Water Molecule: Free Crochet Pattern (Hâ‚‚O Science Plushie)

Quick Snapshot

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Time: 2 hours
• Yarn: Worsted weight in red (oxygen), white (hydrogen), and gray (bonds)

A science teacher friend will absolutely love this. The water molecule (H₂O) plushie features one red oxygen atom, two white hydrogen atoms, and gray covalent bonds connecting them at the correct 104.5° angle.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn: Red (80 yds for oxygen), White (40 yds for hydrogen × 2), Gray (20 yds for bonds)
• Size G/4.0mm crochet hook
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing
• Pipe cleaners (for bond armature, optional)
• Yarn needle, scissors

Step-by-Step

Oxygen Atom (Make 1)

1. With red: Magic ring, 6 sc. (6 sts)
2. Increase by 6 sts per round to 36 sts (larger than hydrogen—oxygen has more mass).
3. Work even for 8 rounds.
4. Decrease by 6 sts per round to 12 sts. Stuff firmly. Close.

Hydrogen Atoms (Make 2)

5. With white: Magic ring, 6 sc.
6. Increase by 6 sts per round to 24 sts (smaller sphere).
7. Work even for 5 rounds.
8. Decrease by 6 sts per round to 12 sts. Stuff firmly. Close.

Covalent Bonds (Make 2)

9. With gray: Ch 15.
10. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch and across. (14 sts)
11. Rows 2–4: Ch 1, turn. Sc across.
12. Fold strip lengthwise and seam to form a tube. Insert a pipe cleaner for structure.
13. Repeat for the second bond.

Assembly

14. Sew one end of each bond to the oxygen atom. Position them to form an approximately 104.5° angle—the actual Hâ‚‚O bond angle.
15. Sew a hydrogen atom to the free end of each bond.
16. For a labeled version: embroider “O” on the red atom and “H” on each white atom using black embroidery floss.

Bonus: Complete Chemistry Set

Use the same approach to make other molecules:

• COâ‚‚ (black carbon + 2 red oxygens, linear 180°)
• NaCl (green sodium + purple chlorine, ionic bond)
• CHâ‚„ (black carbon + 4 white hydrogens, tetrahedral)

This set makes an incredible STEM classroom display. Students can physically hold and manipulate the molecules while learning about bonding angles.

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