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An optical illusion using illusion knit techniques.

When you look straight at the afghan you see stripes in squares and zigzags. When you look at it from other angles you start to see steps and cubes, sometimes with light tops and sometimes with dark.

Step Up can be made to any size you want, using any yarn. The one shown in the photos was made in DK yarn and measures about 86 cm by 96 cm (34 inches by 38 inches).

There are never more than 20 stitches on the needles at any time but, because the sections are small, the work has to be turned often. Most of the joining is done as you go but there are a few small seams left to be stitched. You also need to be familiar with 3-needle bind off. There are a lot of ends to be darned in.

The instructions begin by leading you stage-by-stage. Once you have learned the method, you can decide for yourself which direction to work and how big to make the afghan.

Although this design is very simple to make it is not recommended for beginners.