Mastering Entrelac Crochet: Blanket Chain Beginnings

Entrelac crochet is a unique and visually enticing technique that creates a quilt-like pattern. It involves crocheting coloured squares or diamonds in a repeating pattern, which can be worked in rows or rounds, and can be done with two or more colours. This technique is versatile and suitable for various projects, such as blankets, scarves, and dishcloths. To get started with entrelac crochet, crocheters need to have some basic knowledge of Tunisian crochet stitches and use a crochet hook that can hold multiple loops, such as a Tunisian crochet hook or a regular crochet hook. The number of chains needed for an entrelac crochet blanket depends on factors such as individual crochet style, tension, yarn size, hook size, and the chosen stitch pattern.

Tunisian crochet hook or regular crochet hook

Tunisian crochet and regular crochet have some key differences, and the hooks used for each technique reflect these differences. Here are some details on Tunisian crochet hooks and regular crochet hooks to help you understand their unique features and how they are used in the context of entrelac crochet:

Tunisian Crochet Hooks:

Tunisian crochet hooks are longer than regular crochet hooks to accommodate the unique technique of Tunisian crochet. This type of crochet involves working a row of stitches onto the hook in a "forward pass" and then working them off in a "return pass." This creates a denser, woven-like fabric. Because of this technique, Tunisian crochet hooks need to hold all the stitches at once, hence their longer length. For larger projects, Tunisian crochet hooks with cables attached are also available.

Tunisian crochet hooks also lack the thumb rest typically found on regular crochet hooks. This may take some adjustment for those accustomed to regular crochet hooks, but it is a minor difference that becomes more comfortable with practice.

Tunisian crochet hooks with cables or stoppers are particularly useful for larger projects, such as blankets, and can enhance your crochet experience. Some popular options include the Knitter's Pride Bamboo Hooks Set, the Clover Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hook "Takumi" Combo Set, and the Tulip Carry T Interchangeable Bamboo Tunisian Hook Set.

Regular Crochet Hooks:

Regular crochet hooks are typically shorter in length compared to Tunisian crochet hooks. They are designed for working one stitch at a time, which is the standard technique for regular crochet. The stitches in regular crochet are completed individually before moving on to the next stitch, resulting in a more lacy, open fabric.

Regular crochet hooks often feature a thumb rest, providing a comfortable grip for crocheters. The variety of grip options, such as the overhand or pencil grip, allows users to find their preferred way of holding the hook.

Tunisian Crochet vs. Regular Crochet for Entrelac Crochet:

When it comes to entrelac crochet, both Tunisian crochet hooks and regular crochet hooks can be used. Entrelac crochet is a versatile technique that can be worked with either type of hook, depending on your preference. However, it is worth noting that a normal hook might be more comfortable and accessible for those new to entrelac crochet.

Some crocheters who have experience with both types of hooks express a preference for using a regular hook for entrelac crochet. This is because entrelac crochet involves working with smaller squares, and a regular hook can provide more flexibility and ease of use for this technique.

In summary, both Tunisian crochet hooks and regular crochet hooks have their unique features and applications. Tunisian crochet hooks are designed for the specific technique of Tunisian crochet, which results in a denser fabric. On the other hand, regular crochet hooks are more versatile and suitable for a wide range of projects, including entrelac crochet. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your project requirements and personal preference.

Entrelac crochet in rows

Entrelac crochet is a unique technique that creates a blocked pattern that can spread out from a centre block or be worked in rows. It is relatively versatile and suitable for all kinds of projects.

To start, you will need to create a foundation row. Using your chosen colour, chain (ch) 6. Forward pass: insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over (YO) and pull up a loop. Repeat this process until the last chain (6 loops on the hook). Return pass: YO and pull through one loop, then YO and pull through 2 loops. Repeat this until only one loop remains on the hook.

For the next few rows, you will be repeating a similar process. The forward pass will always begin by inserting the hook under the next vertical bar, YO and pull up a loop. For Rows 2-4, repeat this process until the end of the row, then insert the hook into the last stitch, YO and pull up a loop. You should now have 6 loops on the hook. The return pass will always be the same as Row 1's return pass.

For Row 5, you will be binding off. Insert the hook into the second bar from the hook as if to Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss). YO and pull up a loop, then pull the same loop through the loop on the hook. Continue doing this for the rest of the row, then fasten off.

Now, you will be creating the first block of Round 2, also known as the corner block. Join your next colour in the same corner as the bind off, then ch 6. Forward pass: insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, YO and pull up a loop. Repeat this process until the last chain. Now, insert the hook into the edge of the second row of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (7 loops on the hook). Return pass: YO and pull through 2 loops. Repeat this until only one loop remains on the hook.

Rows 2-4 of the corner block will be the same as Rows 2-4 of the foundation row. For Row 5, you will be binding off again. Insert the hook into the second bar from the hook as if to Tss, YO and pull up a loop, then pull the same loop through the loop on the hook. Repeat this process until the end of the row, then join with a slip stitch (slst) to the first row of the adjacent block.

The remaining blocks of Round 2 are considered side blocks. Continue with the same colour, ch 6, then work into the ch 6 and across the side of the centre block. Repeat Rows 1-4 as given for the first block of Round 2. At the end of the fourth block, slst to the corner of the adjacent block, then fasten off.

For the first block of Round 3 (another corner block), join your next colour in either corner of the first block of Round 2, then ch 6. Forward pass: insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, YO and pull up a loop. Repeat this process until the last chain. Now, insert the hook into the edge of the second row of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (7 loops on the hook). Return pass: YO and pull through 2 loops. Repeat this until only one loop remains on the hook.

Rows 2-4 will be the same as before. For Row 5, bind off as previously instructed, then join with a slst to the first row of the adjacent block.

The second block of Round 3 is a side block. Continue with the same colour, forward pass: insert the hook into the next stitch of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop. Repeat this process until the last stitch, then insert the hook into the edge of the second row of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (7 loops on the hook). Return pass: YO and pull through 2 loops. Repeat this until only one loop remains on the hook.

Rows 2-4 will be the same as before. For Row 5, bind off as previously instructed, then join with a slst to the first row of the adjacent block.

Repeat these processes to continue adding rounds and blocks until you reach your desired size. Remember to change colours as desired and to always slip stitch into the next few stitches of the first block when changing rounds to maintain a consistent pattern.

For a comprehensive tutorial on Entrelac crochet in rows, you can refer to the video tutorials provided by The Crochet Crowd on their YouTube channel.

Entrelac crochet in rounds

Entrelac crochet is a unique and beautiful technique that creates a blocked pattern. It can be worked in rows or in rounds, with the latter being similar to a granny square, where each round is in a different colour.

To start, you will need to create a centre square in your first colour. Chain 7 and insert the hook into the back loop of the second chain from the hook. Yarn over and pull through one loop, leaving one loop on the hook. Insert the hook into the back loop of the next chain, yarn over and pull through one loop, leaving two loops on the hook. Repeat across the chain so that you have seven loops on the hook.

Now, work backwards across the row to create the next row. Yarn over and pull through the first loop on the left of the work. Yarn over and pull through the next two loops and repeat to the end. There will be one loop left on your hook. Skip the first vertical post at the right end of the square and insert the hook behind the next vertical post. Yarn over and pull through, leaving two loops on the hook.

Repeat across, inserting your hook behind each vertical post and pulling it through, adding one loop to your hook each time. You should now have seven loops on your hook.

Repeat these steps three more times. End with a repeat of the first step to close the square. Fasten off.

Now, change colours and attach the new colour to any corner of the first square. Draw up one loop of the new colour and chain 6. Insert the hook into the back loop of the second chain from the hook, yarn over and pull through one loop. Repeat across until you have seven loops on your hook. The last loop should be in the corner of the first square where you joined the new colour.

Repeat the above steps to complete the first square in the new colour. The final stitch on the left side of each row should be joined to the next stitch of the square from the previous round, connecting the two squares. Slip stitch into the next five vertical bars and into the next corner of the first square. There should be one loop left on your hook.

Repeat these steps three times so that you have a total of four squares, one on each side of the first square. Fasten off.

Additional rounds will be worked similarly to the second round. However, the second round consisted of only corner squares, which only connect to one side of existing squares. Future rounds will have corner squares and side squares, which connect to the existing work on two sides.

Side squares are very similar to corner squares, with a minor difference: you do not do a chain six at the beginning of a side square. Instead, move from the corner to the next spot where you will create your square. Insert your hook into the first vertical bar and begin drawing up your loops, proceeding as normal to create the rest of the square.

Entrelac crochet with two or more colours

Entrelac crochet is a type of pattern consisting of coloured squares or diamonds in a repeating pattern, creating a visually enticing graphic texture. It is worked with two or more colours, and the graphic design is created by alternating these colours. To get started, you will need at least two different colours of yarn and a crochet hook that has a long enough shaft to hold multiple loops. A Tunisian crochet hook is ideal, but a regular crochet hook will also work.

The first step in this entrelac crochet project is to create the centre square in your first colour. Chain 7 and insert the hook into the BLO of the second chain from the hook. Yarn over and pull through one loop, leaving one loop on the hook. Insert the hook into the BLO of the next chain, yarn over and pull through one loop, leaving two loops on the hook. Repeat across the chain so that you have seven loops on the hook.

Now, yarn over and pull through the first loop on the left of the work. Yarn over and pull through the next two loops and repeat until you have one loop left on your hook. You will now see vertical posts on the front of your emerging entrelac square. Skip the first vertical post and insert your hook behind the next vertical post. Yarn over and pull through, leaving two loops on your hook. Repeat across, inserting your hook behind each vertical post and pulling it through, adding one loop to your hook each time, so you have seven loops on your hook at the end.

Repeat the above steps three more times. End with a repeat of the second step to close the square. Now it’s time to change colours, so switch to your second colour, attaching it in any corner of the first square to begin. You’ll be working around the first square, creating a new square on each side of that square for a total of four squares in the second colour in round two.

Additional rounds will be worked similarly to round two. Round two consisted of only corner squares, connecting to one side of the existing squares. Future rounds will have corner squares and side squares, connecting to the existing work on two sides.

Side squares are very similar to corner squares with a minor difference: instead of chaining six at the beginning of a side square, you simply move from the corner to the next spot where you’re going to create your square. Insert your hook into the first vertical bar there and begin drawing up your loops, proceeding as normal to create the rest of the square.

Starting chain and box counts

The number of boxes and the starting chain for an entrelac crochet blanket will depend on the size of the blanket you want to make. Here are some examples:

• For a twin-sized blanket, you will need 13 boxes across and a starting chain of 130.
• For a double-sized blanket, 7 boxes across and a starting chain of 70.
• For a queen-sized blanket, 8 boxes across and a starting chain of 80.
• For a king-sized blanket, 2 boxes across and a starting chain of 20.
• For a throw, 4 boxes across and a starting chain of 40.
• For a lapghan, also 4 boxes across but a starting chain of 40.

Once the first row is established, you will rotate around the centre row as if it were one square.

Frequently asked questions