Download this pattern as a pdf

See also the patterns for the atoms and the number and colours of atoms and bonds needed for each particle.

Pattern – joining two atoms of the same colour

Cast on 4 sts, leaving a 20 cm tail
Knit i-cord for 16 rows
Cast off i-cord, leaving a 20 cm tail

Pattern – joining two different colour atoms

Cast on 4 sts, leaving a 20 cm tail
Knit i-cord for 8 rows
Knit 1 stitch i-cord, join the second colour and knit the rest of the row
Knit i-cord for 7 rows
Cast off i-cord, leaving a 20 cm tail

Knot the tails of the two colours at the join.
Thread each tail in turn onto a needle, pass through the cord of the same colour, cut so ends stay inside.
Work the knot inside the cord, and the stitches so they even out.

Thread each 20cm tail onto a needle and sew the bond onto the atom.
Pass remaining tail through atom, cut so ends stay inside.

Download this pattern as a pdf

See also the patterns for the bonds between atoms and the number and colours of atoms and bonds needed for each particle.

Our prototypes were made with bog-standard acrylic wool, and the atoms stuffed with a slightly shredded half of a plastic charity collection bag. These are the sorts of materials that will be burnt in the Incinerator. But really, anything that is weatherproof will be suitable.

If you are new to knitting, some of the codes below may be a mystery. But the internet is full of
marvels such as tutorials and knitting videos. It’s how we learnt i-cord.

The atom will be approx 20 cm in circumference.

Pattern

Cast on 12 sts

Cut yarn leaving a 20 cm tail.
Thread onto needle, thread through remaining stitches and pull tight.
Sew edges together, stuff atom, thread through casting on stitches and pull tight.
Knot tails together, thread onto needle and pass through atom, and cut so ends stay inside.