Filet crochet pattern maker
Turn any picture into a filet crochet chart of blocks and spaces, with written row-by-row instructions, the foundation chain count and a printable PDF.
Drop a photo hereStart with a photo
or paste an image with Ctrl+V. Your photo stays on your device.
- All 454 DMC thread colours
- Stray-stitch clean-up
- Edit every stitch
- Printable PDF
How to filet crochet
Filet crochet is a mesh of squares. Every square is either a space (open) or a block (filled), and the blocks draw the picture.
- Foundation chain: chain 3 for each square across, plus 1. For a 40-square chart that is 121 chains. Then chain 3 to turn (it counts as the first double crochet).
- Spaces: chain 2, skip 2 stitches, double crochet in the next.
- Blocks: double crochet in each of the next 3 stitches. Squares share their edge stitch, so a block next to a block is 3 more double crochets.
- Turn every row. Read the chart from the bottom: odd rows right to left, even rows left to right. The written rows count spaces and blocks for you, like "4 spaces, 3 blocks, 4 spaces".
- Finish: block the piece flat. Starch thread pieces such as curtains and bookmarks so the mesh stays open.
Tips for filet pictures
- Bold shapes with strong contrast work best: silhouettes, animals, flowers and simple logos.
- Leave a border of spaces around the picture so the edges look neat.
- If the picture comes out the wrong way round, use Swap blocks and spaces under Colours.
Prefer colour? Try the tapestry crochet pattern maker or the C2C graph generator. You can even crochet a QR code.
Questions
What is filet crochet?
Filet crochet makes pictures from a grid of open spaces and filled blocks, worked with double crochet and chains. The open mesh is the background and the solid blocks form the design, which is why it is popular for curtains, table runners and wall hangings.
How do I read a filet crochet chart?
Each square of the chart is one square of mesh: a filled square is a block (dc in each stitch) and an empty square is a space (ch 2, skip 2, dc). Start at the bottom. Odd rows read right to left and even rows left to right, because you turn your work at the end of each row.
How many chains do I start with?
Chain 3 for every square across, plus 1, then chain 3 more to turn. The pattern maker shows the exact number for your chart under Rows.
Can I turn a photo into a filet crochet pattern?
Yes. Upload the photo above and the dark parts become blocks and the light parts become spaces. Choose the width in squares, and swap blocks and spaces if you want the picture the other way round.
What yarn or thread should I use?
Traditional filet uses fine cotton crochet thread (size 10) and a small steel hook for a lacy look. Cotton yarn in DK or worsted with a 4 to 5 mm hook makes chunkier pieces like blankets and pillows.
Is it free?
Yes, for charts up to 80 × 80 squares, with written row-by-row instructions and a printable PDF.