HKP98 – Butterfly Illusion Dishcloth [Sample]

Skill Level: Beginner
Sizes: one
Finished Measurements: approximately 10" wide X 11" high (25 cm wide X 28 cm high)
Yarn: 100% Cotton in worsted weight Sample made with 2 strands of Perle from Tamm 100% Mercerized Cotton - 735 yard (672 m) / 6.7 oz (190 g) cone
Amount: 2 oz (50 g) of each color
Color A: light blue
Color B: hot pink
Needles: 7 US (4.5 mm)
Stitch Gauge: 18 stitches per 4" (10 cm) in Stst no need to make gauge swatch
Extras: none

Notes
Illusion knitting is also called, magic stripes and shadow knitting. It consists of 2 row stripes in 2 colors using a combination of knit and purl stitches. Because of how the knit and purl stitches are arranged, a design motif appears when the fabric is held at an angle. Straight on it will look like a simple stripe design.

It's best to choose 2 simple yarns that are not novelty. Contrasting colors work best. For example a bright pink & red are not good choices, but red and a baby pink will work.

For the best dishcloths, choose 100% cotton. The better quality of cotton used, the longer the dishcloth will last and remain in good shape. These dishcloths can also be washcloths, golf towels, or some use it to wash cars.

There are 2 sets of instructions. Only follow 1. The first set of instructions is from a graph. The second set have each row written out.

This sample was made using 2 strands of yarn as if they are 1 yarn. This is the same for each color.

Graph Instructions
The below graph is the right side of the dishcloth. Row 1 and all even rows are RS rows. Row 2 and all odd rows are WS rows. All RS (even) rows will be knit stitches. The WS (odd) rows will be a combination of knit and purl stitches. The illusion is create on the WS rows.

Read WS rows left to right on the graph. This design is symmetrical, so it's okay if you read it right to left, but it's a good habit to learn to read WS rows on a graph left to right for when the design is not symmetrical.

CO 45 st in Color A. Begin at the bottom of the graph with row 1. The bottom stripe without a row number represents the CO edge.