Garter Entrelac

Garter Entrelac is a captivating knitting technique that weaves together interlocking diamond patterns, creating a beautiful, textured fabric with depth. At its heart lies the art of short-row knitting, which produces a striking visual effect. 

This method allows knitters to craft intricate patterns reminiscent of woven tapestries. While it may seem intimidating initially, with a bit of practice and patience, you can master this technique and create stunning entrelac pieces.

To begin your Garter Entrelac journey, you'll need a few basic supplies: your favorite yarn, appropriately sized needles, and a willingness to experiment. Start with a simple color palette to familiarize yourself with the technique. As you gain confidence, you can explore more complex color combinations and patterns.

Tips for Success

1. Practice: Take your time to practice the short rows and the pick-up technique. It’s normal to make mistakes, so embrace the learning process.
2. Watch Tutorials: There are many excellent video tutorials available that can guide you through the process step-by-step.

Here's a basic guide to get you started:

STEP 1: CAST ON

Start with 18 sts to be worked in three groups of 6, using the knitted cast-on so that stitches are loose enough to work with.
You can start with a multiple of just about any number and use that number for the groupings of stitches.

STEP 2: PREPARATION TIER (BASE TRIANGLES)

Row 1 (WS): K2, turn.
Row 2: K2, turn.
Row 3: K3, turn.
Row 4: K3, turn.
Row 5: K4, turn.
Row 6: K4, turn.
Row 7: K5, turn.
Row 8: K5, turn.
Row 9: K6, end of left triangle, do not turn.
End of base triangle one of three, start next base triangle on next stitch.
Repeat Rows 1 to 9 two more to complete all three base triangles.

STEP 3: SECOND TIER (RIGHT SLANTING RECTANGLES)

Left Side Triangle

Row 1 (RS): K2, turn.
Row 2: K2, turn.
Row 3: Kfb, SSK, turn.
Row 4: K3, turn.
Row 5: Kfb, k1, SSK, turn.
Row 6: K4, turn.
Row 7: Kfb, k2, SSK, turn.
Row 8: K5, turn.
Row 9: Kfb, k3, ssk, end of left triangle, do not turn.
Now work the Two Middle Rectangles of Tier 2.

Two Middle Right Slanting Rectangles

With right side facing, pick up and knit 6 sts along the selvedge edge of the next triangle or rectangle, turn.
Row 1: K6, turn.
Row 2: K5, ssk, turn.
Row 3: K6, turn.
Row 4: K5, ssk, turn.
Row 5: K6, turn.
Row 6: K5, ssk, turn.
Row 7: K6, turn.
Row 8: K5, ssk, turn.
Row 9: K6, turn.
Row 10: K5, ssk, turn.
Row 11: K6, turn.
Row 12: K5, ssk, end of Rectangle One, do not turn.
Repeat Rows 1-12 once more to complete both middle rectangles. Then, begin working the right-side triangle in the next section.

Right Side Triangle

With right side facing, pick up and knit 6 sts along the selvedge edge of the next rectangle, turn.
Row 1: K6, turn.
Row 2: K4, ssk, turn.
Row 3: K5, turn.
Row 4: K3, ssk, turn.
Row 5: K4, turn.
Row 6: K2, ssk, turn.
Row 7: K3, turn.
Row 8: K1, ssk, turn.
Row 9: K2, turn.
Row 10: SSK, and transfer this st to the right needle.
The remaining stitch will be counted as the first st picked up for the first rectangle in Tier 3.

STEP 4: THIRD TIER (LEFT SLANTING RECTANGLES)

Three Left Slanting Rectangles

For the first rectangle only, the remaining stitch from the last tier counts as 1 picked up stitch.
With wrong side facing, slip 1, pick up and purl 5 sts along the selvedge edge of next triangle or rectangle.
Row 1: P6, turn.
Row 2: P5, p2tog, turn.
Row 3: P6, turn.
Row 4: P5, p2tog, turn.
Row 5: P6, turn.
Row 6: P5, p2tog, turn.
Row 7: P6, turn.
Row 8: P5, p2tog, turn.
Row 9: P6, turn.
Row 10: P5, p2tog, turn.
Row 11: P6, turn.
Row 12: P5, p2tog, end of Rectangle One, do not turn.
Pick up and purl 6 sts along the selvedge edge of the next triangle or rectangle.
Repeat Rows 1 to 12 two more times to complete three middle rectangles.
Continue working STEPS 3 and 4 until the desired length is reached. End with STEP 5.

STEP 5: BIND OFF TRIANGLES

Note: Before you begin the bind off triangles the last tier you work is SECOND TIER.
With wrong side facing, slip 1 st, pick up and purl 5 sts along the selvedge edge of the next triangle or rectangle. For the first triangle only, the remaining stitch counts as the first picked up stitch.
Row 1: P6, turn.
Row 2: P2tog, p3, p2tog, turn.
Row 3: P5, turn.
Row 4: P2tog, p2, p2tog, turn.
Row 5: P4, turn.
Row 6: P2tog, p1, p2tog, turn.
Row 7: P3, turn.
Row 8: P2tog, p2tog, turn.
Row 9: P2, turn.
Row 10: P2tog, p2tog, pass 1st stitch over 2nd, do not turn.
The remaining stitch will count as the first stitch of the next triangle.
When all three triangles have been worked, bind off last stitch and weave in ends.

Garter Entrelac is not only a beautiful technique but also a rewarding one. With its captivating patterns and tactile texture, it offers endless possibilities for creativity. So grab your yarn, follow the steps, and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Garter Entrelac. Happy knitting!