How to Filet Crochet (Beginner Guide to Charts and Mesh Blocks)

Filet crochet is a lace crochet technique that uses open and solid mesh blocks to create decorative patterns and pictures. By combining double crochet stitches and chain spaces, crocheters can create everything from simple geometric designs to intricate floral motifs and lettering. This beginner tutorial will show you how filet crochet works, how to read filet crochet charts, and how to crochet the open and solid blocks that form the pattern.

How to Read Filet Crochet Charts

A filet crochet chart resembles a grid with open spaces and solid spaces. To create the solid spaces, you will work 3 double crochet in that block, and to make the open spaces, you will crochet chains over skipped stitches.

Solid Filet Blocks

In some patterns, these blocks are referred to as mesh. To create the solid block, you work 2 dc into the chain space below and 1 dc into the next dc. So, 3 dc make up a block. The first solid block [beginning block] in a row is created by working ch3 (which counts as a dc), 2 dc into the next ch sp, and dc in the next dc. To create the open blocks, ch2, sk the next 2 ch, dc in the next dc.

Open Filet Blocks

The very first open block [beginning space] in a row is made by ch5, sk the next 2 sts, and dc in the next dc. Let’s see how that would work with a chart. This is a simple chart, just so you can see how it works.

Each shaded block equals 3 dc. So two blocks together would appear as 7 dc because you have the 1 dc in between each block. The numbers on the sides show which row you are working in. You start from the bottom and work your way up.

How to Crochet Filet Stitch (Step by Step)

Filet crochet is traditionally worked in fine cotton, but you can work it in any yarn you like! If you want the project to make lace, fine cotton is appropriate, but you can still create these delicate patterns with any type of yarn and a hook to match the yarn’s weight.

1. Crochet the Foundation Row

The starting chain needed to start your filet crochet sample is the number of blocks multiplied by 3.

We have 6 squares x 3 for this example. (18). Add 5 ch if your first square is a space. (3 ch for the first dc, plus 2 more.) The first square is a space in our chart above. So work 18+5 ch.

• Work one double crochet into the sixth chain from the hook. Your first space is formed.
• Ch2, sk 2, 1 dc in next ch. Your second space is now formed.
• Now you are going to make a solid block.
• Work 3 dc into next 3 ch. It will look like 4 dc, but remember, one dc is the ‘border’ between the blocks.

• Work another 3 dc into the next 3 sts.

• *Ch2, sk 2, 1 dc into next ch. Repeat from * once more.

Your first row of crochet filet should now resemble the chart: 2 spaces, 2 solid blocks (with a border in between), then 2 spaces.

2. Row 2 Building the Filet Pattern

• Turn your work. Ch5 (3 ch for first dc, + 2 ch.) work 1 dc into dc below.
• Ch2, sk 2, 1 dc into first dc of solid blocks.
• Dc into each dc below. (Dc2, 1 border dc, dc 2, 1 border dc.) Total of 7 dc.
• Ch2, dc into dc below, ch2, dc into top of ch3 at the start.

3. Row 3 Now the Chart Changes

• Ch 3 (Acts as first dc). Dc into next 2 sts, dc into ‘border’ dc, dc into next 2 sts, dc into first of solid block.
• (Ch2, sk 2, dc.) twice.
• Dc into first dc of solid block, dc into next 2 sts, dc into ‘border’ dc below, dc into next 2 sts, dc into 3rd ch of turning ch.

4. Row 4 Continue Filet Pattern

• Ch 3 (Acts as first dc). Dc into next 2 sts, dc into ‘border’ dc, dc into next 2 sts, dc into last dc of block.
• (Ch2, sk 2, dc into border dc.) twice.
• Dc into first dc of solid block, dc into next 2 sts, dc into ‘border’ dc below, dc into next 2 sts, dc into 3rd ch of turning ch.

Your row of filet crochet is complete, and so is your chart.

Now start again from row 1, and repeat until you have reached the length you want.

This filet pattern is very simple, but if you make a wider sample and carry on crocheting for many repeats, it forms a lovely design.

Other Filet Patterns

Once you have mastered the solid blocks and empty blocks, you will be able to follow any filet crochet chart. Keep in mind that each empty block consists of the following elements: border, ch2, sk 2, border. Each solid filet block is made up of: border, 2 dc, border. (Don’t count that middle border stitch twice if you have 2 solid blocks in a row!)

What Can I Make with Filet Crochet?

Filet crochet is often used for borders, edgings, and insertions on items like tablecloths and tray mats or placemats. The crochet piece is sewn onto a piece of fabric with a whip stitch. You can also use filet crochet to create more oversized items like tablecloths and bedspreads. You simply need to add more repeats to your pattern. This lovely lacy crochet style is also great for beach cover-ups and pretty gilets or vests.

Filet Crochet Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Solution
Uneven blocks	Inconsistent tension	Keep stitches even
Chart doesn’t match	Miscounted blocks	Count each row carefully
Fabric pulling	Tight chains	Loosen chain tension
Gaps too large	Hook too large	Reduce hook size
Pattern shifting	Missed stitches	Check chart frequently

Filet Crochet FAQs

Pin for Later

In Conclusion

Filet crochet is a beautiful lace crochet technique that combines open and solid mesh blocks to create decorative patterns and images. Although the charts may seem intimidating at first, the technique itself uses only simple double crochet and chain stitches. Once you understand how to read the grid and identify the different block types, you’ll be able to follow a wide variety of filet crochet patterns for home decor, garments, and accessories.