Entrelac wrap

Entrelac Wrap by Brigitte Reydams

Project Overview

The Entrelac Wrap is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Brigitte Reydams that creates a sophisticated, colorful accessory measuring 65 inches in length by 17 inches in width. This downloadable PDF pattern showcases the entrelac technique, a complex interlocking stitch method that produces a distinctive woven appearance through strategic color changes and geometric construction.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a rectangular wrap suitable for draping around the shoulders or wearing as a generous scarf. The finished piece features a striking visual effect created by the entrelac construction method, which builds the fabric through interlocking triangular and rectangular sections rather than traditional row-by-row knitting. The wrap incorporates nine different colors throughout the body with additional coordinating colors for side bands and edges, creating a vibrant, multi-colored finished garment.

Techniques Used

The Entrelac Wrap relies on the entrelac technique as its primary construction method. This advanced knitting approach involves:

• Building base triangles on the wrong side using short-row shaping with progressive increases in stitch count
• Constructing right-side and left-side triangles that interlock with adjacent sections
• Creating rectangular blocks that weave together, with each new section picked up from the edges of previously completed sections
• Strategic color changes between sections to enhance the geometric, woven appearance
• Careful stitch management to ensure proper interlocking and tension throughout the construction

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in specific sequences to achieve the entrelac effect:

• K (Knit): Basic knit stitch forming the foundation of all sections
• P (Purl): Purl stitch used in base triangle construction and shaping
• SKPO (Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass Over Slip Stitch): A left-leaning decrease used to shape triangular sections and maintain proper stitch counts
• P2tog (Purl 2 Stitches Together): A purl decrease for shaping and stitch reduction
• Increases worked into individual stitches to expand triangular sections during construction

Materials and Specifications

The Entrelac Wrap is designed to be worked in Noro Silk Garden, a luxury yarn blend consisting of 45% silk, 45% kid mohair, and 10% lamb's wool. Each color requires approximately 108 yards of worsted weight yarn, classified as aran weight. The pattern calls for nine different Noro Silk Garden colors for the body sections, with specific color numbers suggested: #359, #337, #380, #341, #84, and #381, plus additional colors #301 and #362 for side bands, and one additional color for the bottom and top edges.

The pattern requires Size 7 straight needles for working the body sections and a Size 7 circular needle measuring 32 inches for joining lengths during the construction process. The wrap is finished with approximately five large squared buttons, each measuring approximately 1.75 inches, which serve as functional and decorative closures.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 4 stitches per inch, which is standard for aran and worsted weight yarns. The finished wrap measures 65 inches in length by 17 inches in width, making it a generous accessory suitable for various styling options and body types.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, reflecting the complexity of the entrelac technique. Knitters should be comfortable with basic stitches, short-row shaping, picking up stitches, and managing multiple color changes. The entrelac method requires careful attention to stitch counts and section construction, making it suitable for experienced knitters ready to expand their technical skills.