Crochet technique
Filet Crochet
Filet crochet creates pictures and lettering on a mesh grid by filling some squares with double crochet and leaving others open. Each square is either an open mesh of dc and ch 2 or a solid block of three dc. Patterns are read from a chart where filled squares mark solid blocks.
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How to get started with filet crochet
- Ch 3 times the number of chart squares, plus 1, plus 4 for turning.
- Read the chart from the bottom right corner on right-side rows.
- Open mesh: dc, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next st.
- Solid block: dc in each of the next 3 sts, including the shared edge dc.
- Ch 5 to turn for an open first square, or ch 3 for a solid first square.
- Read wrong-side rows of the chart from left to right.
- Block the finished piece to square the grid.
How do you read a filet crochet chart?
A filet crochet chart is read square by square, with blank squares worked as open mesh and filled squares worked as solid double crochet blocks.
Right-side rows are read from right to left and wrong-side rows from left to right. Left-handed crocheters reverse the direction.
What yarn is best for filet crochet?
The best yarn for filet crochet is a smooth, tightly plied cotton, from crochet thread for lace to worsted cotton for curtains and wall hangings.
Fuzzy or textured yarns blur the image and hide the grid.
What can you make with filet crochet?
Filet crochet is used for curtains, table runners, wall hangings, blankets with names or words, and decorative pillow covers.
Graph paper or a chart generator makes it easy to design a custom image.
Frequently asked questions
Is filet crochet hard?
No. It uses only chain and double crochet; counting is the main skill.
Why is my filet crochet not square?
Stitches are often taller than wide. Blocking or using ch 1 spaces for taller yarns helps.
Can I use a knitting chart for filet crochet?
Yes, any single-colour grid chart can be converted.