What’s the best-kept secret of entrelac? (by Ina Gilmore)

The first time I saw a picture of entrelac, I knew I would try it. You see, baskets intrigue me.  Mostly I like to fill them with necessities: like my yarn stash.  I suspect I’ve always wanted to make some, but haven’t found the time or the space. So, I do the next best thing: I knit.

When I found the basket weave cable, I thought that was the best I could do. Little did I know entrelac was waiting for me to discover.

Basically, it’s knitting short rows on the diagonal to form tiers of rectangles and triangles that appear to weave in and out like a woven basket. This effect is strongest with stockinette stitch, although entrelac can also be made in garter stitch.

 

After making entrelac several times, what are some of my favorite secrets? 

1. With stockinette entrelac, the front and back are even more pronounced than regular stockinette stitch. This is true especially if you change colors.  If you’re like me, and like both sides of your scarf to look like a right side, you may not want to make a scarf by changing colors.
2. On the other hand, garter entrelac is reversible. Which makes it nice for a first attempt. You may want to try knitting a small project like a dishcloth, as in this pattern called Garterlac. 
   

   Garterlac Dishcloth

    

3. Cast on loosely. There are a variety of ways to do this, and all seem about the same to many experts. My personal favorite is casting on with a crochet hook and adding an extra chain betwee n the stitches. Laura provides knitting instructions for her technique.  
4. Entrelac is great practice for short rows. So what? Well, short rows are needed for turning a heel, and can be inserted to customize a fit around a curve. You know, like for rounded shoulders or an ample bosom.
5. Alternating between two colors on the tiers in stockinette entrelac really makes the three dimensional aspect of the pattern “pop.”
6. After a while, the stitch becomes automatic. With this, you may find yourself forgetting whether you’re on the front or back, and may even knit a few stitches or blocks in the wrong direction. 
7. Entrelac is a great technique to practice knitting backwards also. Instead of turning each short row and purling. In stockinette entrelac, you can knit backwards the purl rows from the right side. This saves turning your work, which often is an advantage if your project is large. Or maybe you just want to practice knitting backwards.

 And then there are the ultimate secrets of entrelac: It’s not as hard as it looks and it’s addicting!

Ina Gilmore learned to knit as a child.  She enjoys sharing her knitting adventures, tips and techniques. You can find her online at her knitting blog The Knitting Yarn.  You can follow her updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/theknittingyarn.  You can also find her on Ravelry as theknittingyarn.

Different Ways to Cast On (video)

In knitting the easiest way to cast on is the simple cast on or easy wrap. Discover different ways to cast on in knitting with tips from a knitting teacher in this video.

Pam Grushkin learned to knit at a young age and she now teaches knitting both independently and through yarn shops.

The Last Knit (funny)

We think this video cartoon is very funny. We posted it hoping this cartoon would encourage you to keep your knitting efforts light and happy. Take a few minutes to watch this knitting cartoon. We know it will put a smile on your face no matter how many rows of your latest project you have just ripped out! We originally posted this knitting cartoon as the FEATURED VIDEO on our home page. We liked it so much we wanted to keep it around for everyone to enjoy. We hope you do!

When knitting becomes an obsession. Directed by Laura Neuvonen. Country Finland and year of production 2005. Running time for the video is 7 minutes. Knit Happy!

Machine Knitting Lesson (video)

Lion Brand’s Nili demonstrates the basics of the LK-150 knitting machine with LB 1878 yarn. Michelle of Craft Zine joins her in the Lion Brand Yarn Studio and tries her hand at the machine as well.

Contential Knitting Demo (video)

She brought her video camera along to record the tutorial for all of you.

Will you share?

We are looking for experienced knitters to share what you know.  Do you have a lesson learned, a hint, a tip or even a story you’d be willing to share with the group?  Is it a humorous tale about a huge mistake you made?  How you goofed.  Did you use “naughty” expletives while you unravelled a large part of your project?  The project that has so far taken you way too many hours to knit?

Do you have a cool pattern you are willing to offer up to our knitting circle?  We’d really love to see it.  Do you have a good source for free patterns that you can share with the group?  We’d love to publish your article detailing any pattern you suggest with your reasons for recommending it.  We will soon be publishing an article describing a beautiful afghan created by one of our circle experts.  Stay tuned for the article and pictures of the beautiful afghan.

We’re also interested in what reference resources you have and use religiously.  What books or what web sites are your favorites?  Send us a review.  Tell us about your favorite local knitting or yarn shop.  If the shop is your business we’d be happy to advertize it to our circle for you.  Advertizing on Naughty KnitterZ is free to any member who contributes to our community. 

Knit Happy!

Calling all veterans!

We’re looking for talented happy knitters willing to share their knowledge and experiences.  Do you knit happy?  What know-how can you contribute that would help others no matter their skill level. Got any special tips and tricks you can offer this knitting circle?

Do you have a good source for patterns? There are many free patterns available but are they worth using for your project?  Do you know about yarn?  Where do you get your yarn? What yarn do you recommend and for which projects? What needles do you prefer and why? 

Have you mastered techniques like large or even small diameter circular knitting? Have you mastered different decorative stitches? Share your knowledge.

Knit Happy!

 

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