What is Filet Crochet?

Filet crochet is a series of crocheted mesh stitches crocheted in a certain sequence so that it forms a distinct pattern or picture. It is simple and fun to do, and can grow ultra fast and finished effects can be stunning.

By following a pattern chart you build up a picture or pattern using either the straight line technique or in a round using a mixture of either empty or filled mesh squares. We will only be dealing with the straight line technique in this crochet article.

Mesh stitches are made up using a combination of treble and chain stitches.
These are really all the stitches you will need to know, apart from slip stitch in order to be able to produce your own filet crochet pieces.

Tension is not so important when doing filet crochet. The main concern is that your mesh stitches are square in shape. If your tension is slightly incorrect you may end up with rectangular mesh stitches instead, this does not usually affect the finished product or the pattern. However if you wish to ensure that the mesh stitches are square, crochet up a practice swatch using the same sized hook and yarn as you intend to use for the project you are going to make. Then if the mesh stitches are not square in shape then try a different sized hook.

The important thing is that your mesh stitches are all the same size and shape in order for your desired filet pattern or image to easily show up.

There are not many crochet stitches used in the formation of filet crochet and these are only the basic crochet stitches; chain stitch, slip stitch and treble stitch. To give filet crochet a slightly different look you may see other types of stitches included all made up of the basic crochet stitches.

Filet crochet is usually worked using crochet cotton or thread. However there is nothing to stop you using any type of yarn. Crochet cotton comes in varying thicknesses, it is most usual to use either size 20 or 30. I personally prefer 20.

Using different thicknesses of thread or different types of yarn will vary the size of the square mesh and therefore the size of the finished piece. Always use the correct size crochet hook for your yarn or thread. If in any doubt check the label.

To calculate the finished size of an item, crochet up a practice swatch, using the same size crochet hook and yarn/thread as you will use to make the item. Then measure across 5 squares and then down 5 rows. Look at the pattern you are going to crochet and see how many rows it has in total, call this number Z.

Divide Z by 5 then multiply it by your measurement for the rows. This is how long your finished work will be. Now look again at your pattern and see how many squares it has across one row, divide this number by 5 and then multiply it by your measurement for the 5 squares across. This will be how wide your work will be. It is possible to work out any project in this manner.

The majority of filet crochet patterns only use filled and empty squares. A filled in mesh is made up of 3 treble stitches in a row and an empty one is made up of a treble, a single chain then a treble.

Difficulty arises sometimes as you must remember that these meshes share sides – with the exception of end mesh so it is important to remember this when following a pattern. For those wanting more detailed information on following a filet crochet chart please read the separate article entitled ‘Reading Filet Crochet Patterns.’

If you speak to some people regarding filet crochet you may find that they use treble stitches and chain stitches for their squares (mesh) whilst others use double crochet stitches and chains. There is no real difference to either method, use whichever type of stitch you prefer. You may find that your work comes out slightly smaller, in a finer mesh when worked with double crochet stitches or that the meshes produced are more rectangular.

Whichever stitch you decide to use the technique and square (mesh) formations are very similar. Just substitute the double crochet stitch for the trebles used in the pattern above. Then for empty mesh use 2 chain stitches instead of one for the tops and for filled mesh use 4 double crochet in a row.