Filet Crochet

How to Filet Crochet ~ I’ve crocheted but never done Filet Crochet before. The vintage pieces I’ve seen look beautiful, but I thought not that easy to do.  I decided my first step was some research. I’ve found a couple internet sites I share a little later in the blog post to help make it simple.

Where to Begin

To start, it is usually constructed from crochet thread made of Mercerized cotton in white or ecru, and worked in rows, but yarns can also be used.

It makes a pretty decorative lace trim like on window curtains, tablecloths, pillows and place settings such as coasters and place mats.

To create this type of crochet you use a graph or diagram. Patterns have solid and open mesh squares similar to cross stitch. Usually you’ll see the patterns only use two stitches, the chain and double crochet stitch.

General Directions

I’ve written out below the General Directions included in the leaflet, Filet Crochet and How To Use It by Augusta Pfeuffer. She authored and designed many crochet leaflets during the early 1900’s.

This is what she says about filet crochet:

Filet crochet is the simplest form of crochet, no extra instructions for each piece are given; therefore the publisher has furnished block patterns of each design, thinking it the easiest way to copy.

The simple rule to follow is: In starting a piece, get the correct number of chain stitches by counting your meshes, multiply by three, and chain five extra stitches for your turn. Taking as an example: Chain 24 stitches, make five extra chain stitches for your turn and in the 8th chain stitch work on double, chain 2 again, skip 2 chain stitches, work on double in next chain stitch, and so on all the way up for the open meshes. (This forms the foundation of all filet crochet.) For one closed mesh, work four doubles and add 3 doubles for each additional closed mesh. If lace or piece widens, add necessary chain stitches required, according to rule given.

Filet crochet is always more attractive when made with a good fine thread. The finished work, also the linen, should be shrunk before putting the crochet in the material.

Links to More Info

I found those general directions a bit confusing so I looked around the internet and found this site on The Spruce.com on learning the basics.

Also on the Red Heart website there is an article titled Ultimate Guide to Filet Crochet with some holiday project ideas. You’ll encounter a couple pop-ups there to sign up for their newsletter, but just click the X and they go away. It’s a great article for the basics.

Also on the Royce’s Hub blog there’s a great tutorial with pictures Filet Crochet: Starting the Work to help you get started.

I hope this starts you on a journey with Filet Crochet. Many vintage linens have this embellishment. It would be great create a few of our own for today.

Free Filet Crochet Pattern

Here is your free Pattern:

Filet Crochet Pattern Flower Luncheon Cloth with Napkin to Match

The pattern is in PDF format so to download it you’ll need the Adobe Reader software on your computer. Most computers come with it, but it is free and can be found here.

Download Instructions: Right-Click the link and select either “save target as” or “save link as” depending on what browser you are using or simply click on it and save or print.

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Enjoy!

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