I love pairing entrelac with a long gradient yarn especially when it has two individually dyed strands. I become mesmerized watching each square interact with the next as the colors shift as you work. It is by far my favorite technique and I’m so glad I tried it a few years ago. I was intimidated but pleasantly surprised by how simple it really is to create these squares.

This chunky cowl can be worn to imitate a triangular shawl but without those pesky ends slipping away or falling down. I love that once it is on, I don’t have to fuss with keeping my ends under control but I still get the look I want. I also like to shift my cowl to one side with a plain top to wear it as an asymmetrical poncho. Dual-purpose knits really make me feel accomplished. It’s as if I’ve knitted two items at once!

If you have never tried entrelac before - this will be a great first project as it was tested by knitters both with and without any entrelac experience. This project will also take you from flat to in-the-round entrelac in one project and give you a solid foundation for future entrelac endeavors.

I also love designing items for more frugal-minded knitters. I know that not everyone can afford to consistently use expensive hand-dyed squishy gold so I looked for an affordable option that most knitters can afford and find easily. This pattern uses one ball (200g) of Marble Chunky or another chunky yarn. For best results, look for a yarn that has two plys that change color independently.
King Cole Carona Chunky was a great substitute for my tester, thrifted.

Directions are written and extensive diagrams and schematics are included. The instructions will show you how to bind-off and join in both directions so you can customize the size or follow the sample directions exactly.

Sample shown and measurements provided are all UNBLOCKED. This gives your entrelac piece a chunky, basket weave texture. Blocking your piece overly aggressively will flatten this texture.

Yarn Suggestions:
Marble, Chunky
(100% Acrylic: 341yds/200g).
1 ball
MC57 (sample)

King Cole, Corona Chunky
(100% Acrylic: 171yds/100g)
2 balls

Needles:
US 7 (4.5mm) Two 24” circular needles for two circulars technique, or one 32” or longer circular needle for Magic Loop technique, or size to obtain gauge

Notions:

Yarn Needle

Gauge:
13 sts and 20 rows = 4” stockinette, unblocked

Finished Measurements (unblocked):
37” circumference and 23.5” total depth

7” deep at back of neck

Required Skills:
Decreasing, picking up stitches knit wise and purl wise
Entrelac experience not necessary

Special Thanks to testers: beautyinthedawn, thrifted, EntrelaceQueen, Benarnaud, Missy333, and my tech editor: buzzandfuzz