MotifSmithHow to Read a Filet Crochet Chart
Filled squares are 3 double crochet, open squares are chain 2 and double crochet 1. How to read a filet chart, start the foundation chain and work each row.
To read a filet crochet chart, start at the bottom row and treat each square as one mesh block. An open square is chain 2, skip 2, double crochet 1. A filled square is 3 double crochet. These are US terms: in UK terms, double crochet is called treble crochet.
The two squares
Filet crochet draws a picture with solid blocks against an open mesh, using a single yarn.
| Square in the chart | What you work (US terms) |
|---|---|
| Open | Chain 2, skip 2, double crochet 1 |
| Filled | Double crochet 3 |
Each row also starts with a turning chain of 3, which counts as your first double crochet.
Starting the chain
Each square needs 3 stitches, and the row needs one more to close the final square. A common way to start:
- Chain 3 for each square across the chart, then chain 3 more
- Work the first double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook
- Continue row 1 from the chart
For a chart 10 squares wide, that means 33 chains. Designers vary in how they start, especially when the first square is open, so follow the pattern's notes if it has them.
Reading direction
Start at the bottom. Row 1 usually runs right to left for a right-handed crocheter, row 2 left to right, and so on. Left-handed crocheters swap the directions.
Why filet is forgiving
There are no color changes, so you only need to track where you are. It also suits text very well, which is why names and short words are such popular projects. A name usually reads well at 15 to 25 rows tall.
Make your own chart
Type a name or choose an image in the filet crochet pattern generator. It gives you the chart plus counts for every row, like "12 open, 3 filled, 4 open".
Swatch a small part first. Filet squares are not always perfectly square, depending on your tension and yarn.