Medieval Mysterious Motif — 32×32 Two-Color Panel

A geometric, slightly arcane-looking medieval-inspired motif designed as a single 32 stitches by 32 rows two-color chart. Suitable for stranded (Fair Isle) knitting or tapestry crochet. Color A is the background (lighter); Color B is the motif (darker). The chart is exact-size: 32 stitches wide by 32 rows high.

Materials

Yarn: DK weight (recommended). Example specification: approx 225 yards / 206 metres per 100 g. Two colors: Color A (background) and Color B (motif). For one 32×32 panel allow about 25–50 yards (23–45 m) of each color (estimate depends on yarn and tension). If making multiple repeats (scarf, blanket), multiply accordingly.
Needles (knitting): US 6 – UK (old) 8 – 4.0 mm (recommended). Use a needle to obtain good stranded tension; you may go down one size if you want denser colorwork.
Optional crochet hook for tapestry crochet: US size 6 (G) / 4.0 mm (use a hook matching yarn gauge if you choose crochet).
Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn for provisional cast-on (optional), blocking tools.

Gauge (tension)

Stranded gauge (approx): 22 stitches x 30 rows = 4” x 4” / 10 cm x 10 cm on US 6 (4.0 mm) with DK. Your gauge may vary with colorwork technique; make a small stranded swatch and block it before finalizing needle size.

Abbreviations

k = knit
p = purl
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
COL A = Color A (background)
COL B = Color B (motif)

Chart (definition)

This design is defined for a 32-stitch by 32-row grid. Instead of printing 32 lines of characters, use this exact placement rule to generate the chart and to follow it stitch-for-stitch:

Chart rule (32 x 32):
For row r (1 to 32) and column c (1 to 32), place COL B (motif) if any of the following are true:
  - c == r (main diagonal),
  - c == 33 - r (anti-diagonal),
  - c == 16 or c == 17 (central vertical band),
  - r == 16 or r == 17 (central horizontal band).
Else place COL A (background).

This produces a symmetric, medieval-style emblem: intersecting diagonals and a bold central band forming a square/eye-like motif.

Notes: If you prefer a visual printable chart, render a 32×32 grid and mark cells as B where the rule is true, A otherwise. If you knit flat, read RS rows right-to-left, WS rows left-to-right; for color charts you may prefer to chart every row as worked (no mirroring) and keep the same orientation convention throughout.

How to make one 32x32 knitted panel (knitting, flat)

Cast on 32 stitches in COL A using your preferred cast-on.
Work rows 1–32 following the chart rule above. On RS rows, work from right to left; on WS rows, from left to right. Maintain background as COL A unless the chart rule says COL B for that stitch.
When carrying the unused color across the back, catch floats every 4–5 stitches if floats are long. Aim for even tension: allow a little extra yarn in the floats so the fabric does not pucker.
After completing row 32, bind off in pattern (knit the knit stitches, purl the purl stitches if you want a tidy edge) or use an elastic bind-off if the panel will be joined to other pieces.
Block gently to open the colorwork and square the panel. Steam or wet-block according to yarn instructions.

How to make one 32x32 knitted panel (in the round)

Cast on 32 stitches and join for working in the round, placing a marker for start.
Work the chart in the round: treat every chart row as a right-side row and work each row from right-to-left continuously. Use stranded technique, carrying floats on the wrong side of the fabric (inside tube) with the same tension considerations.
Finish by binding off and opening the tube if you want a flat panel, or leave tubular for a cowl or sleeve.

Tension and color dominance

If you want the motif outlines crisp, make the color for the outlining strokes the dominant color (i.e., carry it on top when stranded floats cross). Experiment on a swatch to see which look you prefer: some knitters float the background over the motif on marginal stitches to make the motif read sharper.
Keep floats loose enough to allow fabric stretch. Anchor any float longer than 6 stitches by twisting the yarns around each other on the wrong side.

Finishing

Weave in ends on the WS using a tapestry needle. Block flat to measurements.
If joining multiple motifs: use mattress stitch for invisible joins, matching COL A edges first so joins disappear into the background.

Scaling and repeats

To create a larger project (blanket, wide scarf), cast on multiples of 32 to repeat the motif horizontally. Vertically, repeat the full 32-row chart as many times as needed. For a chessboard-like alternating layout, rotate the chart 90° for adjacent panels to give a woven medieval tapestry effect.

Alternative: Tapestry crochet

Tapestry crochet: work in single crochet or Tunisian technique using a 4.0 mm hook (or one that matches gauge). Carry the unused color along the top of the previous row, weaving over it to trap floats. Follow the same 32×32 rule grid; each cell = 1 sc (or 1 tunisian stitch).

Troubleshooting

Too tight fabric: switch to a larger needle or loosen floats.
Motif puckers: block more aggressively or try alternating needle size to even gauge; ensure floats are not too tight.
Colors muddy: choose higher-contrast colors for clearer medieval graphic effect (e.g., deep oak green vs. parchment, or deep navy vs. cream).

Pattern provided for personal use. For questions or support contact: team@verde.uk. More patterns and community: https://purljam.verde.uk. Social: #purljam

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