Pluripotent Cowl is inspired by pluripotent stem cells, which are biological master cells capable of dividing indefinitely and differentiating into almost any cell type in the human body. The nupps look like these cells.

Rows of nupps sit in twisted-stitch ribbing at both edges. In the body, cables split and rejoin around a central nupp, much like a cell dividing. The cowl is knit flat in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport, then seamed with mattress stitch.

This design is part of the STEM issue of Knotions, our celebration of wearable STEM: knits and crochet inspired by science, technology, engineering, and math. Pluripotent brings cell biology to your neckline.

The pattern includes charts and full written instructions for every section. It also has a written nupp tutorial and video links for the cable cast on, the nupp rows, and binding off in pattern.