Filet Crochet: Your next Crochet Challenge!

by Suncatcher Craft Eyes

Filet Crochet: Your next Crochet Challenge!

If you are searching for a fun new challenge to add to your crochet repertoire, filet crochet patterns might be just the thing you are looking for. Filet lace is one of the most interesting forms of crochet and its uses are manifold. 

Filet crochet patterns are generally worked with smaller needles and thread to create lace made up of pictures, shapes and even words in some patterns. Worked in fine cotton, it makes beautiful and long-wearing net curtains, table runners and placemats. In thicker yarn filet crochet can make anything from a pretty bedspread to a fashionable sweater. 

Wall hangings are another popular way to display your filet crochet patterns. As opposed to other types of mats and doilies that are either worked in rounds or with motifs sewn together, filet crochet patterns are usually worked in rows from side to side. 

Filet crochet is a particular technique of crochet based on forming designs from a series of solid and open squares, called ‘blocks’ and ‘spaces’. The effect of this work is similar to lace or net – also called filled and open mesh. Filet crochet makes attractive edgings on many household items. 

Often there are only two stitches used in a piece of filet crochet; a double crochet and a chain stitch. It is how the stitches are combined that forms the unique and beautiful patterns. 

Reading a Filet Crochet Pattern

If you decide to try your hand at a filet crochet pattern, you might be surprised at what you encounter when you take your first peek at the pattern. Instead of written directions, you will probably see a grid of sorts. This grid will contain squares, called meshes (blocks and spaces), which will be either filled or open. From a chain of multiple crochet chain stitches you can form a square pattern. 

Different methods of working filled and open mesh are used. However in general the: 

filled mesh stands for three double crochet (3dc). open mesh symbolizes one double crochet (1dc) followed by two chain stitches (2ch). Got it?  

That is about as hard as a filet crochet pattern gets! 

Actually, the most difficult part of reading a filet crochet pattern is not in understanding which stitch goes where, but in keeping track of the number of meshes that you have worked, so that you don’t lose your place in the pattern. Once you begin to see your picture take place, you will have an easier time of keeping your pattern stitches straight. 

The other thing to keep in mind as you are shopping for your filet crochet pattern is that there can be slight variations on the diagram. For example, instead of using double crochet, your pattern might call for triple crochet. There might also be some differences in how many chain stitches your pattern calls for. By simply reading over your filet crochet pattern carefully before beginning your project, you will be able to make any necessary adjustments to how you will work your piece. 

Filet crochet can be a fun and beautiful way to broaden your crochet horizons. With a little practice in reading the charts, you will become a pro at filet crochet patterns in no time at all!

Crochet some baby Mary Jane Slippers. The slippers are easy to work up. Written Instructions crochet-mania.blogspot.com
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