Sickle Red Blood Cell

Sickle Red Blood Cell Knitted Decoration

What is Being Made

This pattern creates a decorative knitted plush representation of a sickle red blood cell, designed by Dawn Finney. The finished piece measures approximately 4.75 inches (12 centimeters) in length and is intended as a decorative item rather than a toy. This educational craft project combines scientific accuracy with fiber arts, making it suitable for educational displays, science-themed décor, or novelty collections.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified at beginner difficulty level, making it accessible to those new to knitting. The sickle red blood cell is constructed as a single continuous piece of knitting rather than multiple components knitted separately. The two sides of the cell are then joined together using standard seaming techniques, with optional attachment points for decorative eyes before the piece is stuffed.

A key technique emphasized in this pattern is achieving the correct fabric tension. The instructions specifically recommend using knitting needles one to two sizes smaller than the yarn's recommended needle size. For example, if your yarn recommends US3 (3.25mm) needles, you would use US2 (2.75mm) needles instead. This deliberate choice creates a tightly knit weave that prevents stuffing from showing through the fabric, which is essential for a polished finished appearance.

Stitches Used

This pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginners:

• Knit (K): The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of this project
• Purl (P): Purl stitches are worked in alternating rows to create stocking stitch
• Stocking Stitch (St st): The primary stitch pattern, created by alternating one row of knit stitches with one row of purl stitches, producing a smooth, classic knitted fabric
• Increases (Inc): Increases are worked by knitting into both the front and back of a single stitch, allowing the piece to expand in width as needed for the cell's curved shape
• Knit Together (Tog): Stitches are decreased by knitting stitches together, used to shape the cell's distinctive sickle form

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn that works well for detailed projects and creates appropriate drape and texture for this decorative piece. You will need two knitting needles in US2 (2.75mm) size, which is smaller than standard recommendations for DK yarn, as explained above to achieve the required tight gauge.

Additional materials include polyfil toy stuffing to fill the knitted form and give it dimension and shape. Plastic toy safety eyes are optional and can be attached during assembly for added character, though the pattern notes this project is designed as a decoration rather than a toy.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern provides specific gauge information to ensure proper sizing: 32 stitches and 43 rows to 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working with US2 (2.75mm) needles. Achieving this gauge is important because it directly affects the final dimensions of your sickle red blood cell and ensures the fabric is dense enough to contain the stuffing properly.