A bookmark is a low-commitment way to learn filet crochet. Filet fabric is built from open blocks and filled blocks on a regular grid. This small motif uses US double crochet and chain spaces; keep the edges relaxed so the mesh stays square.
Materials and chart key
- Fine cotton thread or fingering cotton, about 25 yd
- 3 mm hook, yarn needle
- ch = chain; dc = double crochet; open block = dc, ch 2, skip 2; filled block = 3 dc
For this sample, each block is about ¼ in wide. The finished bookmark will be about 1½ in wide and 6 in long, depending on yarn and tension.
Bookmark instructions
- Foundation: ch 14. Row 1: dc in the fourth ch from hook, *ch 2, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch*; repeat across. You should have four open blocks.
- Row 2: ch 3, turn. Work 1 dc in the first dc, then *ch 2, dc in the next dc* across. This keeps a row of open blocks.
- Row 3, motif row: ch 3, turn. Work 1 dc in first dc; ch 2, dc in next dc; work 3 dc into the next ch-2 space for one filled block; ch 2, dc in next dc; finish with an open block.
- Rows 4–12: repeat the open-block row. For a longer bookmark, add more plain rows before finishing.
- Work one round of sc around the edges, placing 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Blocking
Pin the bookmark into a rectangle and mist lightly, following the yarn label. Let it dry fully before removing the pins. This evens the grid and makes the chart easier to read next time.
Photo: Olga Kovalski via Unsplash.
