Product Description
Despite what your eyes may tell you, there are no curves here.
Wheels Within Wheels is a tessellation of pentagons with all sides equal. There are very few 5-sided shapes that can be fitted together to cover the surface without leaving gaps. This is one of them.
The afghan shown in the first photo consists of 90 identical pieces which are stitched together. The stitching is very easy because they are all in garter stitch and the edges are easy to match together. The afghan will lie flat without any blocking.
The instructions include some short cut ways to make some of the pieces, to reduce the amount of stitching.
These particular pentagons fit together in a very limited number of ways. One of the pictures shows variations you could make and the pattern tells you how to go about making those variations.
Any thickness of yarn can be used.
Wheels Within Wheels Afghan by Woolly Thoughts
Project Overview
Wheels Within Wheels is an optical illusion afghan designed by Pat Ashforth and Steve Plummer of Woolly Thoughts. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a pentagon tessellation blanket that appears to contain curves and circular elements, yet is constructed entirely from straight lines and geometric shapes. The original design measures approximately 126 cm (49 inches) in diameter, though crafters can customize the finished size according to their preferences.
Design Concept and Mathematics
The afghan is based on pentagon tessellations, exploring the mathematical properties of five-sided shapes. The pattern incorporates semi-regular pentagons that fit together seamlessly, creating patterns known as Cairo tessellations, which are commonly found in Islamic tiling traditions. Unlike regular pentagons, which leave gaps when arranged together, the semi-regular pentagons used in this design tessellate perfectly to cover a surface without interruption, making them ideal for creating a cohesive blanket design.
Knitting Techniques and Construction
This beginner-friendly knitting project uses straightforward techniques to build the geometric tessellation pattern. The original Wheels Within Wheels afghan was created using Double Knitting yarn, though the pattern is adaptable to any yarn weight. The geometric construction method allows crafters to work through the pentagon shapes systematically, building the optical illusion effect through careful color placement and stitch arrangement rather than complex stitch techniques.
Yarn and Materials
The pattern is designed to work with Double Knitting yarn, a medium-weight option that provides good stitch definition for displaying the geometric patterns. However, the flexible pattern design accommodates alternative yarn weights. For those interested in creating a floor rug version of the design, heavier yarn weights are recommended to produce a more durable, substantial finished piece suitable for floor use.
Finished Project Possibilities
- Blanket or throw in the traditional 126 cm (49 inch) diameter size
- Customized afghan in any desired finished dimensions
- Floor rug variation using heavier yarn for increased durability
Skill Level
Rated as a beginner project, Wheels Within Wheels is accessible to knitters new to geometric and tessellation-based designs. The pattern does not require advanced stitch techniques, making it an excellent introduction to mathematical pattern work in knitting.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | Woolly Thoughts |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
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