This is a downloadable pattern. You will get an instant download following payment.

There are two download files. One with the instructions, written directions and chart in A4 size. The second download is just the charts in A3 size for those who want to print out or view on a tablet.

The Design

’Phoenix Rises’

Ever since I started playing with shadow knitting designs, there were two designs I always wanted to do. One being a phoenix, the other being a dragon.

So here’s the phoenix!

How we picked the colours for the knit?

For the colours for the original knit, well I cannot take all the credit for that one. Whilst in Bendigo for the Wool and Sheep show, we caught up with Max, from Maximoo yarns. I showed him the pattern concept and asked him if he would consider doing the feature yarn for us. He agreed and asked what colour we wanted. I just said I wanted the Max and would be happy with what ever colour he came up with… I was not disappointed, wow.

 With 8ply yarn, the finished measurements of the piece being approximately 2m along the longest side and 80cm from the point tip the top, or course this will be dependant on your tension.

Techniques

This pattern involves:

Knit, Purl, simple increases and decreases, yarn overs and cast on and cast off.

You will be working with two colours, you knit with one colour for two rows, then the other colour for two and repeat. I do nothing special when I change over the yarns, I am just consistent and carry the yarn up the side and crossing the yarns in the same way.

 Yarn

I used an 8ply yarn, I tend to for my shawls as I love the feel.  You can use a 4ply yarn. The size will be smaller. 

The choice is yours, obviously gauge of yarn will alter the finished size, as long as the two colours are the same gauge. You can use what ever you want, acrylic, wool, blend or cotton. It depends on what you want to use the final product for.

Shadow knitting depends on height difference, therefore I would not recommend lace weighted yarn for these projects.

Materials

1) Knitting needles!!!!

Yes that is it again, apart from some scissors. I used a circular knitting needle so you do not have to support the weight when your project gets bigger.

Needle size. It is perfectly ok in this pattern to use 3.5mm, 3.75mm or 4mm, If using 8ply. I tend to go smaller and get a nice tight crisp knit. 4mm will give a looser feel. Depends on your preference.

If you have a 1 or 1.2 meter circular will be perfect.