitches to 3”.
Measurements:
Adult size is 7.5” tall, circumference will vary. Here are some average upper arm measurements for adults:
X-Small: 9”-11” around
Small: 11”-13” around
Medium: 13”-15” around
Large: 15”-17” around
X-Large: 17”-19” around
Additional Notes:
-ch-2 at beginning of new row counts as first dc in the body section. This keeps the edges relatively straight, which should be helpful when you go to crochet the edging.
-The bottom edging uses a ch-space instead of a ch-3 to make this part a little wider/more open. It is possible to use a ch-3 space on the bottom, the same as you did on the top edging. It’s only a minor difference.
-Feel free to block the finished edging, it should look nice either way.
-Edging stitch count is worked in multiples of 12. You must stick to this multiple or the lace won’t come out right. I recommend sticking with the lowest multiple of 12 that will not cinch the body in; putting a higher multiple in will make the edging flare out, and the cover won’t stay in place as well. See additional notes in pattern.
-A thin strip of 1/4″ elastic around the top and bottom of the pic cover sewn on under the lace edging may help this PICC cover to stay in place more securely.
Wrapped in Lace PICC Line Cover (US Terms):
Click here to purchase an ad-free, print-optimized PDF of this pattern on LoveCrafts
Body:
Row 1: Leaving a 18″ tail, ch 47 for adult, 35 for child, 23 for younger child/toddler, (dc, ch 2, sc) in 3rd ch from hook, *sk 3 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, sc) in next st; repeat from * across, ch 2 (counts as first dc of next row), turn.
Row 2: working in first ch-2 space, (dc, ch 2,sc), *move to next ch-2 space, (2 dc, ch 2, sc); repeat from * across, ch 2 (counts as first dc of next row), turn.
Repeat row 2 until the piece is long enough to wrap around the arm of the person you are making this for, then move to the edging.
Top Edging (worked in multiples of 12):
Round 1: ch 1, sc evenly along edge in multiples of 12. My upper arm is 10″ around (x-small adult size), and I put 72 stitches around the edge, join with sl st to first sc.
Round 2: ch 1, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc (stitch count should be the same as prev round).
Round 3: ch 1, working in 3rd loop of hdc, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (stitch count should be the same as prev round)
Round 4: *ch 3, sk 2 sts, sl st in next st; repeat from * around. (mine had 24 ch-3 sps)
Round 5: sl st into first ch-3 sp, ([dc, ch 1] 4 times, dc), sl st into next ch-3 sp, ch 3, *sl st into next ch-3 sp, ([dc, ch 1] 4 times, dc), sl st into next ch-3 sp, ch 3; repeat from * around, join to first sl st with sl st. (my cover had 8 shells)
The following round will add the pretty lacy bits over the shells you made in the previous round. These look especially pretty when blocked.
Round 6: sl st into first dc, ch 3, sl st into ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into same ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 3, sl st into final ch-1 sp, sl st into ch-3 sp, *sl st into next dc, ch 3, sl st into ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into same ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into final ch-1 sp, sl st into ch 3 space; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sl st.
Fold the body in half, and using 18″ tail from beginning chain, sew the cuff edges together. I sewed into the stitches for the first row instead of the chain, to give it a tighter look.
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
Attach yarn to other end of the cover,
Bottom edging:
Round 1: ch 1, sc evenly along edge in multiples of 12. This number should be the same as the top edging, join with sl st to first sc.
Round 2: ch 1, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (stitch count should be the same as prev round)
Round 3: ch 1, working in 3rd loop of hdc, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (stitch count should be the same as prev round)
Round 4: ch 1, *3-dc cluster, ch 1, sk st; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first 3-dc cluster. (stitch count should be the same as prev round)
Round 5: ch 1, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc.
Round 6: ch 1, working in 3rd loop of hdc, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (stitch count should be the same as prev round)
Round 7: ch 4, sk 2 sts, sl st in next st, *ch 4, sk 2 sts, sl st in next st; repeat from * around, final sl at counts as join. (mine had 24 ch-4 sps)
Round 8: sl st into first ch-4 sp, ([dc, ch 1] 4 times, dc), sl st into next ch-4 sp, ch 4, *sl st into next ch-4 space, ([dc, ch 1] 4 times, dc), sl st into next ch-4 space, ch 4; repeat from * around, join to first sl st with sl st. (my cuff had 8 shells)
The following round will add the pretty lacy bits over the shells you made in the previous round. These look especially pretty when blocked.
Round 9: sl st into first dc, ch 3, sl st into ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into same ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into final ch-1 sp, sl st into ch-4 sp, *sl st into next dc, ch 3, sl st into ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into same ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st into final ch-1 sp, sl st into ch-4 sp; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sl st.
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
A ribbon can be woven through round 4 of the bottom edging, or it can be left plain.
For added embellishment, you can make several tiny flowers from my Delicate Flower Clip pattern and sew them to the cover.
JOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
I would love to see a picture when you’re done, so please feel free to come by my Facebook group and show off your cover before using or donating it! Be sure to tag @kirstenhollowaydesigns if you share pictures of your finished PICC line cover on Instagram, and use #WrappedInLacePICCLineCover!
You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Ravelry for more beautiful crochet patterns.
PATTERN TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
You are welcome to share the link to this pattern, using one image of your choice, on your site, but please do not share the written patterns themselves, this includes my Ravelry downloads or translations of these patterns, or use additional images. You do not have permission to use my images by themselves to create pinnable graphics for Pinterest, however they may be included in a roundup pin if there are 4 or more other patterns. If you sell finished items online, please do not use my pictures for your listings. I’m positive that your work is of high enough quality for you to sell the finished piece. Have confidence in your abilities! <3 Thank you!
This pattern was made to be used by individuals, and small business crocheters alike. Selling your finished pieces in boutiques, at farmer’s markets, craft shows, and other local events is encouraged! The only thing I require is that this pattern not be used commercially to produce hundreds of thousands of copies.
If you enjoyed this pattern or found it useful, why not share a link to this post with your friends?
Olivia says
I think I’d like to add the elastic… how would you recommend sewing it in? With a sewing machine? What size stitch? Also, how long would I make the elastic? Shorter or same length as the circumference of the cover?
Kirsten says
Hi Olivia,
Measure the circumference of the person’s arm that you are crocheting this sleeve for then overlap the elastic by 1″. For example, if your person’s forearm is 12″ you’ll cut the elastic at 12″ then overlap 1″ so the opening is 11″.
I hope that helps!
Cheri says
This would also be great for a woman who has a port for dialysis; most time the port is in the forearm. It is a bit strange looking and a person can be very self conscious of it! They hid it so people do not ask questions.
Kirsten says
It sure would! It’s a very versatile pattern! 🙂
dj says
would using a light weight cotton yarn be ok ?
Kirsten says
I made it with #10 cotton thread. I dont know how it would turn out in another weight, but you’re welcome to try. Above all, the mesh should be very stretchy so the port/tubes fit well underneath. 🙂
Bj says
Looking for pattern for something manly like this that young boys to Gramps.
Kirsten says
If you do a Google search for “PICC line cover crochet pattern” there are lots of cover patterns that will work for men. At the time I designed this there were not a lot of very girly ones however, which is why I came up with this. 🙂 I hope that helps you!
Kathy says
Beautful but where I live they insert the port in your chest.
Kirsten says
Thank you! Yes, there are several different places where they can be inserted.
Donna Myers says
Thank you so much for this beautiful and dainty PIIC cover pattern! I’ve already started one for my dear friend!! What I’m absolutely loving also about that picture of it is the beautiful summer vest that the young lady is wearing! Please oh please where can we get the pattern for that??? I want to make that every color yarn from solid to sparkly! Where can we purchase that gorgeous pattern Kirsten???? Thx!
Kirsten says
You’re very welcome! Sadly, the vest is not crocheted it is only that sewn lace that looks like crochet.
Lonni says
What a great idea! When ‘ had my PICC line this would have worked wonders! Thanks so much..
Kirsten says
Youre welcome! 🙂
Jess Gregg says
Who does one contact to find out where to donate? I’d love to make your gorgeous pattern to donate but don’t know where to go I guess? Thank you!!
Kirsten says
Talk to your local hospital and ask them if they have need of PICC covers. If you have a dedicated cancer treatment center in your area, I’d also check with them. Good luck! 🙂
Elizabeth Rivera says
This is a great idea for a dress. The new look that the sleeves fall, you use this as the sleeves.
Linda Rollins says
This is GORGEOUS! I wish I’d had this pattern back when I had a PICC line this past fall. The ones I made weren’t nearly as beautiful and elegant. The one thing I’m going to try to do when I make this is to add a “buttonhole” opening for the PICC line to come out through when hooked up to the chemo IVs. This way you don’t have to take off your cover and can enjoy a little extra warmth on your arm. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Kirsten says
Thank you! Good luck with the modifications! I don’t think it would be all that hard to do. <3
Janet Miles says
I would like to make some of these for my local hospital but I don’t think my crotcheting skills are up to it. Is there, by any chance, a knitted version?
Kirsten says
I don’t have a knitted version, but Google may give you some more results if you search for “knitted PICC cover pattern”.
The most difficult thing with my pattern is evenly spacing your sc stitches around the ends of the sleeve in multiples of 12.
Sarah Dawn says
Oh my goodness. It’s gorgeous!
Thank you -so much- for the point that medical equipment doesn’t just have to be about function, it can also be about form.
Now I wish my crochet skills were stronger. 🙁 But this pattern’s getting a share. 🙂
Kirsten says
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad you like it! It’s definitely true that people receiving treatment still want to feel pretty! 😀
Monica says
This is unbelievably gorgeous and a great idea all around! Thanks for sharing for free. Maybe also consider sharing with the cystic fibrosis community? They have to use PICC lines all the time. My husband has CF, so this is a bit too girly for him, but ladies with CF would love this, I bet!
Kirsten says
Thank you! I’m glad you like it! If you have connections with the CF community you are also welcome to share the pattern link with them! 🙂
Debbie says
Very BEAUTIFUL, i have a question i need something like this for my lower arms. I have such thin skin and even just touching it i get bruised. Anyway you make them to sell. I have plain ones but would love to have something so pretty for church and going to dinners. Thank you
Kirsten says
I’m glad you like the pattern! I don’t make finished items for sale, but anyone is free to make and sell these, you’d just want to give them your forearm measurements instead of upper arm measurements. 🙂