Creating a filet pattern

[EEE_mom]

So I have an idea for a shawl pattern that i'd like to try

to make for my mom but I have two problems...

 

1 I've never made a filet chart and

2 I've never actually done filet

 

So does anyone have any suggestions where to start?

[marikamum]

While I have no problem with technology , I chart and think out a shape and pattern better with pencil and paper.

 

I'd buy some grid paper (or print some out), grab a pencil and eraser and sketch out your idea - using one block of grid paper to equal one mesh (open filet space) or one block (filled in filet space). For a mesh, just outline the edges of the grid block with pencil; for a block, colour the grid block in completely.

 

Were you pretty much planning on doing just meshes and blocks or were you planning to include large open blocks (open meshes) and the diagonal stitches (lacets)?

 

I would also practice a simple, symmetrical, square or rectangular filet piece using the stitches you plan to use in your shawl using a yarn or thread you are comfortable with to practice the filet technique before jumping into your shawl project. (And if your shawl is not rectangular in shape, do a second project practicing increasing and decreasing before using that technique in your shawl project.)

 

Cheers,

[EEE_mom]

well, my mom's big into music - choir, barbershop chorus etc...I just thought it would be nice to make her a musical shawl and I thought filet would work the best...

[Granny Square]

Here are some musical notes already done in filet, you could start with these and rearrange them--If you are making a rectangular shawl, maybe you could work out a few bars of an actual melody!!

 

http://www.spitenet.com/bass/crochet.htm

 

This site is awesome for filet instructions, look at the menu on the left side 'tutorials and techniques'.

http://www.hassdesign.com/

 

Or here

http://www.smartcrochet.com/tutorial.shtml

 

Crochet.about.com has some filet info as well. It isn't hard at all, just a little counting, give it a try!