A woven-look texture that is much easier than it appears!
The Entrelac crochet stitch creates a beautiful pattern made of small interlocking blocks that resemble woven fabric.
Although the texture looks intricate, the technique becomes simple once you understand how each block is built.
As a result, this stitch is perfect for beginners who want a visually impressive project without complicated stitches.
Below, you’ll find a clear, transition-rich guide with step-by-step instructions to help you master Entrelac from the very first try.
What Is the Entrelac Crochet Stitch?
Entrelac crochet is formed by building a sequence of small rectangular blocks, each one attached to the next in diagonal rows. The final effect is similar to a checkerboard or woven pattern.
The fabric is created by working:
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foundation blocks
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upward (increasing) blocks
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filling blocks
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and decreasing rows
Because of this layered structure, Entrelac is a great technique for colorful geometric designs.
Recommended Materials
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Medium-weight yarn (Category 4 or 5)
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Crochet hook suitable for your yarn
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Scissors
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Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Tip: Smooth yarns make the structure of each block much easier to see.
Step-by-Step Tutorial (Perfect for Beginners)
1️⃣ Making the First Foundation Blocks
We begin by creating a series of small rectangles that form the base row.
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Chain 6.
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Make 1 single crochet in the second chain from the hook.
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Continue working single crochet stitches across (5 stitches total).
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Turn your work and repeat for 3 more rows.
This creates your first block.
➡️ To continue, repeat this same process to create as many blocks as your project width requires.
2️⃣ Joining the Foundation Blocks Together
Now it’s time to attach each new block to the one next to it.
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After finishing a block, do not fasten off.
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Insert your hook into the side edge of the previous block.
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Slip stitch to connect them.
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Chain 1 and work 5 single crochets again.
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Continue building blocks side by side until you complete your base row.
➡️ Once your base is done, you’re ready to move upward.
3️⃣ Building the Upward Blocks
This is where the Entrelac texture starts taking shape.
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Turn your work.
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Crochet 4 rows of 5 single crochets, just like before.
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Join the block to the block above with a slip stitch.
⚠️ Important transition: Each new block must attach to the block directly above it. This keeps the checkerboard effect neat and consistent.
4️⃣ Filling the Gaps Between Blocks
As you work upward, small spaces will appear between the blocks. Let’s fill them in.
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Insert your hook into the side of the upper block.
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Slip stitch to anchor the new block.
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Work 4 rows of 5 single crochets.
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Slip stitch into the next side space to secure it.
➡️ As you fill these gaps, the woven texture becomes more defined and visually striking.
5️⃣ Working the Decrease Rows (Top of the Entrelac)
Once your project reaches the desired height, it’s time to decrease.
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Turn your work but do not make a new block on the edge.
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Skip the first block and move directly to the next.
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Continue creating blocks as usual while always skipping the edge block.
👉 This naturally reduces the number of blocks per row and finishes the top edge smoothly.
Your Finished Entrelac Fabric
In the end, you’ll have a beautifully textured piece featuring diagonal woven-like squares. It’s perfect for:
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blankets
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scarves
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table runners
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bags
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cushion covers
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decorative pieces
With a little practice, you can experiment with color changes, larger blocks, or even multicolored yarns for a dramatic effect.
