interlace

Interlace, as a noun and verb, refers to the act or result of crossing or weaving strands, threads, or elements so that they weave together. The term is used in several fields to indicate a pattern of crossing or linking that forms a coherent whole.

In textiles and weaving, interlacing describes how warp and weft threads cross to form fabric. The interlacing pattern determines the fabric’s structure and characteristics. For example, plain weave has a simple over-under interlacing sequence, while twill and satin weave modify the order and slack between crossings to produce different textures and drape. Lace and openwork fabrics rely on deliberate interlacing to create decorative networks of threads. The density and geometry of interlacing influence strength, weight, and hand feel.

In broadcasting and video technology, interlacing is a method of drawing images in two passes, called fields. One field shows all the odd lines, the other all the even lines, and together they form a full frame. This technique reduces bandwidth while preserving motion detail, and it was standard in analog television systems such as NTSC, PAL, and SECAM. Modern displays and many digital formats favor progressive scanning, which draws all lines in a single pass. When interlaced video is displayed on progressive screens, deinterlacing algorithms are used to convert it, with potential for artifacts like combing if not handled properly.

Other uses of interlace occur in general description of weaving or linking ideas, pathways, or structures that become interconnected. The term thus covers both physical weaving practices and broader concepts of interconnectedness.