Noro Entrelac Blanket Knitting Pattern

Noro Entrelac Blanket

Project Overview

The Noro Entrelac Blanket is an intermediate-level knitting project that creates a finished square blanket measuring approximately 45 inches by 114.5 centimeters. This downloadable PDF pattern showcases the entrelac technique, a sophisticated method of interlocking knitted blocks that produces a distinctive woven appearance while being worked flat on straight needles.

What Is Being Made

This project produces a substantial blanket or throw featuring the entrelac stitch pattern. The finished dimensions of approximately 45 inches square make it suitable for use as a decorative throw, bed topper, or cozy blanket. The entrelac construction creates a visually striking geometric pattern with interlocking rectangular blocks that give the appearance of woven fabric despite being created entirely through knitting.

Techniques Used

The primary technique featured in this pattern is entrelac knitting, an advanced method where blocks of stitches are worked in alternating directions to create an interlocking, three-dimensional effect. The pattern is worked flat on needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier construction and consistent edge management. The pattern includes instructions for picking up and knitting or purling into loops along edges, which is essential for connecting the entrelac blocks. Additional techniques referenced in the pattern include slip stitches, yarn overs for stitch creation, and various decreasing methods such as slip, slip, knit to shape the blocks.

Stitches Used

The Noro Entrelac Blanket employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette stitch – Used as a base stitch in portions of the pattern, creating smooth knit rows alternating with purl rows
• Garter stitch – Produces a textured, ridged fabric and is used in specific sections of the blanket
• Yarn overs – Create new stitches and contribute to the openwork or textural elements within the entrelac blocks
• Slip stitches – Used throughout, particularly slipping stitches purlwise to maintain consistent edge tension
• Decreases – Including slip, slip, knit decreases to shape the entrelac blocks and maintain proper stitch counts
• Selvage stitches – Edge stitches that facilitate seaming and create clean finished edges

Materials and Gauge

The Noro Entrelac Blanket is constructed using Noro Obi yarn in two colorways: five 100-gram balls of Noro Obi in colorway #10 (designated as color A) and three 100-gram balls of Noro Obi in colorway #5 (designated as color B). The pattern calls for one pair of size US 10 (6mm) needles, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge, along with stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points.

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The pattern specifies two different gauges depending on the stitch being worked: 12 stitches and 18 rows equal 4 inches over Stockinette stitch using size US 10 needles, and 12 stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches over Garter stitch using the same needle size. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauges before beginning the project to ensure accurate sizing of the finished blanket.

Pattern Notes

The pattern includes helpful guidance for working from charts, noting that "no stitch" spaces indicated by shading represent areas where stitches have been decreased or not yet made. Knitters should work only the stitches shown on the chart, skipping over these unmarked spaces. The pattern also specifies that all stitches should be slipped purlwise unless otherwise noted in the instructions, which helps maintain consistent tension and appearance throughout the entrelac construction.