An introduction to filet crochet; tips, tricks and modifications

Filet Crochet is a traditional crochet technique which uses a square mesh based pattern to create shapes, pictures, patterns or lettering in crochet fabric.

In this post I’ll explain how fillet crochet works, including a written description and charted diagram of the basic stitch pattern.

You’ll lean how to work with filet crochet charts and how you can modify the technique to suit your preferences.

I’ll finish with a round up of a range of fillet crochet patterns you could try to get started with this fun, versatile crochet technique.

What is the filet crochet stitch pattern?

The word ‘Filet’ is french for net (as Crochet is French for hook).

It is called filet because the pattern is made from a net frame and the design is built using grid squares. It may help you to think of it like creating an image from pixels.

Some of the squares in the grid are filled with crochet stitches (blocks) and some are left empty or open (spaces). The contrast between these blocks and spaces is what creates the pattern within the fabric.

Traditionally a filet crochet block is created from three consecutive double crochet (UK treble crochet) and a space is created from one double crochet (UK treble) and two chains (skipping two stitches).

This is represented in the chart below.

Overall, filet crochet works with a crochet stitch multiple of 3+1 (though some term this as 3+4 depending on the specific pattern)

Below is a stitch chart for a simple diamond shaped fillet crochet pattern. I use this same design for the swatches in this post to make it easy to compare different approaches.

Tips for filet crochet

In the example above, I have used a chain 2 turning chain and not counted this as a stitch. You may prefer to use a chain 3 to start a row and count it as a stitch. This will depend on the pattern you’re working. Which ever approach you choose, it’s important to be consistent.

When working over a chain from a space in the row below, it looks better (in my opinion at least) if you work into the chain rather than over the top of it. I work into the top two loops as if it were a typical stitch as I find this helps the squares to maintain their shape. It takes a little more effort but it’s worthwhile I think.

Keeping your tension relaxed when working your chains helps both with working into them later and to maintain the same width as each double crochet stitch.

You should make sure that the blocks / spaces stay stacked on top of each other to accurately create the pattern. If you move one or two stitches along, this will mess up the final pattern.

I always recommend stopping for a moment at the end of each row to check the pattern is working up as you expect.

One of the great features of filet crochet which I mustn’t miss is the fact that it has lovely drape so looks great on garments and accessories like shawls. The holes in the fabric give it lots of room to move as well as creating beautiful patterns.

How to read filet crochet charts

Filet crochet charts are produced using a grid system, much like common colourwork charts.

Each square on the chart either represents a block or space, so each square is equivalent to 3 stitches and one row.

Blocks (3 double crochet) are represented by a filled square and spaces (1 double crochet, chain 2 and skip two) by an unfilled square. In some charts, you may also see the blocks marked with an X rather than a fill.

Below is a chart version of the stitch diagram shown above:

Note that this chart does not account for the +1 of the stitch multiple so you will need to add one last dc at the end of the row.

Filet crochet charts, much like colourwork charts are read ether top to bottom or bottom to top, (depending on the pattern you’re working). You will start right to left if you’re a right hander and left to right for left handers.

(See this post for more discussion of left handed crochet adjustments.)

Variations on filet crochet

How to make crochet filet squares more square

Many crocheters find that the combination of double crochet and two chains for the spaces creates more of a rectangle than a square. The width of three (US) double crochet is often slightly wider than the height of one double crochet. This will mean that your ‘square’ is wider than it is tall.

This will of course depend on your individual gauge, particularly the row height (which can be adjusted using the golden loop method).

If you find this to be the case with your filet crochet squares, you can experiment with using a taller stitch such as a treble crochet or an extended double crochet.

To illustrate this, I worked up 2 additional swatches using the same filet crochet pattern as above, but replaced the double crochet first with a treble crochet and then with an extended double crochet*.

Below is an image of the filet crochet diamond pattern using treble crochet instead of double.

I like the size of the squares in this swatch, but am not sure about the slight zig zag effect from the taller stitches. It’s a bit of a gappy situation. That said, this could look great on a lightweight summer shawl or garment and the drape it has is lovely.

The swatch below shows the same pattern using the extended double crochet*.

*You can find a tutorial for the extended double crochet here.

This one is my favourite of the three in terms of achieving a squared grid effect. I am a huge fan of extended stitches though so I may be biased.

In fact, here’s a peek of a filet crochet pattern coming soon where I used extended doubles with filet crochet.

Using extended double crochet clearly suits my gauge. Tension is a big factor in stitch height so these swatches may look very different for different crocheters.

When I’m working with extended double crochet in this way, I stick with a chain 2 turning chain to stop the rows stretching out at the edge. When I used the treble crochet above, I used a chain 3.

Below is an image of the three swatches together so you can compare the variations easily. From top down you’ll see the same pattern worked with double crochet, extended double crochet and treble crochet respectively.

If you do choose to make one of these modifications make sure you swatch to ensure you’re happy with the result and treat your swatch as you would your finished item.

Narrower filet crochet mesh

You may have also seen filet crochet worked with a narrower mesh using just two stitches.

It’s not uncommon to see filet crochet patterns using ‘1 double crochet, chain 1, skip 1’ for the spaces and 2 double crochet for the blocks.

I made up a quick swatch of the same pattern as above using this method so you can see if you like the difference.

I think this creates a really cute effect and think it could be useful for smaller projects or for more intricate patterns.

Regardless of which stitch you use, the filet crochet grid principle will be the same.

Filet crochet and blocking

Blocking filet crochet patterns is a great way to get the most out of your project as it will allow you to really sharpen up those edges and define the shapes.

If you’re crocheting an item to wear, bear in mind that your crochet will stretch with gravity, making your stitches longer. You will want to take this into account when making your stitch choice.

Let’s have a quick look of what all 4 examples look together on a blocking board so you can really see the differences.

Do you have a favourite?

Filet crochet and colourwork

Generally speaking, filet crochet patterns are worked in a single colour so you can see the picture more clearly. However, I have seen fillet crochet patterns work well with graduated ombre yarns or colour blocks.

If you want to add colourwork to your filet crochet project, I the trick is not to make so many color changes so that it hides the filet pattern – less is more and all that.

9 filet crochet patterns to try

If you like the sound of filet crochet from this discussion, below are a few fun filet crochet patterns giving you suggestions for a range of crochet projects to get you started. They use a range of versions of the filet crochet principle.

You can find all the dora does patterns using versions of filet crochet here.

1. Easy filet crochet hat and scarf pattern

I designed the ‘this way up’ hat and scarf crochet patterns as a simple introduction to filet crochet,

It works up quickly and will help you get used to the technique. Worked with worsted weight yarn, this crochet pattern will be keeping you cosy and the right way up in no time!

Click here for free scarf pattern

2. Circles in the sand tee (free crochet pattern)

This top down crochet sweater uses the extended double filet crochet pattern to create circle and wave motifs throughout the garment. The pattern is free in a range of sizes too.

3. The Valerie Cowl from Two Brother’s Blankets

For a simple starter filet project, check out this lovely chequerboard / checkerboard (depending where you’re from!) scarf pattern from two brother’s blankets.

4. Electric blue filet crochet shawl from Blue Star Crochet

If you want more of a challenge, this dramatic wrap gives you an idea of the kind of geometric shapes you can create using a traditional 3 stitch filet crochet design.

5. Heart Jar Pattern from Hooked on patterns

This small project is a great way to get started with a 3d shape and a simple heart motif. A great free pattern for practicing the technique.

6. Diamonds Doily from Made by Gootie

This is a lovely modern doily pattern which will have you working filet crochet in the round in no time

7. Window Pane Cardigan from You should craft

If you want to go all out and make a filet crochet garment, this is a fun place to start. It’s a simple but effective filet crochet pattern used in a short sleeved drop shoulder cardigan design.

9. Tunisian Filet crochet – for the adventurous…

Lastly, if you fancy something a little different, you could even work filet crochet using tunisian crochet stitches. Yarn Andy has put together a tutorial comparing tunisian and traditional filet crochet which you may find interesting!

I hope that you have found this explanation of filet crochet helpful and are fired up and ready to take on your first filet crochet project, or to revisit it if you haven’t tried it for a while.

Happy Hooking

Dx