Noro entrelac wrap

Noro Entrelac Wrap by Brian Smith Designs

Project Overview

This is a downloadable knitting pattern for a sophisticated entrelac wrap designed by Brian Smith Designs. The wrap showcases the entrelac technique, a geometric stitch method that creates interlocking rectangular blocks for a visually striking textured fabric. This intermediate-level project is ideal for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more advanced construction methods.

What Is Being Made

The Noro Entrelac Wrap is a large, rectangular shawl measuring 132 centimeters (52 inches) in length and 48 centimeters (19 inches) in width when blocked. This generous size makes it suitable for wearing as a wrap, shawl, or decorative accessory. The finished piece features the characteristic interlocking block pattern created by the entrelac technique, resulting in a dynamic three-dimensional appearance.

Techniques Used

The primary construction technique is entrelac, a method that involves knitting a series of small rectangular sections that are worked perpendicular to one another and integrated together as you progress. This creates a woven appearance without actual weaving. The pattern begins with base triangles worked on straight needles, followed by right-hand corner triangles and additional structured sections that build the wrap systematically.

The pattern employs standard knitting techniques including:

• Casting on and turning rows to create the base triangular sections
• Increases to expand stitch counts within sections
• Decreases using slip-slip-knit (ssk), knit two together (k2tog), and purl two together (p2tog) to shape the geometric blocks
• Working through the back loop (k2togtbl) for specific shaping
• Blocking to achieve the final finished measurements and even out the entrelac pattern

Stitches Used

This pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined strategically to create the entrelac structure:

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used on wrong-side rows and for shaping
• Slip-slip-knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Knit two together through the back loop (k2togtbl) – a specialized decrease for specific shaping
• Purl two together (p2tog) – a decrease worked on wrong-side rows

The pattern is worked primarily in stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which provides a smooth, classic finish that allows the entrelac geometric pattern to stand out visually.

Materials and Yarn

This wrap is designed to showcase the beautiful colorwork of Noro Akari yarn in worsted weight. The pattern calls for one ball each in two colorways: (A) Amur Adonis and (B) Hitachi Park. Noro Akari is known for its variegated color transitions and quality construction, making it an excellent choice for displaying the dimensional effects of entrelac knitting.

The gauge is 18 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stocking stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern to reach the intended finished dimensions.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires a combination of needle sizes to accommodate different sections:

• UK 4.5mm (US 7) straight needles, 30 centimeters long – used for the initial base triangles
• UK 4.5mm (US 7) circular needle, 120 centimeters long – for transitioning to larger sections
• UK 5mm (US 8) circular needle, 120 centimeters long – for subsequent sections requiring slightly larger gauge

Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and a blocking kit for finishing the wrap to its final measurements. Proper blocking is crucial for entrelac projects to ensure the geometric pattern lies flat and the wrap achieves its intended dimensions.

Difficulty Level