Learn how to read a filet crochet pattern with this beginner‑friendly guide. Understand charts, blocks, stitch counts, and start your first filet crochet project confidently.
If you’ve ever looked at a filet crochet chart and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Filet crochet looks delicate and detailed, but it’s actually one of the easiest crochet techniques for beginners once you understand how the blocks and charts work. This beginner guide will teach you how to read filet crochet patterns, how to understand filet crochet charts, and how to confidently start your first filet project.
🌟 What Is Filet Crochet? (Beginner Definition)
Filet crochet is a classic crochet technique that uses only two types of blocks:
- Open blocks (empty squares)
- Filled blocks (solid squares)
By arranging these blocks in different ways, you can create:
- Pictures
- Letters
- Geometric shapes
- Lace‑style motifs
- Animals, hearts, and more
Most filet crochet patterns use charts, but some include written instructions as well.
📊 How to Read a Filet Crochet Chart (Step‑by‑Step)
A filet crochet chart is a grid made of squares. Each square represents one “block,” and each block is either open or filled. The pattern will tell you which stitch method it uses.
1. Open Block (Empty Square – 3‑Stitch Method)
Creates a larger open “window”:
- 1 double crochet (dc)
- 2 chains
- 1 double crochet
2. Filled Block (Solid Square – 3‑Stitch Method)
Creates a solid square:
- 3 double crochets
OR - 1 dc + 2 dc worked into the chain space
Example: Elephant Mom and Baby
3. Open Block (Empty Square – 2‑Stitch Method)
Creates a smaller open window:
- 1 double crochet
- 1 chain
- 1 double crochet
4. Filled Block (Solid Square – 2‑Stitch Method)
- 2 double crochets
OR - 1 dc + 1 dc worked into the chain space
Example: Cat and butterfly
Important Note
Different designers use different block styles.
- The 3‑stitch method creates bigger open windows.
- The 2‑stitch method creates tighter, more compact blocks.
Patterns at Yarn Crochet Garden use both methods depending on the design.
🔢 How to Read Filet Crochet Rows
Filet charts are read the same way you crochet:
- Row 1: Right to left
- Row 2: Left to right
- Row 3: Right to left
…and so on.
This zig‑zag reading matches the natural direction of your crochet rows.
Tip:
- Odd rows = right side
- Even rows = wrong side
🧮 How to Count Stitches in Filet Crochet
For the 3‑Stitch Method
- Open square = 3 stitches (1 dc + 2 ch)
- Filled square = 3 stitches (3 dc)
Foundation chain formula:
[ \text{Number of squares} \times 3 + 1 ]
Example:
50 squares wide →
[ 50 \times 3 + 1 = 151 \text{ chains} ]
For the 2‑Stitch Method
- Open square = 2 stitches (1 dc + 1 ch)
- Filled square = 2 stitches (2 dc)
Foundation chain formula:
[ \text{Number of squares} \times 2 + 1 ]
Example:
50 squares wide →
[ 50 \times 2 + 1 = 101 \text{ chains} ]
🧶 Common Filet Crochet Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| dc | double crochet |
| ch | chain |
| sp | space |
| sk | skip |
| rep | repeat |
📘 How to Read Written Filet Crochet Instructions
Example:
Row 5: dc in next 3 sts, *ch 2, sk 2, dc in next st* repeat across.
This means:
- ch 2, skip 2 = open block
- dc in next 3 stitches = filled block
Written instructions simply describe the same blocks shown in the chart.
🎨 Beginner Tips for Filet Crochet
- Start with simple geometric designs before trying animals or letters.
- Use light‑colored yarn so your stitches are easy to see.
- Count often—filet crochet relies on accuracy.
- Use stitch markers to mark every 10 blocks.
🧺 Easy Filet Crochet Practice Pattern (Mini Sample)
Try this 10‑square beginner swatch:
- Row 1: Chain 31
- Row 2: dc across
- Row 3: 1 filled block, 8 open blocks, 1 filled block
- Row 4: Repeat Row 3
- Row 5: dc across
This helps you practice switching between open and filled blocks.
🌼 Final Thoughts
Once you understand how to read filet crochet charts, the technique becomes relaxing, rhythmic, and incredibly fun. With just simple stitches, you can create beautiful lace‑style blankets, wall hangings, table runners, and more.