Entrelac Rectangular Afghans
For those that prefer to do Entrelac in a rectangular, yet done in a circle formation, I've figured out the math to make it happen so it will match your desired afghan or throw sizes.
Visualize a granny square that is the size of your bed. What is wrong? Chances are the granny square matches one direction of your bed but is too short in the other because it's a square. I've done this before guessing the chain length of an interior of an afghan hoping that each side grows proportionally for the bed so that no matter what you do or how big you make it, it will fit your bed perfectly.
The rectangular is done similarly to the square. You have the starting number of boxes in the middle to do first. Then go around the first layer like you would as if it is square.
Use the Entrelac Trip Around the World to understand the square version.
Firstly, the Entrelac afghan I am suggesting is done in a continuous rotation around the centre point. The trick to the rectangular version is that you have to create the number of boxes in a row down the centre of the afghan instead of there just being one as you see in the colourful example. By creating the row first, your centre point is revolving around the entire row from the very beginning causing all sides to grow evenly around it.
Math Calculations
I used Bernat Super Value as my test. Using a 6 mm or size J crochet hook. It produced Entrelac boxes that were 2.75" x 2.75".
In my test, I realized it doesn't matter what size yarn or hook I am using because what is important is the number of boxes needed to establish the centre row. As long as the proper number of boxes are in place in the centre point, it will grow properly.
Keep in mind that thicker, chunky yarn, will produce much bigger boxes which will make your afghans grow much faster. Obviously, if you use regular or thinner yarns, it will take longer to finish your project.
Starting Chain and Box Counts
- Twin - 13 Boxes Across, Chain 130
- Double - 7 Boxes Across, Chain 70
- Queen - 8 Boxes Across, Chain 80
- King - 2 Boxes Across, Chain 20
- Throw - 4 Boxes Across, Chain 40
- Lapghan - 4 Boxes Across, Chain 40
Once the first row is established, you will just rotate around the centre row as if it's like the one square.
I will have tutorials coming in the future to demonstrate this and show you how to go around. For those who are familiar with Tunisian Entrelac, you will have a head start.
Olivia Hicks says
Greetings!
I love that you have a great tunisian entrelac pattern--but I'm wondering how to do it starting with diamonds and working in rows & changing colors for each row. I've found one pattern that seemed simple enough, but exactly where & how to attach the yarn for the second & third rows has me befuddled...I'd like to make a scarf with leftovers so don't need more than 5 or 6 diamonds/squares per row.
Thanks for any help!!!
Olivia H.
Elizabeth Hollinger says
I love the idea of this though finding it hard to complete the first two go arounds. Wondering if it is possible to do this AND keep all of the stitches going the same directions? From looking at the images, I'm guessing not?
Mikey says
I don't think that is possible with this technique. Even with doing Entrelac in rows, the directions change because of the way it's simple stitched.
Jessica Johnson says
I am absolutely loving the look of this pattern. I decided to go with the King size. I am just curious approximately how many skeins this pattern will take? I know that I need to get a few more of one of my colors that I am working with and if I need more of others I'd like to get it all at once.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful technique. I love all your videos and enjoy trying out projects "with" you!
Mikey says
I really don't know the answer to that. I've done it myself and I would hate to guess wrong as I really don't have a clue. I'm sorry.