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Today’s post is a fantastic tutorial from Mary Vaughn. She teaches us how to crochet a graph.
Did you know you can use graph paper to design a shape in crochet? While traditionally Filet Crochet is worked using thread it is becoming more and more popular to be worked up in 4 or even 5 ply yarn! Check out this Heart pattern.
I designed this using a regular sheet of graph paper and I put an x where I wanted the design to show. All of the other squares are an open mesh. When working with yarn instead of thread I find the image is clearer when using the following pattern:
Open Box = dc,ch2,dc
Closed Box= 4dc
The first box counts for 4 stitches and the rest count for 3 because you borrow the last stitch.
* For example if you have 1 open box followed by 2 closed boxes and 1 open box the pattern would read:
chain 13
chain 3 ( counts as dc) ch2, skip 2 dc,dc in the next 7 spaces, chain2,skip2 dc
You don’t have to be able to draw; you can search online and find graphs already made and available for free.
Some tips for working filet patterns are:
- Start out small
- Find an image you love
- Don’t use a textured or novelty yarn
- Practice and open mesh pattern first, Dc,ch2,Dc,ch2, Dc and repeat it for several rows.
Filet patterns can be added to pillows, scarves, purses and more.
What would you like to add a filet image to?
- Free Pattern: Crochet Wrap Pattern from Red Heart! - January 17, 2021
- Free Pattern Friday: Crochet Baby Booties & Hat from Red Heart - January 6, 2021
- Rest and Relaxation After Holiday Madness: Calming Crochet Patterns - January 5, 2021
Didn’t realize it was this “easy.” Now just need to decide on a shape…must have graph paper left from primary school somewhere.
I did this years ago, to do a Christmas flower afghan. all in single crochet. It came out great. But it is still nice To see how to do it in double crochet. I want to put my grandson picture on graph paper and crochet it.
Hi! That’s a wonderful idea! I’ve worked with graphs but not done a portrait. I’d probably choose cross-stitch for that. My tip for you is to do a test piece. Depending on the graph paper, the design will look different. Just a few days ago I learned about a special graph paper for knitters. The squares are shorter than they are wide. That way the piece you make isn’t distorted & too long. I don’t know if it’s the same with crochet. It would depend on how tight or loosely it’s stitched. You can get the special pattern graph paper at yarn stores. Good luck!
This Fan Afghan is one of my favorites to do. It was fun to do because of the various colors of the fans. Also, because there were many pieces to join together it kept my interest, I found it hard to put down my work until I was finished. It recieves many “oooos and aaaahs” when I have visitors.
I have never tried this type of crochet. I look forward to learning the process.
You can also use a graph with Tunisian Simple Stitch. The vertical lines on the graph represent the loops on the hook for the 1st half of the row; the blocks in the graph represent the yarn pulled through on the 2nd half of the row. Have made many colorful afghans using this method.
I have seen several baby filet crochet afghan patterns I would like to try. One with yellow duckies, one with rabbits and one with a train.