How to Crochet Entrelac

     Crocheted Entrelac, made with the Tunisian Simple Stitch, is used primarily for making afghans and baby blankets. It is a bit tricky at first to understand, but after you memorize how it works, it becomes second nature.

     To begin, chain two more stitches than the amount of rows you want (example: if you want 10 rows, you'll chain 12).

     I chained eight stitches and the instructions are written as if you did the same.

Row 1:

     Turn the chain upside down and pick up seven stitches from the bottom loop.

     You'll now have eight stitches on your hook.

     Complete a total of six forward and return passes.

     Bind off all of the stitches. You have now made the center square of your Entrelac.

     If you want to change colors now, you can cut your yarn and join  your new color at any of the sides. If you want to keep using your current color, slip stitch down the side of your square.

Row 2:

      Now that your yarn is in the corner, chain 7.

      Pick up six stitches in your chain from the bottom loop, as you did before. You will now have seven loops on your hook.

      Pick up one stitch from the side of your square.

     You will now have eight stitches on your hook.

      Complete a return pass.

     Make a forward pass, but don't pick up the final stitch. You'll have seven loops on your hook.

     Pick up the stitch on the side of the square again and you'll have eight loops on your hook.

     In this manner, complete six rows.

     Bind off all of the stitches.

     Repeat the square making process a total of four times.

     If you want to change colors, you can cut your yarn and join the new color in the top left corner of one of the squares. If you want to keep using the same color, just slip stitch up the right side of the next square and across the top.

Row 3:

     1) Pick up six stitches on the left side of the square.

     Now pick up a stitch on the right side of the next square.

     You will now have eight stitches on your hook.

     Complete a return pass and make all forward passes as before. Bind off when you have made six rows.

     2) Chain seven stitches and pick up six from the bottom loop. Make six rows (making all forward and return passes as before) and bind off.

     Repeat steps 1) and 2) all the way around the swatch. Your work should now look like this.

     If you want to keep making more rows, all you have to do is slip up the right side of the next square (or if you are joining a new yarn, join in the top right corner) and repeat the necessary steps.

     If you need a little bit extra help, I found a really good video by The Crochet Crowd.