How to Filet Crochet 2 Ways + Free Patterns
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Did you know there’s more than one way to filet crochet? Today we’ll find out how to filet crochet in 2 different ways. Make learning filet crochet easy with helpful videos and free patterns.
Dip your toes into the world of handcrafted lace with the timeless filet crochet technique where designs are stitched up one pixel at a time and the only limit is your imagination.
Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to filet crochet patterns, as this technique really does it all. You will find many free patterns out there from vintage doilies to modern wall hangings and everything in between.
My favorite thing about it is the ability to create pictures in my work without doing any color work. No color changes and no extra ends to weave in sounds like a dream to me.
Today we’re going to learn the fundamentals of how to filet crochet in 2 different ways. Whether this is your first attempt at filet crochet or you just need a refresher, you are in the right place!
The word filet crochet comes from the French word for “net” which is fitting, since some parts of a filet crochet design resemble an open mesh. Solid blocks of stitches contrast against the mesh to create images ranging from simple to intricate.
The mesh part can be the background or you can make the solid part be the background. You can learn more about positive vs negative filet crochet here.
More Filet Crochet Patterns
If you love this pattern and tutorial and want more filet crochet patterns, be sure to grab my e-book – Filet Crochet Made Easy! With over 50 patterns and 6 tutorials, you can master filet crochet in no time! ALL AD-FREE and Printer-Friendly!
Is there more than one way to filet crochet?
You might think you know how to filet crochet already, but do you know there’s actually more than one way to do it?
The most common way to filet crochet uses three double crochet stitches to represent each pixel on the graph but there is another way to do it.
The second way to filet crochet uses four double crochet stitches per each pixel instead and this can really change up the whole look! Either one is suitable for beginners, especially with the help of the video tutorial.
Watch the video tutorial below or scroll down further for the step by step photo tutorial to learn more about these differences in depth. Oh, and don’t forget to stick around to the end of the post for free filet crochet patterns to practice with!
Filet Crochet Video Tutorial
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How to Filet Crochet: Photo Tutorial
To make it easier, just like C2C patterns, Filet Crochet patterns are often made up of graphs, especially if the pattern includes pictures, words or lots of different rows or rounds. Some of my patterns include graphs and some do not.
How to Read a Filet Crochet Graph
Filet Crochet graphs are most commonly depicted in black and white. The white pixels (also sometimes called blocks or squares) represent the mesh parts of the design and the black squares represent the solid parts of the design.
3 DC vs 4 DC Filet Crochet
Here we have a simple two pixel graph with one black pixel and one white pixel. On the top, notice how the black pixel is represented by three double crochet stitches and the white pixel is represented by a chain stitch. This is the 3 DC version.
On the bottom, notice how the black pixel is represented by four double crochet stitches and the white pixel is represented by two chain stitches. This is the 4 DC version.
In both versions, you will see that the double crochet next to the chain stitches is a different color in the crochet chart. This is because that stitch is shared by both pixels.
To make it easier, I prefer to think about that each row has 1 edge stitch (rounds would not have that edge stitch). So 3 DC Filet Crochet has 2 stitches per pixel and for 4 DC Filet Crochet one pixel has 4 stitches.
So when doing a pattern with the 3 DC version this is exactly what you will crochet for each pixel:
- Black pixel = 2 dc sts (1/st) + 1 edge stitch per row
- White pixel = 1 ch, 1 sk st, 1 dc + 1 edge stitch per row
That means the 4 DC version would be:
- Black pixel = 3 dc sts (1/st) + 1 edge stitch per row
- White pixel = 2 chs, 1 sk st, 1 dc + 1 edge stitch per row
Practicing 3 DC vs 4 DC Filet Crochet
So, now it’s time to practice 3DC vs 4DC Filet Crochet. Below you see the same graph, but 2 different charts. Both charts are equal to the graph. Think of it like a swatch.
Practice both to learn the different versions. The top chart is for the 4 DC version and the bottom chart is for the 3 DC version. You can also use the ATC (alternative turning chain) in exchange for the Ch3 which is counted as a stitch.
Here’s another video tutorial, if needed
For the 4 dc version, you will chain 21 (the number of chains equals 3 times the number of blocks in a row on the graph) then you will add 3 more chains for your turning chain (or do an ATC) and then 2 more chains for the first open block.
Make 4 dc stitches and then chain 2 and skip the next 2 chains. Dc in the next chain, chain 2 and skip the next 2 chains. Make another dc in the next chain. You’ve just completed two open boxes on the graph.
Now make 3 more dc stitches to complete the next solid block. Chain 2 and skip the next 2 chains to make the last open block of the row, and dc 4 stitches to complete the first row. Now you’re ready for the next row!
Chain 3 or start with an ATC (this counts as the first stitch of this row). Then chain 2 and skip two for the first box since it’s open. Now crochet a dc into the next dc, make 2 dc stitches in the chain 2 space, and crochet a dc into the next dc to complete the solid block.
Chain 2 and skip the next two stitches, dc into the next 4 stitches and you’ve completed 2 more blocks from the graph. Now you’re getting the hang of it! Start over from the beginning of this paragraph to complete another open block and a solid block.
To finish off the row, chain 2 and skip the next two chain stitches. Then make your last stitch in the 3rd chain stitch. And you did it!
For the 3 dc version, you will chain 14 (the number of chains equals 2 times the number of blocks in a row on the graph) then you will add 3 more chains for your turning chain (or do an ATC) and then 1 more chain for the first open block.
Make 3 dc stitches and then chain 1 and skip the next chain. Dc in the next chain, chain 1 and skip the next chain. Make another dc in the next chain. You’ve just completed two open boxes on the graph.
Now make 2 more dc stitches to complete the next solid block. Chain 1 and skip the next chain to make the last open block of the row, and dc 3 stitches to complete the first row. Now you’re ready for the next row!
Chain 3 or start with an ATC (this counts as the first stitch of this row). Then chain 1 and skip one for the first box since it’s open. Now crochet a dc into the next dc, make a dc stitch in the chain 1 space, and crochet a dc into the next dc to complete the solid block.
Chain 1 and skip the next stitch, dc into the next 3 stitches and you’ve completed 2 more blocks from the graph. Now you’re getting the hang of it! Start over from the beginning of this paragraph to complete another open block and a solid block.
To finish off the row, chain 1 and skip the next chain stitch. Then make your last stitch in the 2nd chain stitch. And you did it!
How to Filet Crochet: Free Patterns
Ready to dive into your first project? With a bit of practice and the right pattern, you’ll soon be turning yarn into stunning lacework that looks far more complicated than it really is!
Celtic Weave Shawl
Get date night ready with a stunning hot pink shawl that is sure to turn some heads. You will love how relaxing it is to crochet the repeating filet crochet pattern and you just might become lost in this pretty design if you stare at it too long.
The pattern calls for sport weight yarn and the 3 DC filet crochet stitch. Both graphed and written instructions are available for free.
Check out the Celtic Weave Shawl pattern here.
Oversized Crochet Poncho
You can rock this oversized poncho all year round as the filet crochet technique provides the perfect balance between cozy and breezy. Isn’t that diamond design just so mesmerizing?
This pattern calls for DK weight yarn and it uses the 3 DC filet crochet technique. Instructions are both written and graphed. Trust me, this design is easier than it looks, since it is made from two rectangles.
You’ve really got to see how cute this Free Oversized Poncho Pattern looks when it’s belted…
Illusion Scarf with 3D Cubes
I just love a good illusion crochet project because they really make you do a double take. Look closely at the scarf before to reveal the repeating 3D cube shapes. How cool is that?
This design uses worsted weight yarn and the 3 DC mesh. This design is even easier than the last two and it still includes both written and charted instructions.
Don’t think outside the box, just check out this Illusion Square Scarf instead!
Butterfly Bag
What kinds of treasures would you store in this enchanting butterfly bag? It’s the perfect size for a small reusable gift bag, for discreetly carrying toiletries or for guarding your pretty rock collection.
The pattern uses DK weight yarn and the 3 DC filet crochet technique. Instructions are fully written out and there are also video tutorials for this one.
The Butterfly Bag is a free pattern available on my website.
How to Filet Crochet Scarf with Sleeves
Is it a scarf or a sweater? You decide with this versatile crochet design. This crochet fashion has been trending lately so why don’t you see what all the fuss is about?
A sprinkle of filet crochet mesh stitches gives this design its interesting lace appearance. It uses DK weight yarn and the 3 DC filet crochet technique.
See just how easy it is to make this Sweater Scarf with Sleeves here.
Spring Bunny Doily
Here is an example of a pattern that uses 4 DC mesh. The larger mesh inspired the designer to use extended double crochet stitches to make the mesh spaces a little taller as well.
The adorable bunny design is just the thing for spring home decor, and especially for Easter. The free doily pattern is available from the Draiguna crochet design website.
If you’ve become obsessed with the elegance of Filet Crochet, you can learn everything there is to know about it! Filet Crochet Made Easy is my e-book that includes over 50 patterns and 6 tutorials. ALL AD-FREE and Printer-Friendly! Grab it at the link below!
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