Filet Crochet: Learning, Tips and Tricks

Dear users, dear authors,
apparently, in this heat, filet crochet is a good idea. The yarn is thin and therefore not as warm.

How about a project thread on the topic of filet crochet? I had the impression that this topic excites many users and authors.
Here in the thread, you can learn filet crochet together, share experiences, and get help.

Free patterns and blog posts may be introduced, but please no paid patterns.

Is it too hot for that?

Oh, I completely overlooked that. :-)

I just started doing it. My first project was a simple shopping bag,
but I had to stop because I ran out of yarn.
My second project is a baby blanket with feet, hearts, and a name. I’ll continue that once the baby arrives, and my third project is a table runner with the Eiffel Tower.

I never would have thought it was this easy. I’m having so much fun with it. But you have to work very precisely and count a lot. 

How’s your filet crochet coming along?

My swan is slowly taking shape...



Best regards, Marlies

What’s this going to be, Marlies?

It already looks nice.

Hi Marion,
this is going to be a window decoration featuring a large swan. It’s for a friend from dancing, for her 90th birthday.

Best regards, Marlies

Your friend must be delighted. It’s great that she’s still so fit at 90.

I’m sure you’ll show us your finished picture here or in the gallery.

Hi everyone, can anyone here maybe help me? I’m having trouble with the chart—it never explains anywhere how to figure out the number of stitches.
For example, the chart has 39 squares, but it says to make a foundation chain of 82+3 chains. But how exactly do you get that number of stitches? I don’t understand... Well, I’m following the pattern—no problem. But honestly, no pattern explains how I’m supposed to get that number. Please help
Thanks
Best regards

Hi Sascha,

I’m thinking out loud:

The 3 additional chain stitches are surely for turning and probably replace the
first double crochet of the first square.

39 squares would be 39 × 1 double crochet and 1 chain stitch = 78 stitches
Since the 3 turning chain stitches usually form the first double crochet, that would be
  only 77 stitches for the 39 squares.
Plus one double crochet as the last stitch of a row, which closes
the last square = 78 stitches plus the 3 turning chain stitches. If the pattern specifies 82 plus 3, perhaps there’s a small border of 2 double crochets on each side that isn’t counted or specified in the squares?

Take another close look at the pattern and the photos; maybe the stitch count will become clear. Just try crocheting a few rows following the pattern—the number might become clear then. Or write to the author if you have extra stitches. Sometimes a little typo sneaks in.

Good luck
Best regards, Caro

I use the following formula: (squares x 3) + 1 + 3 =

For your 39 squares, that would be (39 x 3) + 1 + 3 = 121 ch.

If there’s only one dc per square, I’d get (39 x 2) + 1 + 3 = 82 ch.

Thank you very much—I hope I’ve understood this correctly :)
So, does that mean I have to count each square twice to get the total number of stitches, plus 3 stitches for the first double crochet? 
Yes, you’re right—there’s another border made of double crochets, so the border isn’t counted in this case? But doesn’t that get confusing quickly if you don’t count them?
Maybe it would be easier to leave the border out for now—I’m assuming you can crochet it later. Otherwise, I’ll get confused counting.

I always admire those whose filet crochet pieces are so beautifully dense.

Mine tend to turn out rather gappy.
And I do use smaller hook sizes, since I work loosely.

I made a little tutorial back then where every row is described in detail.
It was about a motif shawl. I noticed that many customers tend to overthink it.
Of course, the tutorial is free.
https://www.crazypatterns.net/de/items/27430/motivtuch-puppentuch-smilie-tutorial-haekelanleitung

Here’s my swan, all pinned up




The finished piece is in the gallery.

Best regards, Marlies

I've already found them, really great.

Are you okay?