How To Do Entrelac Knitting

When I first stumbled upon this entrelac knitting pattern, I was immediately captivated by its beautiful interwoven squares. The design is truly remarkable, and I’m excited to make it myself. Join me in learning how to knit this beautiful entrelac pattern with detailed written instructions. The best part is that it comes with well-explained video tutorials.

What Is Entrelac Knitting Pattern

Entrelac knitting is a technique for creating a textured, woven look in knitted fabric. This method involves knitting small interconnected squares or diamonds in a way that resembles a basket weave. The result is a fabric that looks as though it has been woven rather than knitted.

Although it may seem difficult at first, many knitters find it to be a rewarding and enjoyable technique once they get the hang of it. The end result is a beautiful, textured fabric that is well worth the effort. With determination and practice, beginners can certainly learn to knit entrelac patterns successfully.

Key Features of Entrelac Knitting

Textured and Patterned

Entrelac knitting creates a fabric with a rich, multi-layered texture, characterized by its captivating and visually appealing patterns. The interwoven squares or diamonds form a distinctive design that stands out.

Modular Construction

This technique involves knitting individual blocks in tiers. It typically starts with a foundational row of triangles, followed by subsequent tiers of squares or rectangles. Each tier is built upon the previous one, adding depth and complexity to the fabric.

Directional Knitting

In entrelac knitting, each block or diamond is knitted in different directions. This approach results in a fabric with a unique and eye-catching appearance, as the varied orientations of the blocks create a dynamic visual effect.

Colorwork

Entrelac pattern is often done with multiple colors to enhance the woven effect, adding richness and depth to the overall design. However, it can also be beautifully executed in a single color, allowing the texture and pattern to take center stage.

Common Uses:

Entrelac knitting is versatile and can be used to create a variety of projects, each benefiting from its unique textured and woven appearance. Common uses of entrelac knitting patterns include:

• Blankets
• Scarves
• Bags
• Sweaters
• Pillows
• Dishcloths

How To Knit Entrelac Pattern (Written Instruction With Video Tutorial)

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful entrelac knitted piece with the comprehensive guidance provided by Beth Moriarty’s videos on Purl Planet.

To master entrelac knitting, you need to be proficient in several essential stitches and techniques. Key skills include cast on (CO), knit (k), purl (p), and picking up stitches.

You should also know how to increase with knit front and back (Kfb), purl front and back (Pfb), and decrease with slip slip knit (ssk) and purl two together (p2tog) for shaping.

Turning your work and working short rows are crucial for creating the triangular and rectangular blocks that define entrelac patterns.

Finally, binding off completes your project. Practicing these techniques will help you create the intricate, woven-like texture characteristic of entrelac knitting.

1. Casting On and Base Triangles

Cast On:

• Start by casting on a multiple of stitches that will match the width of your desired piece. In this example, we will be creating 6 base triangles, each 5 stitches wide. Therefore, cast on a total of 30 stitches onto your knitting needle.

Base Triangles:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Knit 2 stitches, turn.
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl 1 stitch, slip the last stitch, turn.
• Row 3: Knit 3 stitches, turn.
• Row 4: Purl 2 stitches, slip the last stitch, turn.
• Row 5: Knit 4 stitches, turn.
• Row 6: Purl 3 stitches, slip the last stitch, turn.
• Row 7: Knit 5 stitches.
• Continue this process until you have completed all base triangles. Each subsequent triangle starts by knitting the next set of stitches, increasing by one stitch each row, and slipping the last stitch until the triangle is complete.
• Turn your work.

[Watch this video on Youtube]

2. First Tier – Squares with Triangle Edges Tier

We are now moving on to the next stage, where we will join the edges of each square with the adjacent base triangle using the purl two together technique. At the same time, to maintain a total of 5 stitches, we will need to increase the stitches for each block to accommodate the purl two together.

If you plan to create a multicolor Entrelac pattern, use different colored yarn for each tier. Otherwise, stick to the same yarn throughout.

Knit The Left Edge Triangles:

With the wrong side facing, knit the following:

• Row 1 (Wrong Side): Purl 2 stitches, turn.
• Row 2 (Right Side): Knit 2 stitches, turn.
• Row 3: Purl front and back increase on the first stitch, purl two together to join with the first base triangle, turn.
• Row 4: Knit 3 stitches, turn.
• Row 5: Purl front and back increase on the first stitch, purl 1 stitch, purl two together, turn.
• Row 6: Knit 4 stitches, turn.
• Row 7: Purl front and back increase on the first stitch, purl 2 stitches, purl two together.
• Continue to knit the first rectangle of the first tier.

[Watch this video on Youtube]

Knit the Square:

• Row 1 (Wrong Side): Pick up 5 stitches in purl from the slip stitches along the edge of the adjacent base triangle, turn.
• Row 2 (Right Side): Knit 4 stitches, slip the last stitch, turn.
• Row 3: Purl 4 stitches, purl two together to join the adjacent base triangle, turn.
• Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until all stitches of the adjacent triangle have been incorporated, forming a complete square. Do not turn once you have completed the square.
• Repeat this process for each subsequent square across the tier.

[Watch this video on Youtube]

Knit The Right Edge Triangles:

With the wrong side facing, knit the following:

• Row 1 (Wrong Side): Pick up 5 stitches in purl from the slip stitches along the edge of the last base triangle, turn.
• Row 2 (Right Side): Knit 4 stitches, slip the last stitch, turn.
• Row 3: Purl 3 stitches, purl two together, turn.
• Row 4: Knit 3 stitches, slip the last stitch, turn.
• Row 5: Purl 2 stitches, purl two together, turn.
• Row 6: Knit 2 stitches, slip the last stitch, turn.
• Row 7: Purl 1 stitch, purl two together, turn.
• Row 8: Knit 1 stitch, slip the last stitch, turn.
• Row 9: Purl two together.
• Turn your work.

You have just completed the entire first tier of the Entrelac knitting pattern.

[Watch this video on Youtube]

3. Second Tier – All Squares Tier

Again, you may change the yarn color or stick to the same color for the entire work.

• Row 1: Slip the first stitch, pick up 4 stitches in knit from the slip stitches along the edge of the Right Edge Triangle of the previous tier, turn.
• Row 2: Purl 4 stitches, slip the last stitch, turn.
• Row 3: Knit 4 stitches, slip slip knit to join with the next square of the previous tier, turn.
• Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until all stitches of the adjacent square have been incorporated, forming a complete square. Do not turn after you have completed the square.
• Repeat this process for each subsequent square across the tier and you are done.
• Turn your work.

[Watch this video on Youtube]

4. Subsequent Tiers

Continue knitting the First Tier and Second Tier until you reach your desired work length, with the First Tier as the final tier before knitting the top triangles and binding off the project.

5. Top Triangles And Bind Off

• Row 1: Slip the first stitch (only do this for the first stitch of the tier), pick up 4 stitches in knit from the slip stitches along the edge of the Right Edge Triangle of the previous tier, turn.
• Row 2: Purl 5 stitches, turn.
• Row 3: Knit 4 stitches, slip slip knit to join with the next square of the previous tier, turn.
• Row 4: Purl 3 stitches, purl two together, turn.
• Row 5: Knit 3 stitches, slip slip knit, turn.
• Row 6: Purl 2 stitches, purl two together, turn.
• Row 7: Knit 2 stitches, slip slip knit, turn.
• Row 8: Purl 1 stitch, purl two together, turn.
• Row 9: Knit 1 stitch, slip slip knit, turn.
• Row 10: Purl two together, turn.
• Row 9: Slip slip knit.
• Repeat this process for each subsequent square across the tier, and you have completed knitting your Entrelac pattern.

[Watch this video on Youtube]

Finishing

• Bind off all stitches after the final row of triangles.
• Weave in any loose ends using a tapestry needle.
• Block your piece if desired to even out the stitches and enhance the overall appearance of the entrelac pattern.

You will be surprised by the back of an entrelac knitting pattern, as it reveals a different aesthetic compared to the front. Instead of the seamless, woven illusion seen on the front, the reverse side displays distinct blocks of squares in alternating colors. Each block is clearly defined by pronounced ridges where the blocks are joined, giving the back a more segmented and structured appearance.

Tips for Beginners

Entrelac knitting can be challenging for beginners due to its unique construction and the need to pick up stitches in different directions. However, with patience and practice by following the detailed tutorials, beginners can successfully learn and master this technique. Here are some tips for beginners to conquer this stitch pattern:

• Start Small: Begin with a small project, like a dishcloth or scarf, to get comfortable with the technique without committing to a large piece.
• Use Smooth, Light-Colored Yarn: This makes it easier to see stitches and pick them up correctly.
• Practice Picking Up Stitches: Spend some time practicing picking up stitches neatly before starting your Entrelac project.
• Follow Video Tutorials: Visual aids can be incredibly helpful. Follow the step-by-step video tutorials given here to guide you through the process.
• Take Your Time: Don’t rush. Take the time to understand each step and check your work as you go.
• Use Stitch Markers: These can help you keep track of where each block begins and ends especially on the bottom triangle where you just started, reducing confusion.

Look what I have turned this into – a Messenger Bag. Click to get the free knitting pattern if you want to make one.

What’s Next

• Start knitting and share your completed handmade on Facebook and/or Instagram. Remember to tag us, @craftpassion, so that we are able to see them.
• Pin it to Pinterest for future To-Knit List
• Share with your knitting groups for a knit-along event.
• Browse more free knitting patterns to make.