Trompe L'Oeil knitting patterns that fool the eye. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 5/2/2022
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
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Free Patterns
Flying Dutchman Socks
Striped sock inspired by the ghostly ship cursed to wander the seas forever without rest. The pattern motif is hidden in the stripes of the sock, but if you look closely, you can see it – the faint, ghostly apparition of a ship on the waves. Designed by Caoua Coffee. Pictured project by TanteEmm
Shadowbox Blanket
Fascinating, mitered squares blanket with a cool, 3D effect that gives dimension and visual intrigue no matter where it's displayed. Designed by Nicole Winer. Worsted weight yarn.
Isosceles Sweater
In this pullover tunic sweater, the stranded triangles begin dominantly black and transition like magic to white. To further the triangular motif, textured triangles are scattered across the upper part of body and sleeves. Sizes XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X). Designed by Amy Gunderson for Knitty. DK weight yarn.
Stack Up Blocks Blanket
Afghan knit in a tumbling blocks stitch pattern that gives a 3-dimensional look in only knit and purl stitches. Written instructions or chart. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Bernat for Joanns.
More Free Patterns
Schiaparelli Bowknot Sweater
This modern pullover is a re-creation of designer Elsa Schiaparelli’s famous trompe l’oile Bowknot Sweater from her November 1927 collection. Designed by Lisa Stockebrand. Fingering weight yarn. Pictured project by lafemmekatinka who used intarsia for the bow.
Stegner Cabled Sweater
This long-sleeved pullover features a cool faux layering double sleeve detail - the long sleeve is knit in a contrast colour and sewn into the cap sleeve. There are so many gorgeous details in this sweater including cable running down the back and a moss stitch diamond design on the upper sleeve. Sizes 36.5/40/45.25/50/55.25" finished bust. Designed by Stephanie Earp. Worsted weight yarn.
Optical Illusion Cloth
Inspired by the traditional Tumbling Blocks quilt pattern, this pattern creates a cloth or potholder that looks like a 3D cube. Designed by Barbara Breiter. Pictured project by Imara. Gauge is very important to make sure the paralleograms create the right shape.
Tumbling Blocks Afghan Throw
This blanket design gives the illusion of 3 dimensional cubes. Variations listed at Ravelry for fewer colors or larger blocks.
Shadow Magic Pillow
This cushion cover is created from mitered magic squares with their own shadow so that the colors seem to float above the surface. Designed by Frankie Brown. Less than 10g of each of the bright colors is used to knit a cushion so this is a good project for using up small amounts of yarn.
Patterns for Purchase
Sailor and First Mate Sweaters
Sailor sweaters for adults and babies with a trompe l'oeil bow knit into the frontand classic naval stars and stripes on the back. Adult sizes Small (32-34” bust) Medium (34-36” bust), and Large (36-38” bust). Baby/Toddler sizes 18 mos, 2T, 3T, 4T. Designed by Kate Bellando
Balanced Symmetry Blanket
Stunning modern geometric design looks like diamonds or squares depending on what angle you look at it. Quick knit in chunky yarn. Size 48” x 68” approximately. Designed by MaDonna Marie
A New Angle
3D illustion for an afghan blanket or wall hanging.
Fibo-optic Afghan / Wall Hanging
Fibo-optic uses the Fibonacci Sequence in two directions, in each of the three dimensions, to give the illusion of a large flying cube.
This design by woollythoughts is nowhere near as complicated to make as you may think. If you can knit garter stitch, you can do it.
Step Up
Optical illusion blanket knit with illusion knitting. There are never more than 20 stitches on the needles at any time. Most of the joining is done as you go but there are a few small seams left to be stitched.
