llusion Techniques & Samples
llusion Square to Eternity
Illusion knitting samples designed by Steve Plummer & Pat Ashforth
Illusion Square to Eternity
Square to Eternity has always been one of our favourite designs. For this pattern we have created two illusion versions of the design, to demonstrate different effects you can get by using the same two yarns. Version 1 shows dark grey squares on a light grey background; Version 2 shows dark grey on mid-grey. Both use only Light and Dark yarns. You could use the squares as afghan blocks, to create interesting colour variations. You could also use them for cushions but might want to add a border to make them bigger.
Yarn
Use any thickness of smooth(ish) yarn. The illusion will still show however thick or thin the yarn. It may not show if you use a textured, or variegated, yarn. You do not have to use grey. Other colours will give equally obvious differences in the shading. Your choice of yarn could affect the overall size of the squares. The squares in the photos were made in DK yarn and used about 80 metres (90 yards) in each of the two colours, for each square. You will need extra for any borders.
Needles
The effect works best if the work is fairly tight. Try needles one size smaller than recommended for your chosen yarn.
Size and tension
These will vary according to the yarn you choose. Using DK yarn each square will be approximately 33 cm (13") square. The light/dark square will be slightly larger than the light/mid square but they will stretch to the same size if they are joined together.
Using the charts
There are 63 ridges (not rows!). Ridges and stitches are marked, with red lines, in groups of ten so that you can keep your place on the chart. Use markers on your needle to correspond. There are three colours on the chart but you are only using two colours of yarn. White on the chart always represents purl stitches. You could be using either colour of yarn to work these stitches. The working colour is determined by the colour of the current ridge. All other coloured stitches are knit stitches. Use Light to knit the light grey stitches; use Dark to knit the dark grey stitches. You always work two rows (one ridge) of Light followed by two rows (one ridge) of Dark. The sequence of working a square is: Using Light, knit · Using Light, follow the chart Using Dark, knit Using Dark, follow the chart Each time you complete a sequence of four rows you have added two ridges.
Special note
The right side of the work is always knit. The chart is only needed for wrong-side rows. When you look at the chart you are seeing the right side and need to work from left to right for wrong side rows. (In this pattern the designs are symmetrical so you would get the same result working in either direction.)
Note about other patterns
Our more complex patterns often have several pages of charts. They are given in various formats so you can choose which to use on paper, on your screen, or on a tablet or phone.
Illusion Square to Eternity - Version 1
Every stripe on the chart represents two rows of knitting. Every right side row is knit. You only need the chart for the wrong side rows. Using Light cast on 64 stitches. Ridge 1 (Light): Row 1: The cast on row counts as the first row of the first ridge. Row 2: Follow the chart. Knit the coloured stitches and purl the white stitches. (The chart shows k31, p2, k31) Ridge 2 (Dark): Row l:Knit. Row 2: Follow the chart. Knit the coloured stitches and purl the white stitches. (The chart shows p31, k2, p31) Ridge 3 (Light): Row 1:Knit. Row 2: Follow the chart. Knit the coloured stitches and purl the white stitches. (The chart shows k29, p6, k29) Ridge 4 (Dark): Row l: Knit. Row 2: Follow the chart. Knit the coloured stitches and purl the white stitches. (The chart shows p29, k6, p29) Ridge 5 (Light): Row l: Knit. Row 2: Follow the chart. Knit the coloured stitches and purl the white stitches. (The chart shows k27, p10, k27) Ridge 6 (Dark): Row 1:Knit. Row 2: Follow the chart. Knit the coloured stitches and purl the white stitches. (The chart shows p27, k10, p27) ontinue in this way, following the chart. Cast off loosely on the second row of the last ridg
To neaten the edges
With right side of work facing, pick up one stitch from the end of each ridge, along one side. Cast off on the next row. Complete the other side to match. You can add wider garter stitch borders, if you wish. From directly in front the two squares look the same.
Illusion Square to Eternity - Version 2
Every stripe on the chart represents two rows of knitting. Every right side row is knit. You only need the chart for the wrong side rows. Using Light cast on 64 stitches. Ridge 1 (Light): Row 1: The cast on row counts as the first row of the first ridge. Row 2: Follow the chart. Knit the coloured stitches and purl the white stitches. (The chart shows k31, p2, k31) Ridge 2 (Dark) and all even numbered ridges: Knit both rows. Ridge 3 (Light): Row l:Knit. Row 2: Follow the chart. Knit the coloured stitches and purl the white stitches. (The chart shows k29, p6, k29) Ridge 5 (Light): Row 1: Knit. Row 2: Follow the chart. Knit the coloured stitches and purl the white stitches. (The chart shows k27, p10, k27) Continue in this way, following the chart. Cast off loosely on the second row of the last ridge.
To neaten the edges
With right side of work facing, pick up one stitch from the end of each ridge, along one side. Cast off on the next row. Complete the other side to match. You can add wider garter stitch borders, if you wish. OSteve Plummer & Pat Ashforth 2015 Woolly Thoughts 166 Keighley Road, Colne, Lancashire, BB8 OPJ, England
