GENEie headbands for my boys

The March for Science is less than a month away!  Have you figured out what you're knitting yet?  When I designed the first two hats in the GENEie Collection (the GENEie - Cable Version and GENEie - Colorwork Version) at the end of January the date of the march had no yet been set.  The weather on April 22 can vary a lot.  This is the week after the Boston Marathon where we've seen frigid weather, moderate weather and 90+ and sunny in just the last 5 years.  I decided the Next Generations GENEie Headband so I could have a GENEie that would work no matter what the weather.  

I needed to knit the headband in three different sizes.  I designed the pattern in Adult L and Toddler, which would fit Keith and Rowdy. I knit these headbands on size 6 needles with Shine Worsted yarn in Pistachio and French Blue.  I needed to create an intermediate size to fit 3 year old Lucky.   I'll go into all of the details below, but I was able to create a child sized version of this headband by using size 4 knitting needles and Shine Sport yarn.

Rowdy's Headband - Toddler Size, Shine Worsted, Size 6 needles.

When I started knitting Rowdy's headband, I wasn't sure if the headband is going to be big enough for me to get away with using circulars, but I wanted to try out my shorty needle tips for the first time.  It worked!

I followed the instructions as written.  In the original sample, I was running out of yarn when I reached the end of the headband.  After the colorwork I knit one round, did one round of ribbing and then bound off in pattern.  On Rowdy's headband, I knit one round after the colorwork and then knit two rounds of ribbing before binding off in pattern.  This seemed like the right amount of ribbing to me but I wish there was one more plain round before the ribbing started.  I decided to do this on the next headband and adjusted the written pattern, too.  This headband used 24 g Pistachio and 7 g French Blue (a combined total of 47 yards of yarn).

We had a week of 60 degree weather at the end of February.  It was beautiful outside, but definitely not hat weather.  Poor Rowdy had zero interest in keeping his headband on his head... even as a cowl! I'm not sure what I can expect to see at the march, but for now I just need to get the other headbands finished.

Keith's headband - Adult L, Shine Worsted, Size 6 needles

I have a smaller head than Keith, but the Adult L headband fits me, too.

Keith already has a headband he can wear (the original sample) but I really wanted him to have one in this matching color scheme.  This headband used 34 g of Pistachio and 10 g of French blue (a combined total of 67 yards of yarn).  My short tip knitting needles are AMAZING for knitting hats and headbands.  I wish that I had started using these tips sooner and now want to buy them in every size.  

The Adult L and Toddler sized headbands knit in worsted weight yarn.

With the completion of this headband, I have perfected the Next Generations GENEie headband pattern.  It is hard to get designs out as fast as I can without rigorous testing!  I'm really glad I finally have a complete version of the pattern, even if I don't yet have written instructions for the chart.  there are so many repeats that it is hard for me to write out the 28 stitch repeat without any errors.

If you want to try to knit a smaller headband for an infant, try knitting the toddler size with a smaller gauge like I did for Lucky's headband below.  

Lucky's Headband - Adult L, Shine Sport, Size 4 needles

I kit Lucky's headband at a gauge of 23.5 sts / 4" and 14 rows/2" over the colorwork pattern with sport weight yarn and size 4 (3.5 mm) knitting needles).  I used 6 g of French Blue and 21 g of Pistachio for a total of 61 yards of yarn.  

The final headband is a little loose on Lucky, but I don't mind since he is still growing so much.  He is so proud to have a headband just like Daddy's.  Now I just need to hope that he'll wear it!  

These cotton blend headbands are silky soft and should be much cooler than wool in warmer weather.  If April 22 is super cold, then we can slide these headbands over a knit wool hat.  If April 22 is super hot, they can be slipped around the brim of a baseball cap.  Hopefully the little boys will wear them at the march, I have a feeling that these might end up as necklaces pretty quickly!

Which of the GENEie designs is your favorite?  

Norepinephrine Knitting Chart

When you guys request a molecule, I really like to see if I can make it happen ASAP.  

The structural difference between norepinephrine and dopamine (which I already charted) is really tiny, so it wasn't hard at all to create a new molecule knitting chart:

Norepinepherine Molecule Knitting Chart: 23 sts x 18 rows

Keep the molecule requests coming!  I'll help out if I can.  Make sure you check out the other Molecule Knitting Charts I've created.  Especially as the March for Science approaches I know people are trying to get their science knitting projects underway.  

Norepinephrine Molecule Knitting Chart © 2017 ChemKnits & Rebecca Roush Brown.  These charts are available for free via www.ChemKnits.com for your personal or charity use.  You are not to copy or distribute this pattern without the permission of the publisher, ChemKnits.

GENEie Plasmid - A DNA Cable Headband

GENEie Plasmid - A DNA Cable Headband Knitting Pattern

The GENEie Hat Collection was missing something.  These cable and colorwork hats and headbands didn't have a cable headband!  I wanted to make a small cable project that could be worn to show knitter and science pride at the March for Science on April 22, 2017.

Unlike the other patterns in the GENEie collection, the GENEie Plasmid can be knit flat.  This makes the knitting chart slightly more complicated because there are cables on both wrong side (WS) and right side (RS) rows.  There is also a version knit in the round.  Since the GENEie Plasmid is knit until it is long enough and then the ends are joined together, this pattern is really easy to adapt to any gauge and yarn weight.

Materials

• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) needles
• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn.  The sample was knit with KnitPicks Comfy Worsted (20 g, 44 yards)
• Gauge (blocked): 13 sts/2", 14 rows/2" over cable pattern.  Gauge isn't super important for this pattern since you can just keep knitting until the headband is the length you want.  
• Notions (optional):  cable needle, tapestry needle. 
• Finished Sizes: Adult S/M- 18" around (fits with negative ease), 2.25" wide
• Model Head Sizes: Rebecca - 22" head (normally wears a S/M hat)

Abbreviations Used in this Pattern - Updated with links to video tutorials!  I have a whole playlist of videos to help with the construction of the GENEie collection.  Make sure you check out an introduction to 1x1 cables if you want extra help with the GENEie DNA cable stitches.

• K – Knit
• P – Purl
• Sts – Stitches
• S1 – Slip one stitch purlwise
• K-tbl– Knit through the back loop
• P-tbl - Purl through the back loop
• CN – cable needle 
• M1 – Make One. Make a new stitch by picking up the yarn between two stitches, twisting it and knitting.
• WS - Wrong Side
• RS - Right Side
• C1-fkk:  S1 st on CN and hold in front.  K1, K1 from CN
• C2-bkk:  S1 st on CN and hold in back.   K1, K1 from CN
• C3-fpk:  S1 st on CN and hold in front.  P1, K1 from CN
• C4-bkp: S1 st on CN and hold in back.   K1, P1 from CN
• C5-fpp: S1 st on CN and hold in front.  P1, P1 from CN
• C6-bpp: S1 st on CN and hold in back.  P1, P1 from CN

Geneie Plasmid Knitting Pattern - Knit Flat - I am not a big fan of the Provisional Cast on so I decided to sew the ends of the headband together.  However, if you prefer you can start with a provisional cast on and then graft the beginning and end of the headband together.

• Cast on 15 sts.  
• Next Row (WS), K2, P11, K2
• Next Row, start Chart Round 1 (knit the chart right to left or follow the written instructions below the chart.)
• Continue knitting the chart.  Odd rows are the RS (read the chart right to left) and even rows are the WS (read the chart left to right) of the fabric.  
• Repeat rows 1-26 five times or until the piece measures 18".  (Note, I designed this headband to fit my 22" head.  The headband has negative ease so it will stretch to fit your head.  If you need more length keep knitting.)  
• Bind off while knitting Row 1 (or whatever row you are on next in the pattern.)  
• Block the headband.  (The edge of my headband curled significantly and I knew it would be easier to block the headband while it was still flat then once I had sewn the edges together.)  
• Sew the cast on edge to the bind off edge.  Weave in loose ends.  

The Chart - Odd Rows are the RS (knit right to left), Even Rows are the WS (knit left to right).  

Written instructions - Flat Plasmid

1. K8, C2-bkk, K5
2. K2, P2, C5-fpp, C6-bpp, P5, K2
3. K6, C2-bkk, K2, K-tbl, K4
4. K2, P1, C3-fpk, K3, C4-bkp, P3, K2
5. K4, C2-bkk, K5, K-tbl, K3
6. K2, P1, P-tbl, P6, P-tbl, P2, K2
7. K3, C4-bkp, P6, K-tbl, K3
8. K2, P1, C6-bpp, p6, P-tbl, P1, K2
9. K3, K-tbl, K6, K-tbl, K4
10. K2, P2, C6-bpp, K5, P-tbl, P1, K2
11. K3, C1-fkk, K3, C2-bkk, K5
12. K2, P4, C6-bpp, P2, P-tbl, P2, K2
13. K4, C1-fkk, C2-bkk, K7
14. K2, P6, C6-bpp, P3, K2
15. K4, C2-bkk, C1-FKK, K7
16. K2, P4, C5-fpp, P2, P-tbl, P2, K2
17. K3, C4-bkp, P3, C3-fpk, K5
18. K2, P2, C5-fpp, P5, P-tbl, P1, K2
19. K3, K-tbl, K6, K-tbl, K4
20. K2, P1, C3-fpk, K6, P-tbl, P1, K2
21. K3, C1-fkk, K6, K-tbl, K3
22. K2, P1, P-tbl, P6, P-tbl, P2, K2
23. K4, C1-fkk, P5, K-tbl, K3
24. K2, P1, C6-bpp, P3, C5-fpp, P3, K2
25. K6, C1-fkk, K2, K-tbl, K4
26. K2, P2, C6-bpp, C5-fpp, P5, K2

Working cables on the wrong side of knit fabric is not my favorite thing to do.  It is much easier for me to keep track of where I am in a project when I can follow the chart in the same direction each time.  Therefore, I also wanted to provide instructions to create a GENEie Plasmid headband in-the-round.

GENEie Plasmid Knit Flat (top) and in-the-round approximation (bottom)

GENEie Plasmid - Knit in the Round - I didn't knit a sample of this version of the GENEie Plasmid headband, the picture is an approximation of what this would look like.   This knit headband will have double layer of knit fabric versus the single layer in the flat version.

• Cast on 26 stitches.  Divide the stitches onto 3 double pointed needles as follows: 13, 7, 6. Join to knit in the round.
• Round 1: K2, Knit the 9 chart stitches, K14.  
• Continue knitting chart rows 1-26 five times or until the headband measures 18"
• Bind off while knitting round 1.  
• Stitch the cast on edge to the bind off edge and weave in loose ends.  Block if desired.  

GENEie DNA Cable Knitting Chart (for in the Round) - This the chart that was originally found in the GENEie Pussyhat knitting pattern.  Check out that pattern for line by line written instructions.

Chart Key

Approximation of what the GENEie Plasmid Headband (in the round) would look like.  There would be a little more space on either side of the double helix. 

I am so glad that I finally designed a cable headband.  In Boston, where I plan to march, the weather can either be really warm or cold and raw at the end of April.  I am glad that I have options to show my craftivism at the March for Science.

Scale comparison of the GENEie Plasmid Headband and the GENEie Next Generations Colorwork Headband.  

 Designing the GENEie Collection has been a whirlwind. Since the end of January, I have designed 6 different GENEie variants to support the March for Science  I also designed the Ice Cap Aquacessories knitting patterns which have H2O molecules around the brim of a headband and hat (not pictured).

The updated GENEie Collection designed by ChemKnits in support of the March for Science:

GENEie (Cable Version)

GENEie (Colorwork Version)

GENEie Pussyhat

GENEie Next Generations Headband and Hat (Colorwork - bottom left and right)

GENEie Plasmid Headband (Cable)

GENEie Plasmid Knitting Pattern © 2017 ChemKnits & Rebecca Roush Brown.  This pattern is available for free via www.ChemKnits.com for your personal or charity use.  You are not to copy or distribute this pattern without the permission of the publisher, ChemKnits.


This post contains some KnitPicks affiliate links.  I became an affiliate in October 2018 after using KnitPicks yarns for many years.  All yarn selections and options are my own. 

Neurotransmitter Molecule Knitting Charts - Dopamine and Serotonin

I have designed many different molecule knitting charts over the years.  I love when I get requests to chart specific molecules because I know that these will turn into unique knit garments.  Recently some followers requested that I create charts for the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

Dopamine Knitting Chart - 23 sts x 13 rows

All of the love to the Wellesley sibling who requested the dopamine knitting chart.  I hope that you are able to find someone to help you turn this into a hat for the March for Science.

Serotonin Knitting Chart - 27 sts x 18 rows

How can you incorporate these molecules into knitting projects?  You could put a bunch of molecules around the brim of a hat or headband.  You can either use stranded knitting or you could duplicate stitch the molecule onto your garment after the fact.

Do you have any molecule requests?  I can chart many molecules but the smaller the molecule the easier it will be to fit it onto a knit garment.  I have had some requests that are too complex for me to create, but I will do my best to help you out with your molecule knitting hopes and dreams.

Serotonin and Dopamine Molecule Knitting Charts © 2017 ChemKnits & Rebecca Roush Brown.  These charts are available for free via www.ChemKnits.com for your personal or charity use.  You are not to copy or distribute this pattern without the permission of the publisher, ChemKnits.

Aquacessories - H2O Molecule (aka Water Molecule) Knitting Charts

The "Ice Cap" Headband - Aquacessories with Water Molecule Knitting Charts

I like to design molecule knitting charts, and I've even knit many projects (mostly beer cozies) with them over the years.  Currently my most popular molecule chart is the DNA cable which can be seen in the GENEie Hat Collection.  Recently I was asked to design some H2O knitting charts.  Hydrogen is usually invisible in the molecule charts I design, so this presented a unique opportunity to think about the shapes a different way.

There is a lot of movement in water molecules so I designed a few versions.  I think that it would be really fun to have these molecules dance around the brim of a hat.  I had a lot of fun coming up with various "vibrations."

Ice Cap (Aquacessories Hat & Headband Knitting Pattern) - I recommend a gauge of 22 sts/4" and 12 rows/2" over colorwork stockinette using size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles and worsted weight yarn.  Since I have not knit a sample of this pattern please consider this more of a guideline for creating your Aquacessories.  If I get a chance to knit up a sample I'll update this page accordingly.

• Using worsted weight yarn (in three colors), cast on 100 sts with the main color on US size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles.  Join to knit in the round. 
• *K2, P2* around for 3 rounds (headband) or 5 rounds (hat).  
• *K10, M1* around (110 sts).  
• Next round: Join the contrasting colors and begin round 1 of the knitting chart.  You will repeat the chart 5 times in each round.
  

  

  22 sts x 9 rows

• Continue knitting the remaining 8 rounds of the knitting chart.  Break the contrasting colors and continue either the hat or headband instructions. 
• HEADBAND 
• Knit across for 1 round
• *K9, K2tog* around (100 sts)
• Knit 2 rounds of 2x2 ribbing (*K2, P2* around)
• Bind off in ribbing pattern.  Weave in loose ends and block if necessary.  
• HAT 
• Knit in stockinette (knit every stitch around) until the hat measures 6.5" from the cast on edge.  
• Begin crown decreases as follows:
• *K9, K2tog* around (100 sts) 
• K around 
• *K8, K2tog* around (90 sts) 
• Continue to decrease stitches every other round until 10 stitches remain.  
• K2tog around (5 sts) 
• Break yarn and pull through remaining stitches with CC. Weave in loose ends. Block if desired.

When I realized how ordered these water molecules were arranged on the headband I had to rename it the "Ice Cap"! 

Here are some other water molecule knitting charts that you can incorporate into your favorite Aquacessory.

H2O Knitting Charts - Ball Version - For some "vibrations", rotate the chart 90, 180 or 270 degrees.

Water Version #1 - 11 sts x 9 row

H2O Knitting Charts - Molecular Formula Versions - There are more ways you could rotate these water molecule knitting charts beyond the three options I've shown below.  They can be flipped and rotated to try to fit them together in an array.  

Letter Version #1: 9 sts x 7 rows

Letter Version #2: 9 sts x 9 rows

Letter Version #3: 10 sts x 6 rows

 Incorporating Water Knitting Charts into Aquacessories Hats & Headbands

The March for Science is coming up on Earth Day - April 22, 2017.  A bunch of crafters are working to create a variety of hat styles in green and blue to show our support for evidence based legislation, climate change, and many other science issues.  (To read more about why I am marching check out the original GENEie hat knitting pattern.)  

I haven't knit any samples with these charts, but I have some idea about how you could incorporate it into a hat or a headband.

Water Water Everywhere Knitting Chart

The last chart is an example of how you might incorporate multiple H2O charts into one garment.  There are additional rotations beyond what I shared above.  If you were to cast on 100 stitches and knit this chart 5 times around you would have a very busy water hat (Aquacessories!)   Keith said that this chart looked a little like a "Ho, Ho, Ho!" Christmas hat, but I decided to share the busy water example anyway.  Do you see water or laughter in this chart?  

An example of how you can put a bunch of the letter water molecule knitting charts together.  This example is 20 sts x 34 rows.   

How would you use a H2O knitting chart?  Let me know in the comments!

Ice Cap, Aquacessories and H2O Molecule Knitting Charts © 2017 ChemKnits & Rebecca Roush Brown.  These charts are available for free via www.ChemKnits.com for your personal or charity use.  You are not to copy or distribute this pattern without the permission of the publisher, ChemKnits.

The GENEie Collection of DNA Beanie Hats

The updated (3.9.2017) GENEie Collection designed by ChemKnits in support of the March for Science:

GENEie (Cable Version)

GENEie (Colorwork Version)

GENEie Pussyhat

GENEie Next Generations Headband and Hat (Colorwork - bottom left and right)

GENEie Plasmid Headband (Cable)
NOT SHOWN: Spliced - A Chained Crochet GENEie Headband

My name is Rebecca Roush Brown and I am the designer of ChemKnits.  I never imagined that when I was asked to design a DNA hat in support for the March for Science (April 22, 2017 - Earth Day) that I would end up with 5 different DNA hats.  Thank you all for the amazing response to the GENEie DNA Beanie collection.  In this post I will summarize the 5 designs and share some other amazing free science hat knitting patterns.  

The GENEie Collection (minus the GENEie Plasmid Headband)

I designed a DNA helix cable years ago to a make a Kindle Cover for my Chemist father.  This wasn't my first science design, but it was this cable that caught people's eye.  This is the reason why a few different knitters separately reached out to me to create a design for the March for Science.  The first hat that I knit, however, was the Colorwork version of GENEie.   This is the warmest hat in the collection and may not be the most appropriate for an April march.  It would be much cooler done in cotton or cotton blends.  

GENEie (Colorwork Version) - Modeled on my 22" head.

I didn't cast on the cable version of GENEie right away because I wanted to make sure I could do justice with the spacing and decreases on the crown.  I wanted the design to shrink into the top so it looked like you were looking along the length of a double helix.  Even knit with wool yarn, this hat is pretty light and airy.  It is a great option for the April March for Science if you live in a cooler area.  (Boston can either be cold and raw in April or super hot.)  

GENEie (Cable Version) - Modeled on my 22" head.

I started designing the first two GENEies before the date for the march was announced.  As soon as I realized that it was going to be towards the end of April, I started thinking of hat versions that would work for warmer weather.  Before I knew it the DNA helix had flipped and I was knitting GENEie - The Next Generations. (In retrospect I wish I had named these the GENEie Plasmids!)   The rotated colorwork cable is slightly different than the one in the original colorwork GENEie. There are four different patterns in Next Generations: a headband and a hat version that both come in Adult L and Toddler sizes.  The adult headband sample is knit in a cotton blend and that worked FANTASTIC.  This is the best option if you want to knit a head accessory but are concerned about the warmth in April.  

GENEie - The Next Generations Headband - Modeled by Keith (23.5" head)

GENEie - The Next Generations Hat (Toddler) - "Rowdy" is 1 year old and has an 18.5" head.

On the suggestion of a dear friend, I designed the GENEie Pussyhat.  All of the stores near me were out of pink yarn so I dyed my own with KoolAid and food coloring.  (Dyeing yarn is a huge passion of mine.  I have a YouTube channel dedicated to Dyeing Experiments!)  Through this hat I wish to show my support for the March for Science and the Women's March.  

The GENEie Pussyhat - Modeled by my 22" head

Finally, I'm pleased to introduce the 6th evolution of the GENEie collection... The GENEie Plasmid Headband! (Published March 9, 2017) Now there is a GENEie designed to knit flat with both line-by-line written instructions and a full chart.  Of all of the GENEie designs, this is one where gauge and yarn weight truly don't matter.  Cast on and knit until the headband is long enough and then sew the ends together. You could end up with a much wider headband or a really thin headband, but this is much easier to adapt than some of the other patterns.

GENEie Plasmid - A DNA Cable Headband Knitting Pattern

I thought the GENEies were done evolving... but then I created Spliced!  Spliced is a crochet chain appliqued onto a crochet headband base.  The base pairs are embroidered with a backstitch.  The best party of Spliced is that you can create this design on many different backdrops; knit, crochet, or woven!  

Spliced - A Crochet Chain Applique GENEie Headband

Why do I march? I believe in peer review.  I believe in evidence based legislation.  I believe that  scientific data funded by tax dollars should be available to the public.  I believe in outreach programs so the general public can understand what results mean.  I believe that you cannot ignore data just because it doesn't support your hypothesis.  I believe that by standing up and speaking loudly that we can make a difference. This is why I march.  This is why I designed the GENEies.

The GENEie DNA Knit Motifs

Free Science Hat Knitting Patterns

A long time ago, I did some research looking for science knitting patterns and DNA knitting patterns. Unfortunately, some of these links are no longer valid.  In an effort to support the March for Science with a lot of epic science hat, here are some of my favorite free science hat knitting patterns:

• Brain Hats - There are three versions of Brain Hat Knitting patterns on Ravelry, and it isn't immediately clear to me which design was created first... but all of the designs are darling.  What these hats have in common is that a series of icords to create the crevices on the brain on top of a beanie hat.  
• Brain Hat by Alana Noritake - This pattern is available for free Ravelry Download through the date of the March for Science (April 22, 2017).  I think this pattern was created pre-2011, so this might be the original brain hat design.  
• Brain Hat for Science by Kristen McDonnell - This pattern has a step-by-step photo tutorial for assembling the icords onto the finished hat base.  
• Thinking Cap - Brain by Kathy Doherty - This version of the brain hat is also from 2011. 
• Science Matters Hat - The Science Matters hat is a free knitting pattern designed specifically for the March for Science.  Knit with concentric rings textured of blue and green (some colors are K around, the alternating ones are purled), this hat subtly represents our planet.  This design is perfect for knitters who might be intimated by stranded colorwork or cables, all of the color changes on this hat are stripes.  
• Heterocycle Hat - This is a fun hat with colorwork molecules (specifically heterocyclic molecules) around the brim.  When I started designing my own molecule knitting charts I initially avoided molecules audreym used in this design.  The pattern is available as a free Ravelry download.  If you aren't comfortable with colorwork, you could always embroider a molecule with duplicate stitching to any basic knit (or crochet) hat.  
• Trilobite - Cables and bobbles create the outline of the trilobite fossil around the brim of a beanie hat.  The designer was living with a paleontologist when she realized that creating a trilobite in relief would be an awesome cable project.  
• Chromosome Cap - This is a hat after my own heart.  If you are new to cables this might be the hat for you.  This hat has chromosomes going around the edge.  If you are new to cables there are way fewer cable stitches than in my Cable GENEie hat.  (The wrap stitch might be a little complicated but I think it is well explained.)  This hat might be a better choice than the GENEie if you are attempting cables for the first time.  
• Central Dogma Hat (DNA - RNA - Protein - This colorwork hat designed by Melini Melini is stunning, especially when constructed with two colors.  I love that you can see the progression from the brim (DNA) to the crown (protein).  The hat calls for sport weight yarn to accommodate the complex colorwork design.  This pattern is available for free Ravelry download.  
• DNA Hat - Do you want a DNA hat with a DNA cable running around the brim?  Well then this hat is for you!  The cable is worked flat, grafted together and then stitches are picked up around one edge to complete the crown of the hat.  
• Earth in Space Hat - This is a simple crochet beanie but what makes it special is the amazing planet earth pompom on top of the hat.  The pattern contains instructions so you can make your own Earth pompom.  This is something that non-knitters should be able to do, too. You could add the pompom onto anything, a sewn hat, a crochet hat, or something that isn't even a hat at all. There are photos to illustrate how you should wind the colors onto the pompom maker.  I cannot wait to try this pompom myself!  
• Brain Waves Beanie (CROCHET!) - This hat isn't overtly science, but it is a very popular crochet hat that has bands of color in waves.  I don't think that someone looking at it would immediately know that it was a science hat, but it is beginner friendly.  Maybe you should add an Earth in Space pompom on top.  This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download.  
• Resistor Hat - This is another science knitting pattern designed specifically for the March for Science.  This hat is a lovely way to show your resistance (the pun title is indented.)  The designer is a microbiologist from Stanford university.  This is a perfect hat for many people, but especially those who are in the physical sciences.  
• Math Geek Hat - Pi = 3.14159265...  A colorwork chart to go around the brim of the hat.
• DNA Scarf by June Oshiro - This isn't a hat, but given that my popularity right now is based on DNA helix cables I wanted to give a shout out to this classic DNA scarf.  The DNA hat above uses the DNA chart from this pattern.  
• Binary - This is a scarf pattern filled with 0's and 1's.  While the design itself is of a scarf, I think that the 0's and 1's would look amazing on a hat for the march, too.  

If you are a beginner knitter (or crocheter) and want something simpler... knit any hat in a shade of green.   People are planning to express their love for science through their attire in a variety of ways.  Some people are tie dyeing lab coats, others are purchasing official March for Science attire.   Some people will wear the pink Pussyhats that are a symbol of resistance.  Many people will carry signs.  I plan to wear a hat (Boston can be pretty raw in the springtime) but if it is too warm then I will come up with something else. 

If April 22 is going to be too warm where you live to wear hats for the March for Science, you can still create hats to show that you are a Science Fan.  I guarantee that science lovers in your life will light up when they see one of these hats.  

GENEie - The Next Generations Hat and Headband - My head is 22" and "Rowdy's" head is 18.5"

I'm wearing the original GENEie (Colorwork version) and Rowdy is wearing GENEie - the Next Generations

The first 5 patterns of the  GENEie Collection designed by ChemKnits in support of the March for Science:
GENEie (Colorwork Version)
GENEie (Cable Version)
GENEie Next Generations Headband and Hat
GENEie Pussyhat

If you need any help with any of the GENEies, make sure you check out the following playlist:

I have no official affiliation with the March for Science. I am a Biochemistry PhD who knits and wants to share some designs that can be used to support the cause.  

GENEie Pussyhat Knitting Pattern

Update: The GENEie Hat Collection now has 5 different knitting patterns, including a Pussyhat and a headband for warmer climates.  

When your knitworthy best friend asks you to make her a DNA Pussyhat you design her a DNA Pussyhat!  I am pleased to share another addition to the GENEie Thinking Cap for Science Fans collection - The GENEie Pussyhat! I spliced the GENEie cable onto the square Pussyhat shape.   A bunch of knitters are already planning to knit these hats in green in support of both the Women's March and the March for Science, scheduled for Earth Day, April 22, 2017.

The GENEie Pussyhat has a DNA double helix cable running up the side of the front and then down the side of the back of the hat. The free knitting pattern for the GENEie Pussyhat is available below on this post.  You can download a PDF for the GENEie Pussyhat Knitting Pattern through Google Drive.

Materials

• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) double pointed needles (or circular needles long enough for magic loop.)  
• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn.  The sample was knit with hand dyed bare Wool of the Andes Yarn (66 g, 147 yards).  
• Gauge (unblocked): 20 sts/4", 28 rows/4" over stockinette
• Notions (optional): Stitch markers to note beginning of round, cable needle, tapestry needle. 
• Finished Sizes: Adult Large - 21" around, 8.5" deep
• Model Head Sizes: Rebecca - 22" head (normally wears a S/M hat), Keith - 23.5" head (normally wears a L hat)

After the Women's March in January 2017, all yarn stores are still out of pink yarns.  Since I had some Bare Wool of the Andes in my collection I decided to dye my own! A tutorial for the yarn dyeing process will be on the ChemKnits Tutorials YouTube channel by the end of February 2017.

Abbreviations Used in this Pattern - Updated with links to video tutorials!  I have a whole playlist of videos to help with the construction of the GENEie collection.  Make sure you check out an introduction to 1x1 cables if you want extra help with the GENEie DNA cable stitches.

• K – Knit
• P – Purl
• Sts – Stitches
• S1 – Slip one stitch purlwise
• K-tbl – Knit through the back loop
• CN – cable needle 
• M1 – Make One. Make a new stitch by picking up the yarn between two stitches, twisting it and knitting.
• C1-fkk -  S1 st on CN and hold in front.  K1, K1 from CN
• C2-bkk -  S1 st on CN and hold in back.   K1, K1 from CN
• C3-fpk -  S1 st on CN and hold in front.  P1, K1 from CN
• C4-bkp - S1 st on CN and hold in back.   K1, P1 from CN
• PM - Place Marker
• SM - Slip Marker

GENEie DNA Cable Knitting Chart - The chart for the GENEie Pussyhat is slightly different from the GENEie Hat (Cable Version).  The cables of the Pussyhat are on a background of stockinette versus reverse stockinette in the original cable version.

Chart Key

Knitting Instructions: GENEie Pussyhat

• Cast on 100 sts.  Place Marker (PM) and join to knit in the round.
• Knit 5 rounds of 2x2 ribbing (*K2, P2* around) 
• Cable Round 1: K10, M1, PM, Knit the 9 sts of Chart Row 1, PM, K1, M1, (K10, M1) 6 times, K2, PM, Knit the first 8 stitches of Chart Row 1, M1, PM, K10, M1. (110 sts)  
• Cable Round 2: K11, SM, Knit the 9 sts of Chart Row 2, SM, Knit until the next marker (70 sts), SM, Knit 9 sts of Chart Row 2, SM, K11. 
• Continue knitting while following the chart to create the DNA Helix Cables between the markers. Knit a total of 52 rounds or when the hat measures 8" from the cast on edge. (The sample worked chart rows 1-26 twice.) 
• Divide stitches in half and graft closed with the Kitchener stitch.  The first stitches you graft together will be the first and last stitch of the rounds.  (Alternatively, you can use a three needle bind off or bind off and stitch the top of the hat together if you want to avoid the Kitchener stitch.)   
• Weave in loose ends. Block if desired.  

Modification for a slightly smaller hat

If you would like to make the body of the hat slightly smaller, Cast on 100 sts, knit the ribbing but then skip the M1 stitches written in round 1 above.  All Cable Rounds will be as follows: K10, Knit 9 sts of Chart Row, K62 sts, Knit the 9 sts of Chart row, K10 (100 sts)

Line-by-line Written Instructions for the DNA Helix Knitting Chart - The DNA Cable Knitting chart on a stockinette background is 9 stitches wide and 26 rows long. The written instructions below are for the 9 stitches of the cable. The chart is read from the bottom up, right to left.   

Chart Key

1. K5, C2-bkk, K2
2. K4, C2-bkk, C1-fkk, K1
3. K3, C2-bkk, K2, K-tbl, K1
4. K2, C4-bkp, P3, C3-fpk
5. K1, C2-bkk, K5, K-tbl
6. K1, K-tbl, K6, K-tbl

7. C4-bkp, P6, K-tbl
8. K-tbl, K6, C2-bkk
9. K-tbl, K6, Ktbl, K1
10. K-tbl, P5, C2-bkk, K1
11. C1-fkk, K3, C2-bkk, K2
12. K1, K-tbl, K2, C2-bkk, K3
13. K1, C1-fkk, C2-bkk, K4
14. K2, C2-bkk, K5
15. K1, C2-bkk, C1-fkk, K4
16. K1, K-tbl, K2, C1-fkk, K3
17. C4-bkp, P3, C3-fpk, K2
18. K-tbl, K5, C1-fkk, K1
19. K-tbl, K6, K-tbl, K1
20. K-tbl, P6, C3-fpk
21. C1-fkk, K6, K-tbl
22. K1, K-tbl, K6, K-tbl


23. K1, C1-fkk, P5, K-tbl
24. K2, C1-fkk, K3, C2-bkk
25. K3, C1-fkk, K2, K-tbl, K1
26. K4, C1-fkk, C2-bkk, K1


The GENEie Pussyhat has a DNA double helix cable on a stockinette background.  If you would like to have the cable on a reverse stockinette background, check out the knitting charts from the original GENEie Cable Version.

The knit DNA double helix on a stockinette background (pink) and a reverse stockinette background (gray).

I believe in evidence based legislation.  This is one of the reasons why I will March for Science.  I believe that women's rights are human rights and that human rights are women's rights.  I believe in standing up and letting my voice be heard, and this is why I spliced my DNA cable knitting motif with the pussyhat shape to create the GENEie Pussyhat.

The GENEie Cable Version with the GENEie Pussyhat

Variations

For an all over cable pussyhat, start with the instructions for GENEie (Cable Version). Work charted rounds 1-27 and then rounds 2-27 until you've reached the desired length.  Graft the top together.  

To make a smaller hat, you can skip the stitch increases immediately after the ribbing portion or you can increase/reduce the total number of stitches between the two cable charts. Start with a multiple of 4 stitches to make the ribbing work out. 

A side view of the GENEie Pussyhat.  The DNA cable strand runs up the front of the hat and then down the back.  

 Pictures from knitting the GENEie Pussyhat 

Placement of the markers and the two cable sections.

The GENEie Pussyhat right before grafting the top together.  

The GENEie Pussyhat right before grafting the top together.

The GENEie DNA Hat Collection

Top: GENEie - The Next Generations Headband (top left) and Hat (top right).
Middle: GENEie Pussyhat.
Bottom: GENEie Colorwork version (bottom left) and Cable version (bottom right)

It has been a whirlwind creating 5 different GENEie hat samples in the last two weeks.  I was inspired to create these designs by YOU, my supporters.  I really appreciate that you enjoy my scientific perspective on knitting.  Are there any molecules you would like to see charted?  Let me know and I'll see what I can do!  

GENEie Pussyhat Knitting Pattern © 2017 ChemKnits & Rebecca Roush Brown.  This pattern is available for free via www.ChemKnits.com for your personal or charity use.  You are not to copy or distribute this pattern without the permission of the publisher, ChemKnits.

This post contains some KnitPicks affiliate links.  I became an affiliate in October 2018 after using KnitPicks yarns for many years.  All yarn selections and options are my own.