"Shooting basketball [like knitting] is a skill you can develop.
It's repetition and confidence."

– Chris Mullin​

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Hello there fellow knitter!

This is The Yarnist. The daily newsletter that makes you love knitting the same way Tom Cruise loves rock climbing.

Here's what we've got for you today...

• Knitspiration: Unraveling the mystery of shadow knitting
• Stitchionary: An invisible short row
• Pattern Pick: This blanket will have you seeing double
• PLUS: The Shadow Knows, knitted Prince, and more

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Disclaimer: This newsletter may contain sponsored ads and affiliate links.
When you buy using them, you support our work here at The Yarnist, as we get a small commission.

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Knitspiration

👤 What is Shadow Knitting?

On the evening of September 26th, 1937 families gathered around the radio, eager for a new, thrilling dramatic series to premier.

The ominous music spread across the airwaves, and little boys everywhere held their breath.

A sinister voice began to speak a phrase that would soon become infamous:

"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men...?

​The SHADOW knows!"

Voiced by the iconic Orsen Wells, each week The Shadow would unravel mysteries, seeking justice from those who skirted the law.

But today, fellow knitter, it's the mystery of the shadow that we seek to untangle.

Shadow knitting that is.

What exactly is Shadow Knitting?

Shadow knitting (also called illusion knitting) is a colorwork technique which uses textured stripes to embed a hidden image in the fabric.

When the fabric is viewed straight on, it looks like simple stripes.

However, when viewed at an angle, the image (or message) becomes clear.

The effect is achieved by varying the height of specific stitches within a row.

Using a combination of garter stitch and stockinette, waves are created in each row pair.

Taller stitches block the view of the row behind, giving the *illusion* of a solid graphic.

A brief history of Shadow Knitting

The origins of shadow knitting are not well known.

Since the technique is relatively simple to execute, its possible knitters have been playing with the concept for many decades.

One of the earliest mentions is in a Nihon Vogue article from 1982.

However, it was probably Vivian Høxbro's book, Shadow Knitting (2004), which brought the idea to the knitting mainstream.

It was 5 years later that mathematicians Pat Ashforth and Steve Plummer stumbled upon the technique.

By 2010 they began showcasing their illusion knit portraits in art galleries across the UK. This is something they continue to do around the World today.

Since then shadow knitting has remained a bit of a fringe technique, but one ripe for further exploration.

All about those charts

The primary skill necessary to make a shadow knit piece is really the ability to read charts.

Since the effect is created by alternating between knits and purls, one only needs to look at a diagram to understand when to switch back and forth.

Each stripe is worked in a row pair, back and forth, so often shadow knitting charts will only show ONE row, even though you are knitting two.

This is done to both save space AND make it easier to see the image which is being created within the fabric.

Going Deeper

While Shadow knitting may not be complicated, a lot of research has been done on the science of how it works.

If you want to get into more of the technical details check out these resources:

​The World of Illusion Knitting​

This is the home of Pat Ashforth and Steve Plummer's work. While the site is a little outdated (actually a lot), it's easily the most comprehensive resource on the topic. Plus they have a bunch of patterns from their illusion knitting portrait collection.

​Designing Knitted Illusions​

This recent article by knitting researcher Amy Zhu dives into some of the scientific theory of how illusion knitting works. It also outlines some ongoing experiments she's doing to play with the technique.

​Summer Knitting Weekend • August 8th - 11th​

I'll be hosting a demonstration of Shadow Knitting during this 4-day event, so if you want to join us LIVE you can register HERE for FREE!​

Conclusion

Shadow knitting may have limited application when it comes to colorwork techniques, but it is also very unique.

It's potential use in garment design is highly underused, but it has proven itself to be respected in fine art circles.

But what do you think?

Have you done shadow knitting before? What did you make?

If not, are you more interested in trying?

Hit reply (or use the button below) and let us know about your experience!

Did You Know? The Yarnist Society is now open for EVERYONE! Jump in to discuss today's newsletter

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Announcements

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Daily Stitch

Shadow Wrap Short Row

This short row method isn't related to shadow knitting, but it's a great technique for sock shaping.

It involves making an increase which is later decreased, leaving an invisible turning point in the row.

If you're a sock knitting fan, this might become your favorite new way of shaping.

Learn This Technique

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Yarnist Insider Bonus

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Inside the Yarnist Society

LIVE Knitting Circle (July 31 @ 8PM EST) Join us for our weekly knit together! ​​RSVP HERE​​

Tip Tuesday: Duplicate Stitch This simple colorwork technique is a great way to personalize any project. Learn how HERE​

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Pattern Pick

Shadow Knit Circles Blanket by Caron

Add visual interest to your room with this captivating knit blanket featuring a 'shadow' or 'illusion' knitting technique.

The alternating stripes combine knit and purl stitches, creating an attractive circle motif that can only be seen when looked at from a certain angle.

Let the optical illusion of this cozy blanket be a conversation starter in your home.

Best of all, this pattern is FREE!

Get This Pattern

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Knits & Giggles

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Thanks for reading!

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Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs:

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Look at you reading all the way to the end!

Here's a bonus video with this incredible arial footage of sheep being herded. 🤯

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Narva Mnt 15, Tallinn, 10120