Filet Crochet Pattern Maker
Turn a picture into open and filled filet crochet mesh. Adjust the contrast, read the shared-post instructions and print your chart.
Filet Crochet Pattern · 20 × 20
Dark = filled mesh. Light = open mesh. One yarn throughout.
Before row 1
Chain 62. Starting in the second chain, work 61 single crochet. Turn. This foundation is outside the chart.
Use US double crochet. At each row start, chain 2 for height (does not count) and dc in the first stitch. A filled mesh adds three dc. For an open mesh, chain 2, skip two positions and dc in the next post. Over an open space, place the two interior dc into the chain space when filling it. The last post belongs to both neighboring meshes. Turn after each row.
Written rows
- ← Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 20.
- → Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 20.
- ← Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 20.
- → Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 9, filled × 2, open × 9.
- ← Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 8, filled × 4, open × 8.
- → Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 6, filled × 8, open × 6.
- ← Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 5, filled × 10, open × 5.
- → Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 4, filled × 12, open × 4.
- ← Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 4, filled × 12, open × 4.
- → Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 3, filled × 14, open × 3.
- ← Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 2, filled × 16, open × 2.
- → Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 2, filled × 16, open × 2.
- ← Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 2, filled × 16, open × 2.
- → Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 1, filled × 18, open × 1.
- ← Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 1, filled × 18, open × 1.
- → Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 1, filled × 18, open × 1.
- ← Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 2, filled × 16, open × 2.
- → Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 2, filled × 16, open × 2.
- ← Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 3, filled × 6, open × 2, filled × 6, open × 3.
- → Ch 2, dc in first stitch. open × 5, filled × 1, open × 8, filled × 1, open × 5.
Choosing your motif
Start with a bold initial or leaf. A 20-mesh row spans 61 stitch positions. A single dark pixel makes a whole filled block; increase the cutoff only until thin lines join up.
How to read the chart
The filet crochet pattern maker turns differences in brightness into spaces and solid blocks. Imagine drawing a window frame before filling in its panes. The first double crochet of a row is the left or right boundary post. From that post, each square takes three more stitch positions. For an open square, chain two, skip two positions and work the next post. For a solid square, work across all three positions. The post at the far edge is also the first post of the next square.
Read a short sample aloud before making the foundation. Two open squares followed by one filled square need a starting post, two chain spaces with their posts, and three more double crochet stitches. Three meshes occupy ten positions across. In the filet crochet pattern maker, dark squares describe solid fabric, even if the thread you actually crochet with is white. Hold the swatch against a contrasting background to see the motif.
Measure your gauge and plan the finished size
Measure mesh units across the middle of a washed swatch. Count from the center of one post to the center of another and record the number of complete spaces between them. Suppose eight meshes span 10 cm and nine rows span 10 cm. The printed area of a 20-mesh by 20-row design will measure about 25 cm wide and 22 cm tall. Add the foundation and any edging separately. Your own counts may differ considerably with finer thread or a taller double crochet.
To plan for a particular frame, reverse the calculation. A 30 cm opening at eight meshes per 10 cm gives room for 24 meshes before borders. Set the width in the filet crochet pattern maker and check that the generated height still fits. If a circle looks oval in the swatch, measure both directions again. A square on the screen describes the chart position, while the shape of the actual hole depends on your stitches.
Common mistakes to check on your swatch
- Counting four new stitches for each block makes the row grow. Count one starting post for the whole row, then three positions per mesh. Twenty meshes finish with 61 positions, including the chains across the holes.
- Working the turning chain as an extra post gives a sloping edge. In this version the chain two provides height. Work the first actual double crochet into the first stitch and mark it so you can find it on the way back.
- Reading every row in the same direction reflects alternating parts of the motif. Mark one corner of the right side with a removable marker and follow the arrows in the written instructions after each turn.
- Losing a letter opening is often a drawing problem. Look closely at an A or an O. Adjust the dark area cutoff until the hole has a clear light square on every row where it needs to stay open.
Questions before you start crocheting
Can I use fine cotton thread?
Yes. Fine thread can show a detailed outline while keeping the panel small. Make the sample in the actual thread first. A stiff fabric with tight chain spaces may hide the design even when you have counted every mesh correctly.
How much yarn does a 20 × 20 panel take?
The filet crochet pattern maker counts mesh, not metres. Weigh a representative swatch on a scale that can register its weight. If a ten-by-ten sample uses four grams, four times that area suggests about sixteen grams at the same gauge and mix of blocks. Allow extra for finishing.
How should I photograph a motif?
Take a straight-on picture with even lighting and crop away the frame. A shadow across white paper can become a solid block. Check small holes against your original drawing before trusting the first conversion.
What if the lower row is open under a filled block?
Work the two interior double crochet stitches into the chain space below, then work the boundary post into the next post. Count the three added positions before moving on to the next square.
Can I use the grid for a name panel?
Start with thick letter strokes and leave clear columns between letters. Try a short name at the width you have available. Compare the first and last letters in print to check the reading direction.
Which file should I keep beside my hook?
Download the SVG for a chart you can enlarge without fuzzy edges. Use Print chart / Save PDF when you need the starting count and written rows on paper. Circle the row you just finished before putting the work away.