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I have put together 5 filet crochet patterns that everyone should try. We are going to learn the basics of filet crochet technique – fun and easy crochet technique to put pictures, words or geometric shapes onto your designs- the easy way!
Have you every tried filet crochet technique? I bet most crocheters have tried this fun and interesting technique without even realising that they are using it! Have you ever created an open space and then crocheted into that open space on the next row?
If you answered yes, then you more than likely have used filet crochet before! It is one of the easier techniques you can use to create stunning and visually interesting crochet designs. More so, it is a beginner friendly technique once you know the basics.
Table of contents
What is Filet Crochet?
Filet crochet uses basic crochet stitches to create picture designs. These can be any designs, words, quotes, or geometric shapes. The only stitches you need to master are the basic stitches every beginner crocheter learns – chain and double crochet stitch. These are the two most common stitches used in traditional filet crochet. However, the technique is not limited only to these.
The reason crocheters mostly use double crochet is its height. Unsurprisingly, it is the perfect height. It is tall enough to create gaps that are large enough to create blocks that portray a design. Smaller stitches might not stand out enough to give you enough definition. Stitches taller than double crochet on the other hand might make the final picture distorted and out of proportion.
Filet Crochet Basics Explained
The filet crochet uses two different stitch groups which form the design on your crochet project. These are called filet crochet space and filet crochet block.
Filet crochet space is simply the open mesh. This is created by working 1 double crochet and 1 chain stitch. The group of stitches represents one square on the graph.
Filet crochet block is the solid block. It is created by working 3 double crochet stitches again representing one square on the graph.
Typically, filet crochet is worked from a graph or a diagram of black and white squares. Normally white square means space and the black square means block. However, you should always check the explanation fo each pattern separately.
The final picture design is created by combining open and closed mesh.
There are two ways to do this. You can either create the background from open mesh and have the closed mesh create the picture. Using this technique creates more open, light, and lacy fabric. This way would be perfect for creating light shawls and wraps for warmer spring/summer weather, wall hangings, or table runners.
However, you can also do the opposite and do it in reverse. You can have a more solid background consisting of closed mesh blocks and have the open mesh spaces create the design. This technique creates a more solid fabric that would be lovely for baby blankets, cushion covers, or as an accent design for tops and pullovers.
5 Amazing Filet Crochet Patterns
I have hand-picked five amazing filet crochet patterns for you to try. These are all easy beginner-friendly patterns if you haven’t tried this fun technique before. Some of them only have a little taster of filet crochet so you can get used to the technique. They all showcase this fun technique beautifully and you will learn the basics by crocheting these fun and free crochet patterns.
Filet Crochet Patterns Show off and Tips
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1. Filet Crochet Scarf
You can make this Filet Crochet Scarf as an infinity scarf or even as a cowl. This pattern is between a cowl and an infinity scarf as the length is not super short but also not super long. The easy pattern gives this scarf a beautiful lacy texture that can still keep you warm.
It is a great stash busting crochet project that uses up leftover yarn. The filet crochet technique in this pattern uses double crochets and some extra chains in some places to make these window like squares in between walls of dense double crochets. It has an alternating pattern of nine open spaces and solid blocks.
This easy stash-busting crochet cowl will only take you a couple of hours to make so it would be a great last-minute gift or make a stack for your craft stall. The free tutorial on HOW TO CROCHET A FILET CROCHET SCARF – FREE PATTERN is available on my website.
2. Sunset Boomerang Crochet Scarf
This crochet scarf might not be a traditional filet crochet where you create a picture. Instead it uses rows of open mesh and solid blocks to create stripes. It is a fun pattern that uses increases on one side and decreases on the other to create an unusual boomerang shaped scarf.
If you have never crocheted a scarf before then this pattern will be perfect, especially for a beginner. The scarf has all double crochet stitches and therefore works up very quickly. SUNSET BOOMERANG SCARF – FREE CROCHET PATTERN is available on my blog as a free pattern.
This pattern is very similar to the Diamond Scarf and the Easy Boomerang Scarf which both feature the open and closed mesh stitch technique.
3. Diamond V Neck Crochet Top
This filet crochet top has many many diamonds all over it. The diamond pattern is created by the open mesh spaces which are organized in a diamond shape. The solid blocks inside the open mesh fill out that space to create the diamond pattern.
This top is super easy to make as there are no increases or decreases. The top consists of two large rectangles. You then sew these together leaving opening for the neck and sewn at the sides leaving opening for the armholes.
It is an easy crochet pattern for a garment that will make you want to create more wearables. Check out the BEAUTIFUL DIAMOND TOP CROCHET PATTERN FOR BEGINNERS.
4. Easy Crochet Market Bag
This is a brand new crochet pattern on my website using this fun crochet technique. It is an easy market bag featuring filet crochet and linked crochet stitches. Using the open mesh for the body of the bag gives it the ability to stretch.
This is a desired quality for a market bag so you can fit all your shopping inside. I have also used a row of solid double crochet stitches to give it a little support. I have also used one of my favorite techniques which is the linked crochet stitch.
Using Linked Crochet allows you to remove the gaps that are usually created when crocheting regular crochet stitches. This is the perfect stitch to use for the handle at the top of the bag.
I use this stunning market bag all the time especially when I am shopping at the farmer’s market. EASY CROCHET MARKET BAG – FREE PATTERN WITH FILET CROCHET AND LINKED CROCHET STITCHES is available on my website.
5. Butterfly Filet Crochet Blanket
My good friend at The Lavender Chair designed this sweet baby blanket. Dorianna has many beautiful filet crochet designs but I absolutely adore this butterfly design.
It uses the open mesh spaces against the solid background (closed mesh) to create a picture of a butterfly. This is the exact opposite technique. The closed mesh frames the open mesh to create the design.
It is really cool to have the option of creating such beautiful designs by just using stitches rather than having to change colors. Find the free pattern HERE.
I hope I have introduced you to something new and you are inspired to try filet crochet technique. Once you understand the very basics, it really is a beginner friendly technique to elevate your crochet designs to the next level.
Filet Crochet Course
However, if you wanted to dive even deeper into this amazing technique I have a whole filet crochet course available. Unfortunately it is not available as a stand alone course for purchase. But there is a way to get this premium crochet course for free and I think you will love it!
You can get access to this extensive filet crochet course if you join The Crochet Club as an annual member. What is The Crochet Club you ask?
THE CROCHET CLUB – AN ALL-ACCESS MEMBERSHIP is exactly what it says on the tin. It is an exclusive membership to a fun crochet club where I will teach you different techniques and tips on how to improve your crochet projects!
You will get access to all my patterns in PDF formats and full support from myself to guide you through the tricky bits. I will also teach you what YOU want to learn! I also organise fun games and quizzes to improve your crochet knowledge!
You can have the most amazing pattern and yarn in the world, but if you don’t have the knowledge on how to crochet in a way that makes you proud, then all your work is for nothing. You can easily change that by joining my crochet club and improve your crochet skills!
Do you enjoy receiving exciting crochet patterns, tutorials, tips and tricks straight into your inbox? Why not sign up to my fun and free crochet newsletter? You won’t regret it, I promise.
Donna
Thank you for the information and patterns. I look forward to trying something new! 🙂