Product Description
Shadow knitting is colourful and fun. From above you see stripes but viewed from an angle a cool cat appears.
This technique is well suited to a beginner knitter.
Instructions are both charted and written.
Techniques used: Knit, purl, two-row stripes, cast on, bind off, weaving in ends.
Finished size: Approximately 24 x 24 cm / 9.5 x 9.5 inches.
I have made a dishcloth but this square could also form part of a blanket project.
Yarn: Drops Paris 75 m/50 g (82 yds/1.7 oz); one skein in Vanilla (35) (Yarn A) and one skein in Dark Turquoise (10) (Yarn B).
Needles/Notions: 4 mm (US 6) needles at least 25 cm/10” in length. Tapestry needle
Gauge: 21 sts and 36 rows to 10 cm (4 inches), measured in background pattern stitch after blocking. Gauge is not crucial for this project.
This pattern has been tech edited by sproutsnknits and test knitted by Terry Moncion, Phyllis Sharp, Vickie Farrall and my dedicated group of test knitters. I am most grateful.
Whale Tail Design Square by Laura Whittington
What is Being Made
The Whale Tail Design Square is a knitted dishcloth measuring approximately 24 x 24 cm (9.5 x 9.5 inches). This project introduces crafters to illusion knitting, also known as shadow knitting, a technique that creates hidden images visible only when the fabric is held at certain angles or against light. The whale tail design emerges through strategic color changes and stitch manipulation, making this a visually engaging and functional kitchen textile.
Craft and Technique
This is a knitting project designed for beginner level crafters. The pattern introduces the illusion knitting technique, a specialized method where two contrasting colors work together to create a hidden design. In illusion knitting, the image becomes apparent through the interplay of light and shadow created by the color changes and the direction of stitches, revealing the whale tail motif when viewed from specific angles. This technique is an excellent introduction to color work and stitch manipulation without requiring complex colorwork skills like stranded knitting.
Stitches Used
- Knit stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the background pattern
- Purl stitch: Used strategically in the background pattern to create texture and contribute to the illusion effect
The background pattern stitch repeats over 4 rows, alternating between knit rows in Yarn A, knit and purl rows in Yarn B, creating the foundation for the shadow knitting effect.
Materials
Yarn: Drops Paris in aran weight (75 m/50 g or 82 yds/1.7 oz per skein). One skein each of Vanilla (35) for Yarn A and Dark Turquoise (10) for Yarn B provides sufficient yardage to complete the project.
Needles and Notions: 4 mm (US 6) needles at least 25 cm/10 inches in length suitable for working flat. A needle size smaller than the standard recommendation for aran weight yarn is specified as optimal for this pattern. A tapestry needle is required for finishing and weaving in ends.
Gauge
The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm (4 inches), measured in the background pattern stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the illusion effect to display correctly and for the finished dishcloth to reach the intended dimensions.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran |
| Pages: | 6 |
| Designer: | Laura Whittington |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience.