entrelac: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical)Technical / Craft
Quick answer
What does “entrelac” mean?
A knitting technique where small interconnected sections are worked in different directions to create a continuous, woven-looking fabric without seams.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A knitting technique where small interconnected sections are worked in different directions to create a continuous, woven-looking fabric without seams.
More broadly, any interlaced, woven, or intertwined pattern or structure, especially in textiles, basket weaving, or abstract design.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. The word is borrowed from French and used identically in both crafting communities.
Connotations
Connotes skilled, intricate handcraft. Associated with patience, complexity, and traditional techniques.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined almost exclusively to knitting, crochet, and textile design contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “entrelac” in a Sentence
[to knit/weave/crochet] in entrelacThe [scarf/blanket] is worked in entrelac.She mastered the entrelac technique.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “entrelac” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to entrelac the border of the cushion for a decorative finish.
- I'm going to entrelac the next few rows to create a textured panel.
American English
- She's planning to entrelac the sleeves for a unique look.
- The pattern instructs you to entrelac for the middle section.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The entrelac scarf was a masterpiece of colourwork.
- She specialises in entrelac designs for shawls.
American English
- This entrelac blanket pattern is very popular.
- He bought an entrelac hat from the craft fair.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; potentially in historical textile studies or material culture papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of craft hobbies.
Technical
Standard term within knitting patterns, craft books, and tutorial videos.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “entrelac”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “entrelac”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “entrelac”
- Mispronouncing as 'en-tree-lack'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'knitted'.
- Misspelling as 'entrelace', 'entrelak', or 'entrelaque'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is a loanword from French (meaning 'interlaced') adopted into English specifically as a technical term in knitting.
Yes, within crafting communities. For example, 'to entrelac a border' means to knit that section using the entrelac technique.
It is considered an intermediate to advanced technique because it involves changing knitting direction and picking up stitches, but many learners successfully attempt it with clear tutorials.
It creates a fabric that appears to be made of small, woven blocks or diamonds set at right angles to each other, resembling basketweave, without any actual weaving or seaming.
A knitting technique where small interconnected sections are worked in different directions to create a continuous, woven-looking fabric without seams.
Entrelac is usually technical / craft in register.
Entrelac: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɒ̃.trə.ˈlæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːn.trə.ˈlɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ENTRE' (between/among) + 'LAC' (like lace or interlace) = fabric made by interlacing among itself.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEXITY IS INTERWEAVING; NARRATIVE/RELATIONSHIPS ARE TEXTILES (e.g., 'an entrelac of subplots').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'entrelac' primarily used?