This Thistle Illusion is one of four national emblem cushions I originally designed for the Woolsack project as part of the Cultural Olympiad for London2012. The others are:

• England - Rose
• Wales - Daffodil
• Ireland - Shamrock

It was intended to be used on a cushion but would work equally well as a wall-hanging, front of a sweater or as part of an afghan.

The cushions in the photos were made from DK yarns and are approximately 40 cm (16”) square. You can use any thickness of yarn but a different yarn might change the overall size.

When you look straight at an illusion knit you see only stripes. The picture appears when you look from an angle.

September 2013 Update
The pattern now includes an extra chart intended for tablet users but others may find it helpful. You can view 20 ridges at a time and always be able to see the numbers across the bottom of the chart. Never lose your place again!

January 2015
The four emblems are now available as an ebook.