Filet crochet is a popular crochet technique resulting in a lovely, lacy, sturdy fabric. When working in filet crochet, the crafter utilizes a chain stitch foundation, and then creates a mesh-like fabric which often incorporates a pictorial, abstract or geometric design. To accomplish this, the crocheter typically uses either double crochet or treble crochet stitches along with chain stitches to form a series of open or solid meshes. There are also filet crochet patterns which incorporate a more open, lacy stitch pattern known as a “lacet.”

Format for Filet Crochet Patterns

Filet crochet patterns can be communicated in several formats. They are often charted in black and white, or two colors, on grids or on graph paper. The darker blocks on the chart represent solid meshes; the lighter blocks on the chart represent open meshes.

Filet crochet patterns can also be written out in words.

Filet crochet patterns can also be represented in symbol crochet.

Experienced crocheters can often reproduce existing pieces of filet crochet, just by looking at the fabric. Many existing examples of filet crochet work are reasonably easy to copy. So essentially, an already-made piece of filet crochet can also act as a pattern in some cases.

Free Filet Crochet Patterns and Charts

Filet Crochet Heart Edge

This pretty filet crochet edging features heart motifs that alternate — one faces up, the next faces down, and so on. The free chart is available here on our website.

Checkered Diamonds Filet Crochet Patterns and Charts

I’ve posted two different variations of the same checkered diamonds design for filet crochet. One version tiles seamlessly; you can use it to crochet projects as large or small as you like. The other is a square panel that isn’t meant to be repeated; it’s good for any type of project that requires squares.

Filet Crochet Square With Angled Stripes — You can use this charted design for several different needlework techniques, including filet crochet and others. If you follow the chart exactly as is, the result is a square with diagonal stripes.

Outstanding Filet Crochet Patterns You Can Buy

Lovely Decor in Filet Crochet by Susan Lowman

If you would be interested in owning an affordable collection of intricately detailed, unique and unusual filet crochet square patterns, you’ll be super excited to check out this crochet pattern book by Susan Lowman. This book has the clearest and most concise explanation for filet crochet charts that I have ever seen. If you are interested in filet crochet, my opinion is that the book is a worthwhile purchase for that reason alone, although it also offers 7 different designs for interesting filet crochet squares. ISBN#978-1-60900-044-8, published by Leisure Arts.

• Click here to check out our detailed book review of Lovely Decor in Filet Crochet.
• Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.

Filet Crochet Heart Motif Pattern From 50 Fabulous Crochet Thread Motifs by Jean Leinhauser, Published by Leisure Arts

50 Fabulous Crochet Thread Motifs isn’t primarily a filet crochet pattern book, as many of the motifs from this book are worked in traditional rows or rounds. However, this lovely heart motif is one of my favorites from the book, and I definitely thought it was worth pointing out here.

Learn More About 50 Fabulous Crochet Thread Motifs:

• Click here to check out our book review of 50 Fabulous Crochet Thread Motifs
• Click here to shop for this book at the publisher’s website.

References and Additional Reading:

Richardson’s Crocheted Edgings and Insertions, Book No 3, Published by the Richardson Silk Company in 1916

Novelty Crochet Patterns, Book No 7, Published by Novelty Art Studios in 1916

The Harmony Guide to Crochet Stitches Volume 1, by James Walters and Sylvia Cosh. ISBN# 0-7111-0028-4.

Posted By: Amy Solovay

This page was last updated on 11/10/2021.

Emma
February 14, 2019 at 8:10 am
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Just a quick thank you for this explanation of lacet stitch. I’m attempting a 1924 pattern that uses this stitch.

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Amy SolovayPost author
March 22, 2019 at 3:09 am
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Hi Emma! You’re welcome! That sounds like an interesting project. I hope it will turn out beautifully.

Best wishes,
Amy