Learn Filet Crochet Basics

Filet crochet is an easy technique that can have stunning results. Filet crochet patterns are made up of open meshes and solid meshes.

Some patterns use 4 dc to form a block (solid mesh), while other patterns use 3 dc to form a block (solid mesh).

3 DC Filet Explained: In a pattern that uses 3 double crochet (dc) to form each block (solid mesh):
Each block consists of 3 dc. When there are two blocks side by side, the blocks share a common dc in the center, so there will be 5 dc in that group of two blocks. Three blocks side by side = 7 dc.

4 DC Filet Explained: In a pattern that uses 4 double crochet (dc) to form each block (solid mesh):
Each block consists of 4 dc. When there are two blocks side by side, the blocks share a common dc in the center, so there will be 7 dc in that group of two blocks. Three blocks side by side = 10 dc.

Some diagrams will call for treble crochet or other stitches; the following examples are for the double crochet stitch, using 4 double crochet to form a block (solid mesh).

On a chart, the blank square equals an open mesh. The symbol shows what this open mesh would look like on a stitch symbols diagram. To make an open mesh: ch2, skip next 2 chains, dc in next dc or skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc.

Note: Some stitch keys will call this a space, instead of a mesh.

The Beginning Open Mesh (Beginning Space) is made by: ch 5, skip next 2 stitches, dc in next dc.

On a chart, the X equals a solid mesh. The symbol shows what this solid mesh would look like on a stitch symbols diagram. To make a solid mesh: dc in next 3 dc or 2 dc in next chain space, dc in next dc

Note: Some stitch keys will call this a block instead of a solid mesh. Some charts will use a different symbol (such as a circle), instead of the X, to equal the solid mesh.

The Beginning Solid Mesh (Beginning Block) is made by: ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in first chain space, dc in next dc or dc in next 3 dc.

On a chart, this long divided space equals a fancy mesh. The symbol drawing shows what this fancy mesh would look like on a stitch symbols diagram.

To make a fancy mesh: chain 3, skip next 2 stitches or chains, single crochet in next stitch or chain, chain 3, skip next 2 stitches or chains, double crochet in next stitch or chain.

Note: Some stitch keys will call this a lacet instead of a fancy mesh.

The Beginning Fancy Mesh (Beginning Lacet) is made by: ch 6, skip next 2 sts or chs, sc in next st or ch, ch 3, skip next 2 sts or chs, dc in next dc.

On a chart, this long space equals a long mesh. The symbol drawing shows what this long mesh would look like on a stitch symbols diagram.

To make a long mesh: chain 5, skip next fancy mesh, double crochet in next double crochet.

Note: The long mesh is the companion stitch to the fancy mesh (lacet).

The Beginning Long Mesh is made by: ch 8, skip first fancy mesh (lacet), dc in next dc.

Pattern Helpful in Learning To Filet Crochet:
The Antique Spider Design at http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa051802.htm
Following the written out directions for the first few rows can be helpful in understanding how to crochet open mesh and solid mesh, to anyone just learning filet crochet.

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