What is Filet Crochet? A Beginner's Guide
Filet crochet is a technique that creates images and patterns using a grid of open mesh spaces and filled blocks. The word "filet" comes from the French word for "net" — and that's exactly what it looks like: a delicate net with pictures woven into it.
How Filet Crochet Works
The basic idea is simple:
- Open mesh: Chain 2 + 1 dc = an empty square on the grid
- Filled block: 3 dc = a filled square on the grid
By alternating between open and filled squares row by row, you build up an image — just like pixel art, but with yarn. The technique uses only two stitches (chain and double crochet), making it surprisingly accessible for beginners.
What Can You Make?
Filet crochet is incredibly versatile. Popular projects include:
- Wall art: Hearts, animals, flowers, seasonal decorations
- Table runners: Elegant floral or geometric designs
- Window curtains: The open mesh lets light through beautifully
- Name doilies: Personalized gifts with names or initials
- Baby blankets: Simple motifs like bunnies, stars, or teddy bears
Getting Started
To start a filet crochet project, you need:
- A chart (grid pattern showing which squares are filled vs. open)
- Cotton thread or light worsted yarn (cotton shows the pattern best)
- An appropriately sized hook (usually 1.5mm–4.0mm depending on yarn)
You work in rows, reading the chart from bottom to top. Right-side rows read left to right; wrong-side rows read right to left.
Design Your Own Filet Pattern
The hardest part of filet crochet used to be finding or drawing the chart. Not anymore. Our Design Center lets you draw filet patterns on an interactive grid, use built-in templates (cats, hearts, flowers, and 25+ more), and instantly get row-by-row written instructions.
You can even import any image and convert it to a filet chart automatically. It's free, works on your phone, and requires no account.
Try a Free Pattern
Not sure where to start? Try one of our ready-made filet patterns:
- Filet Heart — perfect first project (15 rows)
- Filet Cat — cute cat silhouette
- Filet Butterfly — elegant and symmetrical