Crochet Entrelac Stitch

Hello sweet crocheters! Welcome to our blog Handmade Learning Here. Today we’re going to learn the beautiful Entrelac Stitch, a lovely technique that creates a boxed, woven-look texture, perfect for blankets, scarves, bags and more. The concept might seem a little fancy at first glance, but don’t you worry, once you understand the rhythm and how the blocks build on each other, you’ll be crocheting with confidence in no time.

The Entrelac stitch is an lovely stitch. I’ve adapted it here with extra beginner-friendly explanations and gentle steps so you can follow along easily.

So grab your hook, your favorite yarn, and let’s get comfy and stitch together.

 

 

Materials

• A comfortable crochet hook (the original article suggests a Tunisian hook 2.5 mm for light “DK” yarn)
• Light weight (DK) yarn in one or more colors — you can keep it simple or use multiple colors for fun blocks.
• A pair of good reading glasses (if you need them!), some soft music in the background, and a comfy chair.
• Patience and a gentle attitude: “I can do this” is the best companion stitch you’ll have.

 

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s the detailed step-by-step version of the pattern (adapted) so you’ll know what you’re doing at each stage. I’ll break it down slowly so you can follow along easily.

 

 Create your foundation chains

• Start by making any number of chain stitches (the width of your project). The original says “Start with any # of chains”.
• For example, chain 28 (just to pick a number) so you can practice a small swatch.
• Once you have your chains, insert your hook into the first chain from the hook, pull up a loop, keep it on your hook; then insert into the next chain, pull up a loop and keep it on the hook. Continue this until you have 7 loops on your hook. (This is the first box/block for the entrelac technique.)

Work the Tunisian-style row (pulling up loops)

• Yarn over and pull through 2 loops, then yarn over and pull through 2 loops, repeat until you have only 1 loop left on your hook. (This finishes that first block.)
• Good job! Pause, give yourself a little “well done”.

 Start the next block vertically

• Now you insert your hook vertically into the next stitch (or chain), pull up a loop, keep it on your hook. Repeat until you have 6 loops on your hook, then insert your hook into the 7th chain of the first block, pull up a loop — now you have 7 loops on your hook.
• Then yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through 2 loops … repeat until one loop remains on your hook. This builds the next “box”.

Repeat blocks to build width

• The pattern then repeats: work the vertical pulling up 6 loops + one from chain/block to make 7 loops, then do the Tunisian pull-through row.
• Continue until you have built the width you desire (in our small example you might make 4 or 5 blocks across).

Change color (optional)

• If you like blocks in a second colour, fasten off your first colour when you’ve reached your width. Then pick up your second colour at the first stitch of the last row of the first block, pull up a loop etc.
• Then repeat the block building steps with the new colour.

Finishing half-blocks for straight edges

• To make the edges straight, the pattern gives instructions for “half blocks”. Between two blocks: insert yarn in the peak of the first block, then insert hook in the next stitch, pull up a loop, repeat until you have 7 loops on hook.
• Then yarn over pull through 2 loops, yarn over pull through 2 loops until 3 loops remain, then yarn over pull through 3 loops.
• Skip first stitch, insert hook vertically in next stitch, pull up loops until you have 5 loops, then insert hook in the 6th chain in step 2, pull up loop (now 6 loops), then yarn over pull through 2 loops etc.
• Repeat these steps until you finish the half-block and then slip stitch the last 2 stitches.

 

VIDEO TUTORIAL

 

 

GRAPH

 

 

 

Tips for Success

• Keep your tension relaxed — the entrelac blocks can feel a little tight if you pull too strongly.
• Use stitch markers if you need to mark the end of a block row.
• Practice on a small swatch first (like 4 blocks wide by 6 blocks high) so you get comfortable with the vertical insertion and pull-up loops technique.
• Changing colours gives a beautiful effect — try two or three colours for a lovely checker boxed effect.
• If you ever feel lost, take a step back, count your loops, make sure you have the correct number (6 loops + one from chain) before proceeding.
• Don’t worry if the first few blocks aren’t perfect — they’ll only get better as you go. You’re doing beautifully.

 

NOTE:

Dear friend, access this video tutorial made by the amazing and intelligent Naztazia. It’s perfect for you to achieve your perfect piece.

Tunisian Interlaced Diamonds Entrelec by Naztazia

 

And there you have it, dear ones, the gorgeous Entrelac Stitch, step by gentle step. With this technique you can make cozy blankets, chic bags, stylish leg-warmers, sweet throws — whatever your heart desires. The little boxed texture gives a rich look with surprisingly simple building blocks once you get the hang of it.

I hope you enjoy crocheting this pattern as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. Remember: every loop you pull up is a little hug from me, your granny-crocheter friend. 🥰

 

NOTE:

Dear friend, access this video tutorial made by the amazing and intelligent Naztazia. It’s perfect for you to achieve your perfect piece.

Tunisian Interlaced Diamonds Entrelec by Naztazia

Happy stitching, lovely friends, and may your yarn always be soft and your hook always glide.
With warm hugs, your friend! XoXo