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collage of crocheted microbes

Knitting and Crocheting Microbes

Posted on November 26, 2022February 27, 2024 by Jennifer Tsang

I learned to crochet a few months ago for one reason: to make microbes. Though I have been knitting since I was a middle schooler, it wasn’t until this year that I learned to crochet. I learned the basics – how to chain, how to single crochet, etc. It turns out that after understanding a few of the basics, I could start creating microbial amigurumis, small stuffed yarn microbes.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from links in this post (affiliate disclosure).

The first amigurumi I created was gonorrhea, mainly because the pattern I found involved a few basic techniques: the magic circle, single crochet, and increasing and decreasing stitches. Next I decided to try another pattern that was more challenging: a cold virus. It was at that time that I bought 260 eyes for these critters… I guess I have a lot of microbes to make.

I’m excited to build up my crocheted microbe collection over the next months and learn new crochet techniques! PS: The Ultimate Crochet Bible helped me a lot.

Below you’ll find some patterns and shops including many from independent sci-artists spreading the love of microbiology through adorable stuffed microbes.

Knitting and Crocheting Patterns to Make Microbes

Ana Maria Porras, an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, shares crochet patterns of microbes on her website available in English and in Spanish. The patterns available now are for making E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Cryptococcus laurentii. I love how well explained the patterns are that crochet beginners like me can follow along.

  • Crochet patterns
  • Instagram (English)
  • Instagram (Spanish)

Tahani Baakdhah, a postdoc at the Krembil Brain Institute, has shared a library of patterns on Ravelry, spanning from neurons, to kidney, to coronavirus (the neuron is so cute!). You can also see the creations on Instagram.

  • Ravelry
  • Instagram

Find Patterns by Microbe

Below are some patterns (free or paid) I found on the internet. Most are crochet, but some are for knitting.

  • Bacillus (knit)
  • Bacteriophage (crochet)
  • Campylobacter (crochet)
  • Chickenpox virus (crochet)
  • E. coli (crochet)
  • M13 phage (crochet)
  • Rhinovirus (knit)
  • Streptococci (crochet)
  • Assorted microbes including tuberculosis, cholera, salmonella, rhinovirus, swin flu, penicillium (knit)

Shop for Crocheted and Stuffed Microbes

Bryan Mounce, an Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago, is a virologist who crochets viruses (among other forms of sciart). The crocheted viruses wearing masks are just adorable!

  • Etsy
  • Yarn creations

Laura Cameron is a textile artist and has just completed her MSc in public health and health promotion. Laura creates crochet pieces inspired by anatomy and medicine. I love the Petri dish collection – crocheted microbes atop crocheted agar!

  • Shop: Lost in the Wood

GIANTmicrobes are another popular choice. I first heard about GIANTmicrobes in the 2000s when I was a microbiology major in undergrad. It’s exciting to see how GIANTmicrobes have expanded their collection in terms of scope and size options. I’ve even used them to decorate my Christmas tree.

  • Shop GIANTmicrobes

Featured image: Top left – Coronavirus created by Tahani Baakdhah, Top right – Rhinovirus and gonorrhea created by Jennifer Tsang (patterns described above), Bottom left – Staphylococcus created by Ana Maria Porras, Bottom middle: Gonorrhea created by Laura Cameron, Bottom right – Masked virus created by Bryan Mounce

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Related

2 thoughts on “Knitting and Crocheting Microbes”

  1. Barny Whitman says:
    November 26, 2022 at 10:03

    Very nice, but shouldn’t you have at least one archaeon, maybe even a methanogen?

    Reply
    1. Jennifer Tsang says:
      December 9, 2022 at 18:19

      Thank you Barny, and that’s a great idea. I’ll have to look for more patterns or create my own.

      Reply

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