Updated April 3, 2020.
Have you ever tried to stitch needlepoint from a knitting chart and felt the end result was distorted?
You’re right, it was because knitting stitches are rectangular, not square. Crochet Stitches,on the other hand, are square just like needlepoint. And what’s even better is that one technique, called Filet Crochet, makes extensive use of charts which look just like needlepoint charts.
What a bonus for us! And even better because many filet crochet charts are older, it can be a rich source of copyright-free designs.
Filet Crochet is always stitched in a single color, so any chart, no matter the technique, which has a square grid and only a single color, can be adapted to this look.
It’s easy to do needlepoint from the chart, but what if you want that lacy grid around the solid design which is so characteristic of filet crochet?
Begin by choosing threads and canvas with a good contrast in color between the two. Traditionally Filet Crochet was done with white threads, or pick a color and stitch on white canvas. For the example, I’ve used a hand-dyed white thread on Victorian Green canvas.
Start in the middle of the canvas by stitching the chart. Usually it works best to start at the middle of the chart. Once this is stitched, begin to make the grid. A horizontal or vertical stitch, going over two threads will be made in every other hole, resulting in a grid which looks like the left sample above. If you put the connecting stitch every fourth hole, you get a bigger gird, as in the sample on the right.
Make the grid as large as you want. The end result will be a solid design against an obvious grid, just like Filet Crochet, but in needlepoint.
Here are some sites on the Internet to check out with free Filet Crochet designs:
- Patterns sets to buy on CD
- All Free Crochet
- Antique Pattern Library
- Pinterest Filet Crochet Patterns
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Oh. My. Goodness. That’s an awesome idea.
*rifling through filet pattern books excitedly*
Cool idea! I have thought of using cross stitch patterns to crochet a picture in an afghan.
Glad to see it works both ways!
Now where on earth am I going to find time to give this a try??? But try it, I am going to have to do. I love the simplicity of 2 colours, and there are some great designs. Thanks for the links to get us started.
This is GREAT!…it also gives me a few ideas.
Thank you so very much!!!!!