How to Filet Crochet

Filet crochet is a technique that uses a simple grid of open and filled mesh squares to create beautiful pictures, patterns, and geometric designs. And it's all done using just chains and double crochets! I'll show you how to filet crochet in right and left-handed video tutorials on Moogly!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.

Why Try Filet Crochet

Filet crochet is popular because it:

• Creates elegant, lace-like fabric with minimal stitch variety.
• Makes it easy to incorporate words, monograms, and pictorial designs.
• Can be resized by repeating or combining chart sections.
• Works well with fine crochet thread for heirloom projects or with yarn for modern home décor and accessories.

Essentially, you can think of filet crochet as "drawing with crochet squares." Each open or filled square acts like a pixel, and together they form the finished design. You may already be familiar with this idea from corner-to-corner crochet or other colorwork patterns. But now instead of changing colors, we have open and filled squares!

How Filet Crochet Patterns Work

After chaining the width of your project and making the first double crochet/turning chain, we work across the squares as follows:

• Open Mesh/Block: usually two chain stitches followed by a double crochet (or the equivalent in the chosen pattern).
• Filled Mesh/Block: usually three double crochet stitches (or the equivalent in the chosen pattern).

By following a chart where each square represents either an open or filled mesh, crocheters can create everything from simple borders to intricate scenes, lettering, lace curtains, table runners, blankets, and garments.

Filet crochet patterns are usually shown in a chart, rather than written out in words. The amount of guidance on how to use these charts will depend on the designer, so be sure to read any notes! In general, we work from the bottom of the chart or image to the top. The direction you work may be indicated in the pattern, or it might be up to you, but you'll want to alternate every row - right-to-left followed by left-to-right, etc. If the pattern is symmetrical, like the one shown below (and like the one followed in the video), you won't really need to worry about direction.

However, if your design creates an asymmetrical image or words (like the one shown below), you'll want to pay close attention to direction! I recommend checking at the end of each row to make sure you're creating the image desired and haven't accidentally flipped direction - it happens to all of us!

I like to think of these charts as buildings with rooms. We need a wall (first double crochet/turning chain) at the beginning of each floor (row), and then we go from room to room (square to square), filling them in or leaving them empty! And at the end of each room, we need that final wall to close it off - and start the next block. At the end of the row, we turn and making the first dc of the next row, and follow the chart back across in the opposite direction.

The simplicity of these designs means it's super easy to create your own charts and images! You can use graph paper, or use a website for creating pixel designs - I like to use Stitch Fiddle! In fact, that is the site I used to design the Mix and Match Holiday Filet Table Runner pattern - free here on Moogly!

Supplies You'll Need

To filet crochet, you'll need:

• A pattern or design to make
• Yarn or crochet thread - Circulo Cotton Maxcolor 4/6 is shown in the videos below
• A hook that works with that yarn - Furls Streamline H hook is shown in the videos below
• Scissors

And that's it! The bar to entry here is very, very low - and every crocheter should be able to pick it up within minutes!

How to Filet Crochet Video Tutorial:

How to Filet Crochet - Right Handed

How to Filet Crochet - Left Handed

Final Tips for Filet Crochet

Before you start your next filet crochet project, keep these tips in mind to help your stitches stay neat and your finished piece look its best.

• Take a look at the chart before you begin. Will direction be an issue? Consider drawing in little arrows to help you as you go!
• Check your work often. It's much easier to catch mistakes early!
• Keep your tension as even as possible. Consistent stitch size is the key to crisp, well-defined designs.
• Don't be afraid to use stitch markers, especially in larger charts. They can help mark repeats, row beginnings, etc.
• Block your finished project. Filet crochet truly comes to life after blocking. It opens the mesh, evens out the stitches, and helps the design stand out beautifully.

Most importantly, enjoy the process! Filet crochet has a wonderfully relaxing rhythm, allowing you to create complicated designs without complicated stitches!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial on How to Filet Crochet. If this video doesn't answer all your questions, please ask in the comments below - I'm always happy to help.

And here's a Pin for your Crochet Pinterest Board! Make sure you are following Moogly on Pinterest for all the best knit, crochet, and craft pins!

If you make use this tip or make any Moogly pattern, please tag me in your photos so I can see them too, @mooglyblog or #mooglyblog!

Get Moogly on your favorite social media sites: YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, Tik Tok, Bluesky, and Instagram! And sign up for the free newsletter at the bottom of the page so you don’t miss a thing!