Learn Filet Crochet Basics

Filet crochet is an easy technique that can have stunning results. Filet crochet patterns are made up of open meshes and solid meshes.

Some patterns use 4 dc to form a block (solid mesh), while other patterns use 3 dc to form a block (solid mesh).

3 DC Filet Explained: In a pattern that uses 3 double crochet (dc) to form each block (solid mesh):
Each block consists of 3 dc. When there are two blocks side by side, the blocks share a common dc in the center, so there will be 5 dc in that group of two blocks. Three blocks side by side = 7 dc.

4 DC Filet Explained: In a pattern that uses 4 double crochet (dc) to form each block (solid mesh):
Each block consists of 4 dc. When there are two blocks side by side, the blocks share a common dc in the center, so there will be 7 dc in that group of two blocks. Three blocks side by side = 10 dc.

Some diagrams will call for treble crochet or other stitches; the following examples are for the double crochet stitch, using 4 double crochet to form a block (solid mesh).

On a chart, the blank square equals an open mesh. The symbol shows what this open mesh would look like on a stitch symbols diagram. To make an open mesh: ch2, skip next 2 chains, dc in next dc or skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc.

Note: Some stitch keys will call this a space, instead of a mesh.

The Beginning Open Mesh (Beginning Space) is made by: ch 5, skip next 2 stitches, dc in next dc.

On a chart, the X equals a solid mesh. The symbol shows what this solid mesh would look like on a stitch symbols diagram. To make a solid mesh: dc in next 3 dc or 2 dc in next chain space, dc in next dc

Note: Some stitch keys will call this a block instead of a solid mesh. Some charts will use a different symbol (such as a circle), instead of the X, to equal the solid mesh.

The Beginning Solid Mesh (Beginning Block) is made by: ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in first chain space, dc in next dc or dc in next 3 dc.

On a chart, this long divided space equals a fancy mesh. The symbol drawing shows what this fancy mesh would look like on a stitch symbols diagram.

To make a fancy mesh: chain 3, skip next 2 stitches or chains, single crochet in next stitch or chain, chain 3, skip next 2 stitches or chains, double crochet in next stitch or chain.

Note: Some stitch keys will call this a lacet instead of a fancy mesh.

The Beginning Fancy Mesh (Beginning Lacet) is made by: ch 6, skip next 2 sts or chs, sc in next st or ch, ch 3, skip next 2 sts or chs, dc in next dc.

On a chart, this long space equals a long mesh. The symbol drawing shows what this long mesh would look like on a stitch symbols diagram.

To make a long mesh: chain 5, skip next fancy mesh, double crochet in next double crochet.

Note: The long mesh is the companion stitch to the fancy mesh (lacet).

The Beginning Long Mesh is made by: ch 8, skip first fancy mesh (lacet), dc in next dc.

Pattern Helpful in Learning To Filet Crochet:
The Antique Spider Design at http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa051802.htm
Following the written out directions for the first few rows can be helpful in understanding how to crochet open mesh and solid mesh, to anyone just learning filet crochet.

Don't Miss:

Photography and Illustrations by Sandi Marshall, licensed to About.com. Do not redistribute.

Bookmark for this feature is http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa050298.htm