Interlacing is essentially a diagonal weave, though without weft threads the technique is braiding rather than weaving. The method is the same as interlinking, though instead of working always from the same side to create a chain-link structure, each row is worked in the opposite direction of the previous row. This produces alternate rows of S-leaning threads and Z-leaning threads.

1-1 Interlacing

In 1-1 interlacing, each thread goes over one thread, then under one thread. This often creates a loose weave structure.

1-1 interlacing in variegated yarn shows diagonal movement of the threads.

Drawing of 1-1 interlaced sprang by Carol James.

2-2 Interlacing

In 2-2 interlacing, each thread passes over two threads, then under two threads, creating a twill pattern.

2-2 interlacing with variable patterns.

Drawing of 2-2 interlacing by Carol James.

3-3 Interlacing

In 3-3 interlaced sprang, each thread passes over three threads then under 3 threads, creating a twill pattern.

3-3 interlacing in multiple colors shows the diagonal movement of threads.

Drawing of 3-3 interlaced sprang by Carol James.

Interlacing and Interlinking

When rows of interlacing are interspersed with rows of interlinking by varying the numbers of rows of S and Z, a wide range of patterns and textures can be created.

2-2 interlacing at bottom, rows of S&Z separated by interlacing above.

S & Z directions switch every row or two, moving threads diagonally for short distances.