Filet Crochet Tutorial + 6 Filet Crochet Patterns

These charts consist of two main elements: blocks and spaces. It's basically crochet binary! Though that seems simple to understand, there are a few details that you need to understand before getting started. Let's start with what the two elements mean.

Block: This is where you make your double crochets. It is made up of either three, four, or five dc stitches, and is represented by the black boxes in the diagram below.

Space: This is where your chain stitches are. It is made by either one, two, or three chains and a double crochet. (When working a block above a space, the stitches are worked into the chain space rather than into the chain stitches.)

One of the best approaches for understanding how to read filet crochet charts is to see them created and explained. Check out the video tutorial below from Kristi Simpson to get a breakdown of how to do it from start to finish.
 

Now that you have watched the video, you should have a much better understanding of what this technique is and how to do it. We will go into further detail with these filet crochet instructions to help you fully master it.

To start your foundation chain: Count the number of squares across the bottom row of the diagram to start. Take that number times three, plus one. For example, take the diagram below. Each darkened square (or block) is three dc. Each white square (or space) is a ch 2 and a dc.

Pay attention to the first square: If your first square is a white square (or space), then you add 5 chain stitches to your starting chain to count as a ch 3 plus a ch 2 mesh. If this space were a block (or black), then you would only add 3 chain stitches to your starting chain to count as the first dc of the block.

For this particular pattern, you would calculate your foundation chain like this: 
(6 x 3) + 1 = 19
19 + 5 = 24 sts for starting chain.

Since our first square is a white square, we are adding 5 to our starting chain. 

Start in the lower right corner where there is a space if you are right-handed. Lefties, start in the lower lefthand corner.
 

If you read patterns in a visual way, below is a stitch diagram to represent the simpler chart above. Here, every stitch is represented individually to help you work your way across each row.
 

Before you start your first project, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Work your stitches tightly. If they are too loose, your design will flop around and look a little sloppier than you might want it. You might want to use a smaller hook than your yarn calls for to ensure close stitching.
    
2. Some stitch keys will call a space a "mesh" and a block a "solid mesh." Other diagrams may also use X's in the place of darkened blocks.
    
3. Use graph paper to map out your own designs if you're feeling super creative.
    
4. To finish, block your project by following the care instructions of your yarn.
    
5. Though you can use any yarn, crochet thread creates a crochet lace design, making it perfect for delicate and display-only designs and doilies while thicker yarn would be better for more durable items. 

Now that you've gotten the basics of this crochet technique, try these amazing patterns out:

1. Filet Crochet Butterfly
    
2. Lace Summer Top with Filet
    
3. Symmetrical Filet Crochet Prayer Cloth
    
4. Safran Filet Top
    
5. White Filet Lacy Top with Contrasting Bands
    
6. ​Happy Jack O' Lantern Table Runner