This is a pattern to make your own crochet cell. Parts 1 (cytoplasm) and 2 (plasma membrane) are available for free download. More cell parts will be added as the project goes on, so grab your hook and join us to crochet-along!

What exactly is inside a cell? And why should you care? Cells are the building blocks that make up every living thing. They are teeny tiny (the largest human cell is about the size of a pencil dot), but inside each and every cell is a whole world of its own. Join scientists from the Gurdon Institute and University of Cambridge to make your very own crochet cell, and find out what’s going on in the microscopic world inside your cells.

All instructions are uploaded with an illustrated guide for complete beginners, and a quick guide for more experienced crocheters.

This pattern was made using Stylecraft Special DK and a 3.5mm hook, but any DK yarn, and any hook between 3mm-4.5mm will work. Gauge is stated at 5 stitches and 5 rows per inch (2.5cm) but don’t worry about this too much (cells come in all different shapes and sizes!)

The Stitching Science project was developed by scientist and crafter Stephanie Norwood, and funded by the Gurdon Institute, part of the University of Cambridge. The project aims to bring together scientists and crafters to learn from one another and create and informal space for chit chat about the wonderful world of science.

Stitching Science by Stephanie Norwood is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.