🌟 Introduction
Step into the classic world of Filet Crochet with the Heirloom Meshwork Square! This beautiful motif features a delicate openwork star in the center, framed by the traditional grid of open squares (ch 2, dc) and finished with a neat, scalloped border. This pattern is ideal for creating elegant blankets, table runners, or pillow covers by joining multiple squares together.
Skill Level: Intermediate (Familiarity with filet crochet techniques is required)
Finished Size (approximate): 6 inches x 6 inches (15 cm x 15 cm) square, when using thread.
🧵 Materials & Gauge
✨ Materials Needed
- Yarn/Thread: Approximately 40-50 yards of Size 10 Cotton Thread (Lace Weight/Fingering). Using fine cotton thread is key to achieving the crisp detail and traditional look of filet crochet. (The sample is a clean white.)
- Hook: Steel Crochet Hook Size 7 (1.65 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge. (Check your thread label for the recommended size.)
- Notions: Small sharp scissors, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and T-pins for blocking.
📏 Gauge (Crucial for Sizing!)
- Filet Crochet: 1 Open Square (1 dc, ch 2) should measure approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) wide.
- Overall Check: A 5×5 grid of Open Squares should measure approximately 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) square.
- Crucial Check: Your work must lie perfectly flat at all times. If it cups, increase your hook size; if it ruffles, reduce your hook size.
💡 Special Stitches & Abbreviations
📝 Pattern Abbreviations (US Terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning | | Abbreviation | Meaning | | :—: | :— | :—: | :— | | ch | chain | | st(s) | stitch(es) | | sl st | slip stitch | | rep | repeat | | sc | single crochet| | dc | double crochet | | ch-sp | chain space | | sk | skip | | Open Sq| Open Square | | Solid Sq| Solid Square |
⭐ Special Stitches (Written Instructions)
- Open Square (Open Sq): Dc, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next st/sp.
- Solid Square (Solid Sq): Work 3 dc over a ch-2 sp OR work dc in next 3 sts. A solid block of 3 squares would be 10 dc.
Note on Filet Counting: A ch 3 at the beginning of a DC row always counts as the first DC.
💎 The Pattern: Heirloom Meshwork Square
Note: The pattern is worked in joined rounds starting from a center ring.
Part 1: The Central Star (Establishing the Grid)
Foundation: Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 15 dc in ring. Sl st to top of starting ch-3 to join. (16 dc)
Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc, ch 2). Sk 1 st. Dc in the next st, ch 2, sk 1 st. Rep from * 7 more times. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the starting ch-5 to join. (8 dc, 8 ch-2 sps)
Round 3 (Forming the Star): Ch 3, dc in the next ch-2 sp. [Corner Setup] Ch 3, dc in the next dc. Dc in the next ch-2 sp, dc in the next dc. [Corner Setup] Ch 3, dc in the next dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Sl st to the top of the starting ch-3 to join. (4 corners)
Round 4 (Squaring the Mesh): Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc, ch 2). Dc in the next dc. Ch 2, dc in the next dc (center of 3-dc block). [Corner] Ch 2, in the ch-3 sp work (dc, ch 3, dc). Ch 2, dc in the next dc. Rep from * around. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the starting ch-5 to join.
Round 5 (Solid Squares at Center): Ch 3, 2 dc in the ch-2 sp. Dc in the next dc. Ch 2, dc in the next dc. Rep from * along the side until the corner ch-3 sp. [Corner] In the ch-3 sp work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc). Rep from * around. Sl st to the top of the starting ch-3 to join.
Part 2: Mesh Border
Round 6 (Open Mesh): Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc, ch 2). Sk 2 sts. Dc in the next st. Ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in the next st. Rep from * along the side until the corner ch-2 sp. [Corner] In the ch-2 sp work (dc, ch 3, dc). Rep from * around. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the starting ch-5 to join.
Round 7 (Solid Mesh Accents): Ch 3, 2 dc in the ch-2 sp. Dc in the next dc. Ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, dc in the next dc. Rep from * 2 more times (Open Sq repeat). 3 dc in the next ch-2 sp, dc in the next dc (Solid Sq). Rep from * along the side until the corner ch-3 sp. [Corner] In the ch-3 sp work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc). Rep from * around. Sl st to the top of the starting ch-3 to join.
Round 8 (Outer Mesh): Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc, ch 2). Sk 2 sts. Dc in the next st. Ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in the next st. Rep from * along the side until the corner ch-2 sp. [Corner] In the ch-2 sp work (dc, ch 3, dc). Rep from * around. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the starting ch-5 to join.
Part 3: The Final Scallop Edge
Round 9 (Scallop Base): Ch 1, sc in the same st. Ch 3, sc in the next ch-2 sp. Ch 3, sc in the next dc. Rep from * along the side until the corner ch-3 sp. [Corner] In the ch-3 sp work (sc, ch 5, sc). Rep from * around. Sl st to the first sc to join.
Round 10 (Scallop Shells): Sl st into the first ch-3 sp. Ch 3, 2 dc in the same sp. 3 dc in the next ch-3 sp. Rep from * along the side until the corner ch-5 sp. [Corner] In the ch-5 sp work (4 dc, ch 1, 4 dc). Rep from * around. Sl st to the top of the starting ch-3 to join.
Fasten off.
Video Tutorial:
✂️ Finishing & Blocking
🧺 Blocking is Essential!
- Wet Blocking: For any filet crochet square, wet blocking is absolutely mandatory to open the meshwork and ensure the motif maintains a crisp, flat, and perfect square shape.
- Soak the square thoroughly in cool water, using a small amount of liquid starch for extra stiffness if desired.
- Gently squeeze out excess water.
- Pin the square out firmly onto a blocking board or foam mat, ensuring the four corners are pulled taut and symmetrical to form perfect 90-degree angles. Pin out the scallops slightly.
- Allow the motif to dry completely before unpinning.
✨ Conclusion
Weave in all your ends securely on the back of the work.
Congratulations! You have created the timeless Heirloom Meshwork Square, a perfect building block for any traditional lace project.
