Vintage Crochet Patterns: Filet Crochet Flower Grid
Make a vintage filet crochet flower wall hanging with a free 99 by 123 grid.
A 99 by 123 grid of open and filled squares becomes a vintage flower when you crochet it in filet style.
Filet crochet is just a grid. Open squares and filled squares. You follow a chart, and a picture appears.
This flower grid is 99 squares wide and 123 tall, including a white border. That makes a wall hanging about 20 by 25 inches with worsted weight yarn.
You can also use the same grid for cross stitch, knitting, or even beadwork. But here, we are crocheting it.
This is a free filet crochet pattern for a flower design, sized 99 by 123 squares. You work it in double crochet and chains, following a grid. It takes about 10 hours for a beginner, less if you speed up.
What you need
Worsted weight yarn
About 300 yards for the background, 100 yards for the flower. Choose a smooth, light color.
5 mm crochet hook
Use this for worsted weight. Go up a size if your tension is tight.
Yarn needle
For weaving in ends. A blunt tip works best.
Stitch markers
Helpful for counting. Use them every 20 stitches.
What You Need for Filet Crochet
You need yarn and a hook. Worsted weight yarn (size 4) works well. Use a 5 mm hook for a tighter fabric.
You also need the grid. It is 99 by 123 squares, with a white border. Print it or keep it on your phone.
Stitch markers help you count. You will count a lot.
- Worsted weight yarn – about 300 yards for the main color, 100 yards for the flower
- 5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers (optional but handy)
Use a smooth, light-colored yarn. It is easier to see your stitches and count squares.
How to Read the Grid
Each square on the grid is one stitch. A filled square is a double crochet. An open square is a chain, then a double crochet.
You read the grid from bottom to top, right to left if you are right-handed. Left-handed, read left to right.
The grid has 99 squares across. That means you start with a foundation chain of 100 (one extra for the turning chain).
- Filled square: 3 double crochet
- Open square: 2 chains, 1 double crochet
- Each row starts and ends with a double crochet
Mark every 10 squares on the grid with a pencil. It keeps you from losing your place.
Step-by-Step: Working the Filet Crochet
Chain 100. Double crochet in the fourth chain from the hook. That is your first filled square.
Follow the first row of the grid. If it is filled, double crochet in the next stitches. If it is open, chain 2, skip 2, double crochet in the next.
At the end of each row, chain 3 and turn. That chain 3 counts as the first double crochet of the next row.
Keep going until you have worked all 123 rows. Weave in your ends.
- Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, then follow grid
- Each row: ch 3, turn, then work the squares
- Count your stitches at the end of each row
If your edges curl, your tension is too tight. Loosen up or use a bigger hook.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
The most common mistake is losing count. You skip a chain or add an extra double crochet, and the flower shifts.
Fix it by counting your stitches at the end of each row. You should have 99 squares, which is about 198 stitches if all were filled.
Another mistake is crocheting too tightly. Filet crochet needs a relaxed hand. If your fabric is stiff, try a larger hook.
- Count every row – it takes 10 seconds
- Use a stitch marker every 20 stitches
- Block your finished piece to even out the squares
If you make a mistake, do not panic. You can usually fix it by frogging back to the mistake and reworking that row.
Speed Hack: Work Faster with This Trick
Do not look at the grid for every single square. Read a whole row first, then crochet without looking up.
That saves you a lot of time. You will get into a rhythm.
Another trick is to use a row counter. It keeps you from losing your place, so you do not have to count rows twice.
- Read 5 squares ahead, then work them
- Use a row counter app or a physical one
- Keep your yarn in a bowl so it does not roll away
If you are a beginner, start with a smaller practice grid, like 20 by 20, to get the feel.
Make It Your Own: Variations
This grid is versatile. You can change the size, the colors, or even the technique.
For a smaller project, use a lighter yarn and a smaller hook. For a bigger one, use bulky yarn and a 6.5 mm hook.
You can also work the flower in a different color, or add a border.
- Use cotton yarn for a crisp, vintage look
- Add a scalloped edge for a feminine touch
- Try a solid background with a contrasting flower
If you want a quick project, use a larger hook and chunky yarn. It will work up faster.
Step
Chain 100
Make a slip knot and chain 100. This is the foundation for the first row of 99 squares.
Work the first row
Double crochet in the fourth chain from the hook. Then follow the grid: for a filled square, double crochet in the next two chains; for an open square, chain 2, skip 2, double crochet in the next.
Continue row by row
At the end of each row, chain 3 and turn. That chain 3 counts as the first double crochet of the next row. Follow the grid until you have worked all 123 rows.
Weave in ends
Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave it in with a yarn needle. Repeat for any other loose ends.
Block your piece
Pin it to a blocking mat and spray with water. Let it dry. This evens out the squares and makes the flower look crisp.
Ways to change it
Smaller size
Use fingering weight yarn and a 3.5 mm hook. The finished piece will be about 10 by 12 inches.
Bigger size
Use bulky yarn and a 6.5 mm hook. It will be about 30 by 37 inches and work up faster.
Different colors
Use a solid background and a contrasting flower. Or do a gradient for a modern twist.
Add a border
Work a simple single crochet border around the edge, or a scalloped edge for a vintage feel.
Use a different technique
This grid works for cross stitch, knitting, or even beadwork. Just adapt the stitches.
The short version
- Filet crochet uses a grid of open and filled squares.
- This flower grid is 99 by 123 squares, including a white border.
- Use worsted weight yarn and a 5 mm hook for a 20 by 25 inch piece.
- Start with a chain of 100 and work double crochet and chains.
- Count your stitches every row to avoid mistakes.
- Read ahead to speed up your work.
- Block your finished piece to even out the squares.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to crochet this filet flower?
For a beginner, it takes about 10 to 15 hours. If you are experienced, you can finish it in 6 to 8 hours.
Can I use this grid for cross stitch?
Yes, the grid works for cross stitch, knitting, or even beadwork. Just follow the filled squares as your pattern.
What yarn is best for filet crochet?
Worsted weight cotton or a cotton blend works best. It shows the stitches clearly and blocks well.
How do I read the filet crochet chart?
Each square is one stitch. Filled squares are double crochet, open squares are chain 2, skip 2, double crochet. Read from bottom to top.
Save this pattern for your next project
This filet crochet flower is a classic vintage pattern that looks great on a wall or as a pillow. The grid is free, so you can start today. Keep it quick and cute!
