If you’ve ever seen a crochet piece with a beautiful lace pattern—maybe hearts, flowers, or even letters woven right into the fabric—there’s a good chance it was made with filet crochet. Despite looking fancy and complicated, this technique is surprisingly beginner-friendly and only uses a couple of basic stitches. Let’s walk through exactly what filet crochet is, how it works, and how you can start your first project today.

What Is Filet Crochet?

Filet crochet is a technique where you create images or patterns by combining open and filled squares (or “blocks”) in a grid. Each square represents a group of stitches—some filled in, some left open—to form lace-like pictures or shapes as you crochet.

Think of it like pixel art but made with yarn. Whether you're stitching hearts into a blanket or spelling out a name on a banner, filet crochet lets you “draw” with your stitches using just chains and double crochet (dc)!

Why People Love It

• Beginner-friendly – Only basic stitches needed!
  
  

• Customizable – You can turn charts into monograms, borders, or pictures.
  
  

• Perfect for home décor – Think lacy wall hangings, curtains, table runners, or heirloom baby blankets.
  
  

• Satisfying – Watching the design reveal itself row by row is so fun.
  
  

How It Works

Here’s the basic idea:

• Each square in a chart represents one block of stitches—either open or filled.
  
  

• Open block = 1 double crochet (dc), chain 2, skip 2 stitches
  
  

• Filled block = 3 double crochet (dc) stitches across
  
  

You alternate open and filled blocks across each row to build your design.

For example:

• A row with [filled, open, filled] becomes:
  dc in next 3 sts, (dc, ch 2, skip 2), dc in next 3 sts

Supplies You’ll Need

• Yarn – Lightweight yarns (like size 1 or 2) are most commonly used so the design appears delicate and defined, but you can use any yarn!
  
  

• Hook – Choose a size appropriate for your yarn weight.
  
  

• Chart – This is your stitch-by-stitch map. Charts look like grids, and each square tells you whether to crochet a filled or open block.
  
  

How to Read a Filet Crochet Chart

Charts are read from the bottom up and right to left for odd-numbered rows and left to right for even-numbered rows (if you're right-handed).

Each square is a 3-stitch group:

• 🟩 Filled square = 3 double crochets (dc)
  
  

• ◻️ Open square = 1 dc, chain 2, skip 2
  
  

Let’s say your row has:
◻️ 🟩 ◻️ 🟩
You would crochet:

• dc, ch 2, skip 2
  
  

• dc in next 3 sts
  
  

• dc, ch 2, skip 2
  
  

• dc in next 3 sts
  
  

You’ll repeat this pattern across the row based on the chart.

Tips for Starting Your First Filet Crochet Project

1. Start with a small, simple design: Hearts, diamonds, or initials are great beginner projects.
   
   

2. Count carefully: One skipped stitch can throw off the whole design.
   
   

3. Use stitch markers: Mark the beginning of each row or key parts of the design.
   
   

4. Use light-colored yarn: It’s easier to see stitches and designs in lighter yarns.
   
   

5. Block your piece: Lightly steam or pin your finished work to help the lace open up and show the design better.
   
   

Filet Crochet vs. Tapestry Crochet

Not to be confused—tapestry crochet carries yarn to create colorful designs, while filet crochet relies on spacing (open and filled blocks) to create lacy, mostly one-color designs. Filet crochet tends to look more delicate and airy, like lacework.

Final Thoughts

Filet crochet is one of those underrated techniques that’s easier than it looks and creates magical results. With just double crochet and a few chains, you can create everything from sweet home décor to personalized gifts. Whether you want a quick pattern or a showstopping piece like our axolotl blanket, filet crochet opens the door to a whole new world of stitchable creativity.

Grab your hook, pick a chart, and start building your design—one block at a time!