But Entrelac totally and completely baffles me. I just can't picture it. So... do you pick up from the side stitches and knit the other way? Do you have to sew the sides closed afterwards? how do you get it to go in different direction to create shape? How in the world do you keep all these squares on your needles? Do you bind off each time??
See what I mean? I ADORE the look of Entrelac knitting though,how each little square has stitches going in the opposite direction. It can be used in just about any garment for knitting. Here's just three examples:
(rav link)
I think people mostly used multi-colour yarn to do entrelac, but then how in the world do they get all their squares to line up? What do you guys think about Entrelac? Have you done it? How hard is it?
(do I win the award for Blog Post With The Most Question Marks? hehe)
I'm with you, even if I didn't write about this. I can't envision it! And how do the people who use multicolor yarn get the colors to change so perfectly at each square (maybe that's what you meant)? I have studied the instructions again and again and just don't get it. Maybe we just need to sit down with knitting needles in our hands and do it. Entrelac, one of these days.
ReplyDeleteYes!! I want to learn this too! It's on my list, along with cables
ReplyDeleteI'm a new knitter so my "desired skill" is pretty basic, but this looks amazing! I'll have to add it to my list of dreams... even if that's a little like a preschooler looking forward to getting her phD. :)
ReplyDeleteI have entrelac on my "to learn" list too :)
ReplyDeleteEntrelac is...weird and confusing. I don't think it's a very enjoyable way to knit, but the finished project is sweeeet.
ReplyDeleteThis was the technique I chose as well today! I have done some modular knitting, and this seems like a variation of that.
ReplyDeleteIf you use yarn that gradually changes color, it looks perfect because the squares create such a big color contrast that the changes from the start of one square to the end of another aren't that obvious.
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend reading a pattern that has entrelac like Knitty's Quant because it's deceptively simple. It's just well placed short rows, increases and decreases.
Okay, entrelac is freaky, but it can be done. And YOU can do it. Just get some yarn you're not in love with, google up a vid, and try it out. You'll be surprised at your mad skilz. Just don't expect perfection. I started a pair of entrelac socks and once I mastered the skill, I realized how nasty that yarn was in entrelac. So, yes, I've done the thing, but there is no physical evidence. Besides the photos. But my point is, try it! What's the worst that can happen? You tangle some yarn?
ReplyDeleteI am with you, entrelac is one of the things I have been wanting to learn, too. I love the way it looks! I have absolutely no idea how it works, but it looks really cool.
ReplyDeleteThat was funny, the ending. I'm not sure if you have the most question marks, but you definitely made it entertaining!
ReplyDeleteYou've picked some beautiful projects to aspire to!
lol, i have to admit i'm also a bit puzzled as to how the whole Entrelac thing works. i haven't yet attempted an entrelac project, but i, like you, am very interested in it. if you ever do start something let me know, maybe we could do a KAL and figure it out together
ReplyDeletealso, i just recently started spinning and i have to say it's a blast! you should really give it a try. i know where you can get some pretty inexpensive spindles and fibre online, let me know if you need any help getting started :)
Entrelacs is actually really, really easy, once you get going. It's just picking up on one side, knitting the little square, then going on to picking up on the next diamond, and then knitting the little square - until done. Once you get set up, and follow the directions it isn't that hard. I did a handbag in it once, which I felted, and which turned out really well. I am thinking of doing an entrelac hat or socks.
ReplyDeleteAny good videos on how to entrelac? I knit and crochet, and recently learned how to knook (check out http://www.leisurearts.com) I've always had a problem with knitting in the round, and found with knooking I can manage easily. I tried entrelac once (with little success), but don't remember where I got the pattern. I was hoping I could adapt my knooking techniques to try entrelac with it.
ReplyDeleteI tried entrelac for the first time a couple of months ago - once you get the hang of it, it isn't that hard. KnittyOtter explains it really well. Try knitting with Lion Brand Amazing yarns - the colors change gradually & it looks great!
ReplyDeleteI tried entrelac for the first time a few weeks ago & I'm hooked! I found the best explanation on KnittyOtter.com (http://knittyotter.typepad.com/otterknits/2007/03/entrelac_scarf_.html)
ReplyDeleteA yarn that changes color gradually works best (LionBrand Amazing yarns work great) & look fantastic! It took me a couple of tries to get the hang of it but one you get going, it's worth it!