Filet Crochet Basics: Spaces and Blocks
By Candace – 5 CommentsFilet crochet is a technique that uses a series of solid (blocks or solid meshes) and open (spaces or meshes) areas made with chains and crochet stitches (usually dc) to make a pattern. This technique is often done with crochet thread.
Block/Solid mesh
Some patterns differ in what constitutes each block, which is shown filled in with an X on charts. Many patterns use 4 dc (one dc on each side and 2 dc in the middle). Blocks that are side by side share a common dc, so you subtract one dc from each subsequent block when you count. For example, if your pattern uses 4 dc to make a block and you need 3 blocks, you need to make 10 dc (4+3+3).
To start a row with a 4-dc block, ch 3 (counts as dc), work 3 more dc.
When working a block over a space, work your middle dc in the chain space.
Filet crochet blocks above spaces
Space/Mesh:
These are formed by a 2-ch space with a st on either side (ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next dc) and they are shown as an empty box on charts.
To start a row with a space, ch 5, skip 2 sts, dc in next dc.
Filet crochet spaces over blocks
These rules are not hard and fast, and some patterns may require different stitches or numbers of stitches for blocks. As always, it’s important to carefully read the pattern to determine the correct approach.
If you need more help, feel free to leave a comment!
Thank you for this as I am getting ready to start doing some of this as I want to make crochet bottle covers and this will allow the tea light to shine through the holes that i intentially leave in my work.
I really like How You gives us ” different ” things to crochet. Young things & for everyone else. Makes it nice for us to crochet not always same old stuff.
Thanks so much. Bev
I figure my foundation chain like this – If I am working a 4 dc mesh and I want 3 blocks, I would use (3 blocks x 3 stitches = 9 + 3 if the first block is solid, 5 if the first block is open) So that would be a foundation chain of 12 or 14.
Great straightforward instruction!!
I have viewers still get confused. Here is another way of approaching it:
If you think of the stitches as grid lines and spaces it may be easier to figure out where to place your stitches for the solid block. Begin with a multiple of 3 for each block or space, plus your turning chain which will be the line at the edge of the grid. Make ch 2, sk 2 for the open spaces.
below would be ch 2 (dc line) *ch 2, sk 2 (space), dc (line) repeat from * across.
I..I..I..I..I
To do the solid blocks, dc (line), dc in next 2 (block),dc (line).
Clear as mud? 😀
I have a You Tube tutorial on this technique following a heart motif chart.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD065E7FE3981697C&feature=plcp
I am really encouraged by these videos!!! Now I can do some of my own designs!!!
I am no longer intimidated by this new way (for me) to crochet!! Thanks so very much! very easy to follow!!