Trompe L'Oeil knitting patterns that fool the eye. Many of the patterns are free.
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
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.
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.
Tumbling Blocks Afghan Throw
This blanket design gives the illusion of 3 dimensional cubes. Variations listed at Ravelry for fewer colors or larger blocks.
More Free Patterns
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.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Lily® Sugar ‘N Cream yarn at Michaels
Harry Potter Dark Mark Illusion Scarf
Skull motif inspired by Harry Potter series and designed by Lindsay Henricks is only visible from certain angles. Pictured project by Golubka
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See more Skull Motif Knitting Patterns
- Get Harry Potter collectibles, clothing, and more
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
A New Angle
3D illustion for an afghan blanket or wall hanging.
Get the knitting pattern at Etsy
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.
Optical Illusion Afghan Graph Chart
I can’t find a picture of the finished afghan but it looks like it would be spectacular. The designer states that the actual graph size is 150x200. If you would prefer different stitch/row dimensions, let the designer know.
