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.
DebsCrafty Gifts says
Hi, I love this Afghan and yes i get how it goes around for a square....I too would like to know how to do a rectangle...will give the square more of a go first..throw is a good place to start i feel.
Elaine Phillips says
I want to do this Hope the tutorial will stay on facebook for reference
Gleda says
I'm missing something here. How can a KING size blanket be only 2 squares and a TWIN size be 13 squares? Is there a type? Size small to large is: lapghan, throw, twin, double, queen, king.
melissa says
King size is closer to a square than is a twin size, it will still use more rounds, but the dimensions are rougly King- 72x84 twin 74x35 (inches)
Gleda says
Interesting. I never knew that. Thank you, Melissa.
Megan Harry-Lockley says
each bed size is a different length. So sometimes you need a longer length than wideth. The extra squares in the middle ensures that you have the extra length you need. The bigger the bed the nearery the length and width are smiliar sizes. so it becomes more square.
Hope that helps