Filet Crochet Pattern Generator
Convert an image into a classic two-color filet mesh chart — open and filled blocks, counted for you.
Filet crochet is built from a mesh of open and filled blocks — traditionally double crochet and chains — that together form silhouettes, lettering, and lace-like pictorial designs. A filet chart is simply a two-color grid, which makes it a perfect match for automatic conversion.
This generator reduces your image to exactly two states — filled or open — across a grid you size yourself. Silhouettes, monograms, and bold line art convert beautifully; detailed photos become abstract, so pick subjects with strong shapes.
What you get
True two-color filet grids
The filet preset forces the chart to filled/open blocks only — the way filet has been charted for over a century.
Sized for your project
From a 20-block bookmark to a 120-block curtain or table runner, the grid width slider sets your block count.
Automatic block counts
The legend counts filled vs. open blocks exactly, which doubles as a yardage estimate for your thread.
Great for lettering and motifs
Monograms, names, and simple motifs are where filet shines — upload crisp art and get a chart with clean edges.
Quality feedback
The score tells you when an image has enough contrast to survive two-color conversion before you waste thread on it.
Printable PNG
Download a high-resolution chart with clear grid lines, ready to print and mark as you work.
How to make a filet crochet pattern
Upload a high-contrast image
Silhouettes, monograms, and bold graphics are ideal. The image will be reduced to two colors, so shape matters more than shading.
Set the grid width
Choose 20–120 blocks across. Each block is one filet mesh cell (typically 3 stitches), so width sets the finished size.
Generate and work the mesh
Download the chart and crochet row by row: filled blocks as double crochet, open blocks as chains over space.
Generator vs. traditional filet charting
| CrochetPatternGen | Pencil and filet graph paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Converting an image | Automatic thresholding to filled/open blocks | Squint and decide each square by hand |
| Symmetry and lettering | Pixel-exact, no lopsided letters | Depends on your drafting patience |
| Block counts | Exact filled/open counts computed for you | Count squares one by one |
| Iterating on size | Re-render at any width in one click | Redraw at the new scale |
Frequently asked questions
What is filet crochet?
Filet crochet is a lace technique built from a grid of filled blocks (usually double crochet) and open blocks (chains over skipped stitches). Designs are charted on a two-color grid — filled squares form the motif, open squares form the background.
How do I convert an image to filet crochet?
Upload a high-contrast image, choose the filet preset, and set your grid width. The generator reduces the image to filled and open blocks only, giving you a classic filet chart. Simple silhouettes and lettering give the sharpest results.
How do I read a filet crochet chart?
Each square is one mesh block. A filled square is typically 3 double crochet; an open square is 2 chains plus a double crochet over the space below. Work bottom-up, reading odd rows right-to-left.
What thread and hook should I use for filet?
Traditional filet uses size 10–20 cotton thread with a 1.5–2 mm hook for curtains and doilies; worsted yarn and a 5 mm hook makes blankets and wall hangings. Finer thread shows detail better at the same block count.
Why does my photo look abstract after conversion?
Filet keeps only two states — filled or open — so shading and fine detail disappear. That's normal for the technique. Use images with strong silhouettes, or raise the grid width to keep more shape.
Is this filet crochet generator free?
Yes — generate and download charts free with a watermark. A Pro version without the watermark is coming soon.