August 14, 2013

Block 12 is finished and this project is 65% complete. I actually finished it yesterday evening but didn't post it until this morning.

Block 12
Filet Crochet

Filet Crochet is worked from a chart. In a nutshell, each square on the chart equals 3 stitches in width. This means that the 15-square chart in this pattern is really 45 stitches wide plus one more for the final edge stitch.

Filet Crochet offers a different kind of design opportunity than other crochet patterns. Designing patterns or pictures for use in Filet Crochet is as easy as shading in squares on a piece of grid paper. You can also adapt counted cross-stitch designs or knitting patterns.

Traditionally, Filet Crochet is worked in fine crochet thread in a light neutral such as white, off=white, beige, or ecru. Don't hesitate to try colored sport, DK, or worsted-weight yarns, however, if it appeals to you.

When using heavier yarns, Filet Crochet patterns with small repeats may work best. Since it takes three stitches  to achieve each filled-in square of your design, a large repeat would make a very large pattern. Curtains, tablecloths, and doilies can handle larger designs because they are usually done in fine-gauge threads.

I crocheted all day hoping to finish the next block, but it didn't happen. I am 2/3 of the way finished. The pattern is very complex and takes more time to complete. But wait until you see this block. It is stunning. Makes me want to crochet a garment with the pattern stitches.