Entrelac Knitting
Entrelac is a knitting technique that produces a fabric resembling woven basketwork: small interlocking diamonds knit at alternating angles. The result is a textured, often multi-colour fabric with no actual weaving or seaming required.
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How it looks
A grid of small diamonds, each tilted at 45 degrees, with adjacent diamonds tilted in opposite directions. The basketwork appearance is created by the alternating direction.
Mechanics
Each diamond is a small triangular short-row block of stitches. Build one row of diamonds; pick up stitches along the diamond edges to start the next row of diamonds in the opposite direction.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Multi-colour
Most entrelac uses a different colour for each row of diamonds, producing a striking multi-colour effect with no stranded knitting required. Each diamond is worked in a single colour.
Best uses
Scarves and shawls where the texture is the design feature. Blankets that benefit from a distinctive multi-colour look. Statement pieces where the entrelac texture justifies the slower knitting speed.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DPN | double-pointed needle |
Tips
- Practice on a small swatch to understand the picking-up motion.
- Use a different colour for each row of diamonds for the most striking effect.
- Block flat to even out the diamond shapes.
In depth
Entrelac is one of the most visually distinctive knitting techniques. The combination of geometric precision and the ability to use multiple colours without stranded knitting makes it a popular choice for showcase projects, despite the slower knitting speed.