An Orchid

An Orchid Illusion Knitting Wall-Hanging

What Is Being Made

An Orchid is an illusion knitting wall-hanging designed by Steve Plummer and Pat Ashforth for Woolly Thoughts. This decorative piece creates a visual illusion based on a work by Russian artist Lodygin Sergey Pavlovich (1893–1961), a graphic designer and theatre designer known for his magazine illustrations and political artwork during the Russian Revolution era. The finished wall-hanging measures approximately 104 cm x 132 cm (41" x 52"), making it a substantial decorative textile suitable for display.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This project employs illusion knitting, a specialized technique that creates a hidden image or pattern visible only when the finished fabric is viewed from a specific angle or distance. The illusion effect is achieved through strategic color placement and stitch manipulation across the knitted surface. The designer notes that the effect works best when the fabric is worked fairly tightly, creating a structured, defined panel rather than a soft, drapey fabric. This approach ensures the visual illusion remains crisp and clearly visible.

The pattern accommodates flexibility in yarn weight—while DK weight is specified, any thickness of yarn can be substituted, though this will alter the overall dimensions of the finished wall-hanging. The project is rated as intermediate difficulty, indicating it requires solid foundational knitting skills and the ability to follow complex colorwork instructions.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The pattern utilizes two-color knitting throughout the design, with color changes creating the illusion effect. The work is constructed at a tension of approximately 5 stitches per 10 cm, which contributes to the tight, structured fabric necessary for the illusion to function visually. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size as needed to achieve the appropriate tension; the pattern recommends starting with size 3.25 mm needles but allows for adjustment based on individual gauge and desired fabric density.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The project requires 1100 metres (1200 yards) of DK weight yarn in each of two colors, plus additional yarn for borders. The designer used Stylecraft Special DK in two colorways: Emperor and Parma Violet, providing a sophisticated color combination that enhances the illusion effect. DK (double knitting) weight yarn is a medium-weight option that works well for wall-hangings, offering good stitch definition while remaining manageable for complex colorwork patterns.

Essential equipment includes 3.25 mm knitting needles (or adjusted size based on personal gauge), though the pattern allows for needle size modification to achieve the desired fabric characteristics. The designer specifically notes that tighter tension works better for wall-hangings, whereas a softer fabric would be appropriate if adapting the pattern into an afghan format.