Leonardo Illusion

Leonardo Illusion Knitting Wall-Hanging by Steve Plummer

What Is Being Made

The Leonardo Illusion is a decorative knitting wall-hanging based on a red chalk self-portrait drawing by Leonardo da Vinci. Designed by Steve Plummer and Pat Ashforth, this illusion knitting project creates a portrait image through strategic color changes and stitch placement. The finished wall-hanging measures 48 cm in width (19 inches) and 70 cm in height (28 inches) without the border, making it a substantial decorative piece suitable for display on walls or incorporation into larger afghans.

Design Inspiration and Background

The illusion knitting pattern is based on a red chalk drawing attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. While historically referred to as a self-portrait, there is considerable scholarly dispute about the subject's identity, with evidence suggesting it may depict da Vinci's father or grandfather rather than the artist himself. This historical artwork provides the visual foundation for the knitted interpretation.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This project employs illusion knitting, a technique that creates recognizable images through the strategic use of two contrasting yarn colors. The image emerges through color changes worked into the knitted fabric, requiring careful attention to pattern placement and tension. The pattern works best when the knitting is executed tightly, which enhances the clarity of the illusion effect.

The technique is well-suited to wall-hangings where a tight gauge is desirable for structural integrity and visual definition. If the knitted panel is intended for use in an afghan or blanket, a slightly softer tension may be preferred for comfort and drape, though this may affect the sharpness of the portrait illusion.

Yarn and Materials

The Leonardo Illusion is designed for Double Knitting (DK) weight yarn. Two contrasting colors are essential for creating the illusion effect. Approximately 250 metres of each color yarn is required, with additional yardage needed for the border. The original wall-hanging was created using Copper and Parchment yarn colors, chosen specifically because they closely matched the warm and neutral tones of the original red chalk drawing.

While the pattern can be adapted to other yarn weights, changing the yarn weight will alter the overall finished size of the wall-hanging. DK weight is the specified yarn for achieving the intended dimensions.

Needles and Gauge Considerations

Needles should be selected one or more sizes smaller than typically recommended for the chosen yarn weight. This deliberate choice creates a tight, dense fabric that enhances the clarity and definition of the illusion knitting effect. The tighter gauge ensures that the color changes read clearly and the portrait image is as sharp and well-defined as possible.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty. While illusion knitting itself requires attention to detail and accurate color changes, the technique is accessible to knitters with solid foundational skills. Success depends on maintaining consistent tension, following the color-change pattern accurately, and understanding how the two-color technique creates the final image.