Discover the Possibilities of Entrelac Knitting
Last Updated on May 30, 2020 by lydiaf1963
I’m very sorry to tell you that Bluprint will be closing its doors in the next few months. They plan to stop accepting new subscribers and orders for individual classes, patterns and supplies on May 31, 2020.
I have updated the posts with new links for any patterns and yarns mentioned outside of the class. Hopefully, the class will turn up on another platform at which time I’m update the post again.
Entrelac knitting is a method of creating a series of blocks and triangles and joining them together as you go. The result is a checkerboard or woven appearance that makes everyone wonder just how you did it! I recently streamed a beginners class on entrelac and made a cowl. Let me tell you about it so you can decide if you’d like to discover the possibilities of entrelac knitting.
Add Entrelac Knitting to Your Knitting Skillset
The class is Entrelac Knitting with Gwen Bortner and is available through Craftsy (soon to be Bluprint.) Before taking this class I’d tried entrelac exactly one other time. I ended up using my completed piece as a pan protector. This class took my skill to new level. I learned a lot and I’ve only completed the first project! Entrelac isn’t limited to multicolor projects. You can also create blocks with pattern stitches, cables, even lace! This gorgeous Entrelac Boho Scarf pattern is an example of alternating lace and stockinette tiers:
The Craftsy/Bluprint streaming platform makes it easy to insert notes and place bookmarks on the video timeline so you can return to sections for refreshers as needed. Plus, when you purchase the class you can download it to your device so it will be available to you when you’re offline.
Unlike regular knitting, entrelac is worked first in one direction, then back the other way. You learn to talk about blocks, rectangles, triangles and tiers instead of stitches and rows. It can be confusing at first, but Gwen, the instructor, gives very clear directions and tips to help you figure it all out. You’ll also learn how to knit and purl backwards (that is from the right needle onto the left needle) in order to avoid constantly having to turn your work. What an awesome skill to have! It will make short row sock heels that much easier to create…and if you dislike purling entire rows as for stockinette stitch you can choose to knit backwards instead!
With the course materials you’ll receive three patterns. A first is a two color cowl, worked in the round, which you see me wearing in the photos. The second cowl demonstrates how to use pattern stitches, cables and lace in your projects. I have my eye on a cotton yarn for that one. It will be nice for spring. Finally, there’s a cape that’s worked flat, so you’ll learn how to shape garments and form edgings and buttonholes. Each project builds on skills learned in the previous one.
Throughout the lessons Gwen models her own entrelac patterns. She is a confident teacher with quite a sense of humor. Follow her instructions and you will complete your first project in no time.
Gwen maintains entrelac can become your mindless knitting. I’m not quite there yet, but I feel confident enough to tackle the second cowl (as soon as I clear a few more projects off my list, of course!)
Any yarn can be used for entrelac knitting but a medium weight yarn is a good choice for many projects, especially when learning a new technique. The yarn for my project came from Hobby Lobby. I bought it when I was home last year for no particular reason. I just liked the colors and knew a project would present itself. And it did!
The solid blue is Yarn Bee Soft Secret in Blue Teal. The variegated yarn is Yarn Bee Glowing in Finch Feather. The long repeats were a good choice for this project as the colors appear to flow from one block to the next. Both are acrylics that can be washed in cold water and dried flat.
I highly recommend Entrelac Knitting with Gwen Bortner. If you know how to knit, purl, make increases and decreases, you can do it!
More knitting projects:
