Filet Crochet Tutorial: Positive VS Negative Images
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This is a tutorial to explore the difference between negative and positive filet crochet.
Filet Crochet can be used to make images on your flat crochet projects by following a graph. It is best used for items such as shawls, bags, tablecloths or even pillow cases. It is a fun alternative to C2C. It also works up faster with a more elegant and lacy look. Shawls and garments made with filet crochet have a lovely drape to them.
With filet patterns, you follow a graph just like you would in C2C, but instead, you will work in rows with double crochets and skipped chains. Your pattern grid will be either positive or negative, depending on the type of project you are trying to achieve. In today’s tutorial, we will explore the difference between these two and offer some fun projects for you to try. So grab your hook and favorite yarn and let’s get started!
What is Filet Crochet?
Filet crochet is created using black and white graphs. Unlike it’s counterpart, C2C, it is usually crocheted in one color. It is typically crocheted in double crochet stitches in combination with chains and skipped stitches to create open and closed mesh and therefore create images, words, or lace creations. The white pixels are for the chain(s), skipped stitch(es) and 1 additional double crochet stitch and the black pixels are just for double crochet stitches.
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!
Filet Crochet Video Tutorial
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Tools You Will Need
- Your Favorite Yarn
- Your favorite crochet hook (I love these ones!)
- Tapestry Needle
- Stitch Markers
Filet Crochet Positive vs Negative: Photo Tutorial
Now we will move on to the fun part – learning filet crochet! This photo tutorial will walk you through Positive and Negative filet crochet. Gauge will be important, so you have an even finished project. So remember to to do a gauge swatch before starting new project. First, we will start with how to read a graph. I’ve broken it down so it is easy for beginners to grasp the concept.
How to Read a Filet Crochet Graph
Filet crochet graphs can be read in different ways. If a pattern only includes a graph then you can crochet the project in 3 DC or 4 DC Filet Crochet. That means 3 DC Filet Crochet has 3 stitches per pixel, but 1 of the stitches is part of the next pixel. For 4 DC Filet Crochet one pixel has 4 stitches, but again 1 stitch of the 4 is shared with the neighboring pixel. Each version of filet crochet has it’s benefits. 4DC will increase the width of your project, but will look more like the graph.
Positive Filet Crochet
Positive is when the image is “in color”. The double crochets create a solid image that is surrounded by negative space. The Drawstring Heart Pouch below is an example of positive filet crochet.
Below is a positive filet crochet graph. The black squares represent double crochet stitches and the white squares are “open boxes” and represent skipped stitches. You will work in rows with each square using the 3DC or 4DC.
Negative Filet Crochet
Negative is when there is no color or the space is empty or hollow. The image is negative space, surrounded by solid stitches. Negative filet crochet creates a mesh or lacy look. It’s a great project for curtains or shawls. The Butterfly Drawstring Bag below is an example of negative filet crochet.
Below is a negative filet crochet graph. The empty boxes or white squares represent skipped stitches and black squares represent double crochet stitches. You will work in rows with each square using the 3DC or 4DC.
More Filet Crochet Patterns
Ready to try more filet crochet? Check out these free patterns!
Bee Filet Market Bag
Try positive filet crochet with the Bee Market Bag. This free patterns walks you through all the steps you need to make this adorable market bag!
Filet Crochet Snowflake Pillowcase
Try your hand at negative filet crochet with the Snowflake Pillowcase. This free pattern is a fun winter accessory to add to your home
Filet Crochet Bookmark
Use negative filet crochet to make letters in this fun, free bookmark pattern. The “YARN” bookmark is a quick easy project that is great fir those just learning filet crochet.
Butterfly Filet Bag
Create your very own drawstring pouch using filet crochet. The Butterfly Filet Bag is a free pattern available on my website.
Filet Crochet Illusion Shawl
If you are confident enough with your filet crochet skills, try the Illusion Rectangle Poncho. This free pattern is available right here on my website!
Filet Zipper Pouch
Learn how to add a zipper to your project with the fun filet crochet zipper pouch! Create the words “LOVE YARN” using negative filet crochet and use this handy pouch to store your hooks and notions. The Filet Crochet Zipper Pouch pattern is available for free on my 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!
If you have enjoyed this tutorial about Negative vs Positive Filet Crochet, be sure to share the link with your crafty friends on social media using the buttons above or below this stitch tutorial. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for sharing.
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