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Entrelac: The Essential Guide to Interlace Knitting
One of today's hottest knitting trends is entrelac, a modular technique that results in striking basketwork designs of rows within rows and interlocking diamond patterns. Using only simple knit and purl stitches, knitters can create eye-catching pieces with incredible texture. Entrelac introduces both the history and how-to of this fun style, along with 20 patterns for a variety of garments, home décor items, and baby accessories. Comprehensive instructions and a wide array of swatches provide endless possibilities in lace, colorwork, and much more.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 4, 2014
This book contains the best explanation of entrelac that I've even seen. It is written in a way that makes the knitting instruction easy to understand, and is loaded with pictures that clearly illustrate the technique.
November 8, 2013
As a tutorial this book is great and it has some very useful info. But, it was the cover that attracted me and I was very disappointed that no where in the book did I find instructions on how to start a 5 color scarf like the cover. I thought maybe you cast on beginning triangles for the long side (maybe 30 triangles for a long shawl) but the photos clearly show the colors worked vertically, not horizontally. For that reason, I feel like it's almost false advertising. The most attractive feature of the book is not actually in the book.
January 31, 2017
A goldmine! I have never done entrelac before though I have done Tunisian crochet entrelac so do understand the concept of it. Again, I've bought this book to teach myself and experiment with the stitch in my knitted blankets and also shawls and stoles. There are plenty of patterns here I would knit but the photo by photo instructions is the piece de resistance. However, the stitch library also has a lot of meat. There is a follow-up book to this and I think I'll get that soon. I had no idea this stitch was so versatile!
June 8, 2014
Entrelac knitting creates beautiful items. This book explains quite clearly, in a step-by-step manner HOW to do this technique. HOWEVER, I have to warn you that Entrelac knitting is slow and somewhat tedious. IF you have a great deal of patience you just may create a beautiful heirloom.
June 11, 2018
I loved this book and will sit down to try along entrelac squares.
June 16, 2017
I agree with other reviewers that this is quite excellent—probably the best I've seen on the Entrelac technique. But really, when it all comes down to it, once you've mastered the basic steps, the world's your oyster. As with any new technique, mastery is the result of practicePracticePRACTICE, and Drysdale walks us through nearly all the possibilities. Okay, not all, and isn't that the joy and wonder of knitting, that there's so much left to explore? The editing of this book is admirable; clear photos, organised for quick access, including a useful index, an extensive stitch library (which aids and inspires me to experiment with other possibilities), and a generally timeless collection of garments and accessories (sure, ponchos will be back again). Also the page on 'knitting backward' is EXTREMELY helpful, as is tips on 'Designing with Entrelac.' This really is "The Essential Guide," so have a go, keep at it until you've got it, and move on—I'm pretty sure that Entrelac is one of those things that captures one and doesn't let go, or bites and takes flight. Not sure I really want to bite back...
May 5, 2023
I read this book over a decade ago and was able to teach myself entrelac and produce a couple pieces. I'm culling my knitting book shelf but this one is definitely a keeper. The photos are clear and so helpful. The author's color palette is wonderful and varied. There are schematics for garments when necessary. I (still) have the Knitting Backward page post-noted as a technique I need to learn, as well as three garments flagged to knit up (the Edwardian Cardigan, Shades of Gray Vest, and the Lace Leaf Scarf). This author makes entrelac easy to understand that I think a beginner can get it.
August 26, 2023
Found the book at the library.
I have only knit an entrelac dishcloth.
Beautiful projects ranging from a baby sweater, poncho, socks, hats and more.
Too complicated for me and not my style. An excellent book to knit all kinds of entrelac patterns including lace!
I have only knit an entrelac dishcloth.
Beautiful projects ranging from a baby sweater, poncho, socks, hats and more.
Too complicated for me and not my style. An excellent book to knit all kinds of entrelac patterns including lace!
April 20, 2020
I love this book for inspiration, so many good ideas and projects that make me curious! There is a lot you can do with this fun way of knitting. I really want to make the socks, those look wild!
March 14, 2021
Very clear description, with clear pictures, for knitting entrelac.
Even very usable for beginners.
Even very usable for beginners.
March 27, 2023
czur scan: instructions, sassy socks
extensive swatch glossary of variations: basic, lace, cables, relief,, geometrics, colorwork, melanges
chapter on designing a pattern and determining gauge
extensive swatch glossary of variations: basic, lace, cables, relief,, geometrics, colorwork, melanges
chapter on designing a pattern and determining gauge
February 21, 2012
I took a class with Rosemary at Vogue Knitting Live in January 2011. That class made the whole conference worth it! I'd always wanted to learn entrelac and found it very confusing until that day. I was so excited to get this book.
It is a very good book - if you've taken her class. I had no problem following the instructions and patterns in the book because I had taken the class. However, I do NOT think that someone could pick up this book and understand it without the class. I assumed that the handouts she gave us in class would be included in the book or at least something similar would be included. No such luck. Good think I kept those handouts!
That said, I do like this book. I just need a LOT more practice before my knitting is any good. Entrelac isn't as scary as it looks but it's also not necessarily for beginners like me.
It is a very good book - if you've taken her class. I had no problem following the instructions and patterns in the book because I had taken the class. However, I do NOT think that someone could pick up this book and understand it without the class. I assumed that the handouts she gave us in class would be included in the book or at least something similar would be included. No such luck. Good think I kept those handouts!
That said, I do like this book. I just need a LOT more practice before my knitting is any good. Entrelac isn't as scary as it looks but it's also not necessarily for beginners like me.
March 18, 2011
Absolutely fantastic book. In my opinion much better in many ways than the other Entrelac book that came out recently. Beautiful designs, including the use of lace and other patterns within the entrelac pattern.
August 10, 2012
I love this book. It's designed beautifully. I adore its cover.
The colors used are what attracted me to it. The instructions make sense, and I learned a great tip about how to knit backwards.
This is a handy reference book that I hope I never have to give up.
The colors used are what attracted me to it. The instructions make sense, and I learned a great tip about how to knit backwards.
This is a handy reference book that I hope I never have to give up.
March 26, 2012
The cover of this book was the reason I bought it. I have taught myself the technique from other internet sources, but this book has some really great patterns and gives a lesson on color. I really enjoy using this book as a reference and just a good read.
February 11, 2014
Loved the ideas in this book! I tried a sample swatch and it turned out great, which is a victory for me because I have always wanted to try entrelac knitting. I really want to make the Uptown Poncho, the Veggie Hat, and the Silk and Cashmere Cowl.
March 3, 2011
Interesting technque and effect. A little beyond my skills at this time but a goal to work towards in the future.
March 5, 2011
beautiful color illustrations, lots of stitch ideas and color pairings and some interesting patterns like a poncho that has a center panel of entrelac - very cleverly done
August 11, 2011
Nice pictures. Some neat patterns I definitely want to try.
July 4, 2012
Great photos, and instructions for entrelac knitting.
August 17, 2012
A range of patterns (some attractive, some less so), but a great resource for techniques and swatches.
May 19, 2013
It's not what I thought.
It's more a pattern book, nothing else.
I should have bought Entree to Entrelac.
It's more a pattern book, nothing else.
I should have bought Entree to Entrelac.
December 18, 2013
Comprehensive, inspiring and easy to follow
May 25, 2015
Good background on the history of the art. I liked the description and teaching method of the technique, and there were several nice patterns. One of the best books on the subject I have read.
March 21, 2018
karyn's purse
March 29, 2017
To start off with, I am an experienced knitter. I have been wanting to learn entrelac knitting for a while and I chose this book because of the number of photographs and the section on pattern swatches. The book has four basic sections. The first is a very detailed basic introduction. The second has various basic patterns done in entrelac style. (Many of these patterns like the cables and lace are intermediate level.) The third section has patterns for some of today's most popular items to knit like blankets, pillows, hats, sweaters, scarfs, cowls, fingerless gloves & socks. The forth and shortest chapter gives some advice on creating your own patterns using this method.
Overall this book was kind of a let down. Following the first chapter tutorial, entrelac knitting is so much easier I had ever imagined that I feel stupid for waiting. The only problems I had were because I couldn't make my first swatch in one sitting and I didn't want to mark up an actual book to keep my place.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn this skill who is on an intermediate level or above.
Overall this book was kind of a let down. Following the first chapter tutorial, entrelac knitting is so much easier I had ever imagined that I feel stupid for waiting. The only problems I had were because I couldn't make my first swatch in one sitting and I didn't want to mark up an actual book to keep my place.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn this skill who is on an intermediate level or above.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews