The Genome Cowl is available on Payhip here

Originally published in Knotions Magazine November 2025 STEM Issue, the Genome Cowl is now available as a self-published pattern.

The Genome Cowl was inspired by my interest in genome sequencing. This is a laboratory technique that determines the order of an organism’s DNA or RNA bases. This information can be used to identify diseases, the best treatment for a disease, pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses, how disease-causing microbes move through a population, or genetic conditions in a fetus. The Genome Cowl color work pattern represents a DNA data chart to view the information.

I designed the Genome Cowl to be multi-functional. Wear it as a cowl to keep your neck warm on those cold windy days or pull the I-cord to cinch up the top and wear as a slouchy hat!

Yarn
Miss Babs Yowza Mini (100% superwash merino wool; 200 yds 182 m/80 g): Color Dusk (CC1), 1 skein, Color Adobe (CC2), 1 skein, Color Frog Belly (CC3).

Needle
Size US 6 (4.0mm) needles, 16” (41 cm) circulars
Size US 5 (3.75mm) needles, 16” (41 cm) circulars or needles one size smaller than gauge needle size
2 US size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles or needles one size smaller than gauge needle size
Or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge
22 sts and 44 rnds = 4” (10cm) in color work patt after blocking

Size
22” 56 cm circumference
13.5” 34 cm depth

Notions
Tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins.