Koru (Spiral) Illusion Cloth by Kate Strikker

Koru (Spiral) Illusion Cloth

Knitting
May 2014
DK (11 wpi) ?
20 stitches = 4 inches
in Garter Stitch
US 6 - 4.0 mm
100 - 150 yards (91 - 137 m)
25 x 28cm (10 x 11”)
English
This pattern is available for AU$2.50 AUD buy it now

DK or worsted cotton yarn:
MC (blue) – 50m (55yds)
CC (green) – 45m (50yds)
Gauge: 20sts/10cm(4”) – use whatever gauge makes a nice solid fabric with your yarn – you don’t want it too loose or the illusion won’t be as effective.

When viewed from the bottom or top edges, the garter ridges form the image of the koru (spiral), while when viewed straight-on only the coloured stripes are visible – thus the illusion is formed. This pattern was created in a class in Illusion Knitting held at the Unwind retreat, Dunedin, NZ, in March 2014. The koru (the Maori word for “loop”) is an integral part of Maori art, depicting the unfurling of a new silver fern frond and symbolising strength, peace, growth and new life.

I find knitting images much simpler when working from a chart, however I’ve included written instructions for those who’d prefer them. The chart – and thus the written instructions – is divided into sections of 10st by markers, which make it easy to keep track of where you’re up to.