Entrelac, stemming from the french world for interlaced or entwined, is a knitting technique used to create a textured diamond pattern. While it seems to be made of squares, it is actually made up of rectangles which appear to interlace, resembling basket-woven strips of knitted fabric.

This satisfying knit is a great introduction to this technique. The cushion front is knitted in entrelac using 2 shades of felted tweed. After the challenge of this the back is plain sailing in stocking stitch with a garter buttonhole band, its simplicity providing the perfect contrast to the patterned and textured front. Two sizes are given - 30 or 40cm square. Cushion shown above is the smaller size.

FINISHED SIZE
Small: 30cm (11¾in) x 30cm (11¾in)
Medium: 40cm (15¾in) x 40cm (15¾in)

YARN
Rowan Felted Tweed DK 50g(1¾oz)/ 175m (191yds) balls
A Clay 177 2 3 x 50g
B Carbon 159 1 1 x 50g

NEEDLES
1 pair 3mm (UK 11/US 2-3) needles
1 pair 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) needles

BUTTONS
4 6 x 20-30mm (¾ -1in) buttons

OTHER
30cm (11¾in) x 30cm (11¾in) 40cm (15¾in) x 40cm (15¾in) cushion pad

TENSION
24 sts and 32 rows to 10cm/4in over st st on 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) needles.
2 rectangles across and 4 tiers high to 10cm/4in over st st entrelac on 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) needles.

Donna’s Tips…
The cast on edges can be prone to ‘pulling in’, particularly with entrelac, so ensure you cast on loosely. Using a larger needle (or 2 needles held together) for the cast on will help.

Pattern includes written instructions.
Published March 2016
Technical Editor: Rachel Vowles