Reading Numerical Filet Patterns – A How to Guide

by | posted in: Crochet | 17

The Numerical Filet Pattern might be different from other filet patterns you’ve encountered. I first saw a method of counted filet in a pattern from Owl B. Hooked. She used a sequence of numbers and commas after each row of her written instructions as a shortcut. This inspired me to develop the method into a full pattern writing technique that could stand alone without written words. Here’s how to use it. Below are some examples of what a row of numerical filet looks like:

( 6 , 1 , 1 , 5 , 10 ) x3       or       5 (  ,  6 , 1 , 1 , 5 ) x3 then 3 , 5       or      8 , ( 5 , 6 , 4 , 4  ,  ) x4 , 7 , 8

  • Each number is an amount of dc stitches. 
  • Each comma represents the “ch1, sk1 st” sequence. 
  • The “(  )” indicates a repeated section and the “x3” notes the number of times to repeat that section.
  • I use the same comma/number method inside and outside the repeats. 
  • I use “then” after a repeat when there isn’t a ch1sk1 space to avoid confusion with the repeat number. 
  • Commas can begin or end a repeat/section! Watch carefully.
  • NEVER make a “ch1 sk1” space unless you see a comma! Unless there is a comma, you will not make a space – even after sections or repeats. Very often you will make an amount of DC and then continue with more DCs in the next repeat or section WITHOUT having made a space! 
  • “Ch2, turn” is always assumed at the end of a row, and it always counts as the first dc of the next row. Make sure you begin your second dc in correct stitch (into the second to last dc of the row below).
  • If a row begins with   1 ,   you will want to ch3 to count for the first dc and the ch1, sk1 space. You might want to use additional stitch markers to mark the space and the dc. Then continue to the rest of the row as normal.
  • I’ll note for you at the beginning of the pattern where to place all the stitch markers to note repeated and non-repeated sections for easy counting.
  • Remember to re-place your stitch markers during each repeat of Row 1. If you leave the markers in, they will not be in the correct place.
  • My patterns are rigorously tested by a team of experienced AND inexperienced hookers to ensure correct designs. If you’re still stuck on one of my patterns, or would like a picture of my hand-drawn graph for clarity, please ask me: mayhem and majesty at gmail dot com

17 Responses

  1. Michelle Anderson
    | Reply

    This may sound silly, but I’ve never done filet crochet before and although I understand the numerical sequence I’m unsure if I should be working into the ch 1 space or the actual ch 1 stitch when I encounter them

    • becca
      | Reply

      You can work into the ch space or into the actual ch1 stitch – it is personal preference!

    • Judy dirks
      | Reply

      Ok I’m sorry I’m really slow here on the snowman crochet 19 ,3, so you skip a stich with comma wants the 3 ? Skip a stich then dc three times This for some reason cannt figure out sorry there a simple solution I’m sure thanks a million judy

      • becca
        | Reply

        Yes – dc 19, ch and skip, dc 3. The commas represent the “ch1 sk1 st” filet hole.

  8. Anna's Gotta Crochet
    | Reply

    Okay, now it makes total sense to me. I actually like this comma method better than others I’ve used over the years.

    Thanks for making this so uncomplicated.

    Anna

    • Anita Madewell
      | Reply

      I am having problems with row 3 – 3 (13,3,5,3,7) x4. Can you explain how many dc`s you are supposed to have?

      Thank you,
      Anita Madewell

      • becca
        | Reply

        For the blanket (with 4 repeats across the width), you should have 126 stitches across. As far as reading the pattern, the numbers ar dc and the commas are “ch1, sk1” spaces. You can read more about Numerical Filet here.

    • becca
      | Reply

      Of course! It makes filet sooooo much easier to follow rather than muddling through written words of each row!

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