eNewsletter
August 2009

Filet Crochet

Filet crochet is a type of crocheted lace which can create grid-like shapes. It might be based on filet lace which was popular in 13th century Europe and onwards. There is a belief that it was derived from fishermen’s nets. Filet lace is also called Embroidery on Knotted Net, Lacis, Filet Brodé and Poinct Conté. They used to make a net by hand and then, by using a darning needle filled some of the net to produce pictures out of the open spaces and the filled areas.

Filet Crochet creates shapes by producing a grid and then filling some of the area. It is mostly done with double crochet and chain stitches. However, triple crochet or half-double crochet can replace double crochet to produce different shapes. Most of the time, filet crochet is worked in rows, but it is possible to work filet crochet in round. To make a filet crochet piece, you should follow a graph that will tell you which areas to fill and which to leave open. Usually, filet crochet is worked with fine cotton to make tablecloths, placemats, doilies and other items. However, filet crochet can be worked with heavier thread or yarn to make garments and other heavier objects.

The more complicated filet crochet pieces have scallops and other shapes around the edge that make them more beautiful. Some edgings for garments are worked in beautiful filet crochet shapes.

Simple cross-stitch patterns can easily be used for filet crochet. Nevertheless, you can create your own graphs using filet crochet software. For more information about such a program, check out: http://www.crochetdesigns.com/default.asp

Needlecraft University offers a new class for filet crochet lovers. This three-lesson class is full of information about filet crochet stitches and techniques. For more information, check out C160 - All you want to know about Filet Crochet.

Nazanin S. Fard

Needlecraft University