Does illusion knitting work in circles?

Yes, it does … but you can only see part of the illusion at any one time. Different parts of the illusion come into view as you walk round it.

These two cushions show two different illusions based on circles. Both are knitted with concentric circles in alternating colours. Only one colour is used on each ring, so you only use one yarn at a time.

The pink and cream cushion appears to have seven pink and seven cream sections curving out from the centre. The grey and beige cushion reveals wide concentric rings of each colour.

As with all illusion knits, the effect is seen best when the knitting is completely flat. On the cushion it gets slightly distorted at the edges. Some of the photos show what you see when you look straight down on the cushions.

The patterns include instructions for converting these into blankets. We think that the pink and cream version would make a pleasing baby blanket.

This pattern is not recommended for beginners although it is not difficult for anyone who is used to working in the round to create a flat circle.