Filet Crochet: A Complete Beginner's Guide with Free Pattern

Have you ever admired those delicate, lace-like crochet pieces with intricate designs that seem too complex to create? Welcome to the world of filet crochet, a technique that's surprisingly accessible even for beginners. Despite its elegant appearance, filet crochet uses just two basic stitches to create stunning visual patterns. In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know to start creating beautiful filet crochet projects today.

What is Filet Crochet?

Traditional filet crochet showcasing the characteristic grid pattern with open and closed mesh blocks

Filet crochet is a technique that creates a mesh-like fabric with a grid of open and filled spaces. Dating back to at least the 15th century, it originated from Italian filet lace embroidery before evolving into the crochet technique we know today. By the 1850s, filet crochet had become widely popular for creating doilies, tablecloths, curtains, and decorative household items.

The beauty of filet crochet lies in its simplicity. The entire technique relies on just two basic stitches: double crochet (dc) and chain stitches (ch). By arranging these stitches in specific patterns, you create a grid of open spaces (called "mesh" or "open blocks") and filled spaces (called "solid blocks" or "closed mesh"). When viewed from a distance, these blocks form pictures, words, or geometric designs.

Traditionally worked with fine cotton thread, modern filet crochet can be created with any weight yarn, making it versatile for projects ranging from delicate doilies to cozy blankets and stylish garments. The technique's lovely drape makes it particularly well-suited for shawls and curtains.

Materials Needed for Filet Crochet

Before diving into filet crochet, gather these essential materials for the best experience:

You'll also need a printed or digital copy of your filet crochet chart. For beginners, I recommend starting with a simple chart with few pattern changes. As you gain confidence, you can move on to more complex designs.

Understanding Filet Crochet Charts

Filet crochet patterns are typically presented as grid-based charts rather than written instructions. Understanding how to read these charts is the key to mastering filet crochet.

The Basics of Filet Charts

• Each square on the chart represents one "block" in your crochet work
• Filled squares (often colored or marked with X) represent solid blocks made with double crochet stitches
• Empty squares represent open mesh blocks made with double crochet and chain stitches
• Charts are typically read from bottom to top
• Odd-numbered rows are read from right to left, even-numbered rows from left to right

Two Common Filet Methods

There are two primary methods for creating filet crochet, differing in how many stitches make up each block:

Method I (3-stitch) is the most common and what we'll focus on in this guide. The "+1" in the stitch count formula refers to an extra stitch at the end of each row that helps maintain the pattern structure.

A solid block in the 3-stitch method consists of 3 double crochet stitches worked in 3 consecutive stitches or spaces from the previous row. These blocks create the "filled in" parts of your design.

Creating Open Mesh

An open mesh block consists of 1 double crochet, 2 chain stitches, and skipping 2 stitches from the previous row. These blocks create the "empty" parts of your design, allowing light to pass through.

The Shared Stitch Concept

One of the most confusing aspects for beginners is understanding that stitches are shared between blocks. Here's how it works:

• If you have two solid blocks next to each other, you'll work 5 dc total (not 6), because the last dc of the first block counts as the first dc of the second block
• If you have a solid block followed by an open block, you'll work 3 dc, then ch 2, skip 2 sts, then dc (the last dc of the solid block counts as the first dc of the open block)
• If you have an open block followed by a solid block, you'll work 1 dc, ch 2, skip 2 sts, then 3 dc (the last dc of the open block counts as the first dc of the solid block)

Starting Your First Row

Every filet crochet project begins with a foundation chain. The length of this chain depends on how many blocks wide your pattern is.

Calculating Your Starting Chain

For the 3-stitch method, use this formula:

For example, if your pattern is 10 blocks wide:

• (10 blocks × 3) + 3 = 33 chains

The extra 3 chains account for:

• +1 for the extra stitch at the end of the row
• +2 to serve as the turning chain (counts as first dc)

Working the First Row

After making your foundation chain, you'll work your first row following these steps:

1. Skip the first 3 chains (these count as your first dc)
2. For a solid block: Work 2 more dc in the next 2 chains
3. For an open block: Work 1 dc in the next chain, ch 2, skip 2 chains
4. Continue across following your pattern
5. End with a dc in the last chain
6. Chain 3 and turn your work

Transitioning Between Rows

Moving from one row to the next in filet crochet requires understanding how to properly turn your work and maintain your pattern.

End of Row and Turning

• At the end of each row, work a dc in the last stitch (this is your "+1" stitch)
• Chain 3 (counts as first dc of next row)
• Turn your work

Reading Your Pattern in Alternating Directions

Remember that you read odd-numbered rows from right to left and even-numbered rows from left to right. This means:

• Row 1: Start at bottom right of chart, work to left
• Row 2: Start at left side, work to right
• Row 3: Start at right side, work to left
• And so on...

Working Into Previous Row

When working into the previous row, you'll encounter both double crochet stitches and chain spaces:

• For solid blocks: Work dc stitches into each dc from previous row
• For open blocks above solid blocks: Work 1 dc, ch 2, skip 2 dc
• For solid blocks above open blocks: Work 3 dc (1 in dc, 2 in ch-2 space)
• For open blocks above open blocks: Work 1 dc in dc, ch 2, skip ch-2 space, work 1 dc in next dc

Simple Filet Crochet Heart Pattern

Now that you understand the basics, let's practice with a simple heart pattern. This small project is perfect for beginners and can be used as a coaster, appliqué, or gift tag.

Chart for the heart pattern (filled squares represent solid blocks)

Comparing Filet Crochet Chart to Other Techniques

Pro Tips for Perfect Filet Crochet

Before and after blocking: notice how blocking creates perfect squares and opens the mesh

Project Ideas for Your Filet Crochet Skills

Now that you've learned the basics of filet crochet, here are some project ideas to put your new skills to use:

Filet crochet is particularly well-suited for personalized items since you can easily create letters, names, or special dates using filet charts. Consider making a family heirloom piece with a meaningful quote or your family name.

A personalized filet crochet bookmark makes a thoughtful handmade gift

Conclusion

A filet crochet pattern may look intricate and complex, but as you've learned, it's built on simple principles that even beginners can master. With just double crochet stitches and chains, you can create stunning lace-like fabrics with pictures, words, and designs that will impress everyone who sees them.

Remember that practice makes perfect. Your first filet crochet project might not be flawless, but each subsequent project will improve as you become more comfortable with the technique. Start with simple patterns like our heart design and gradually work your way up to more complex charts.

The beauty of filet crochet lies not just in its visual appeal but also in its versatility. From delicate thread doilies to cozy worsted weight blankets, the technique adapts to any yarn and any project. We hope this guide has inspired you to pick up your hook and try this timeless crochet technique!