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.
Carolien says
Hi, i want to make a Rectangular cushion
I want 8 stitches 7 rows
How many chains for 2 blocks to start 22??
Liz says
Am I missing something here? I Watched you do a chain of 20 for a king blanket the t he tutorial splices to another one where it’s only one white block and you’ve already done your cross. I’m doing a base block of 7 and can’t figure this out. Help please!
Megan says
Hi I need to know how to work out a rectangle piece of work measuring 56 cm wide and 86 cm high how can I do this. Also the chart is great but it would be nice if you could put the measurements in cm as some beds are different sizes. Ie the Uk ones are different to the USA ones thanks
Donna Sue says
I want to do a rectangle lap robe and would like to do it in a Noro. They are small skeins, so how many for a
comfortable lap robe. Your Tutorial is how I learned to do it, after flunking 2 knitting classes. Yours is the best.
Thank you
Donna Sue