Have you ever tried to stitch needlepoint from a knitting chart and felt the end result was distorted?
You’re right, it was because knitting stitches are rectangular, not square. Crochet Stitches,on the other hand, are square just like needlepoint. And what’s even better is that one technique, called Filet Crochet, makes extensive use of charts which look just like needlepoint charts.
What a bonus for us! And even better because many filet crochet charts are older, it can be a rich source of copyright-free designs.
Filet Crochet is always stitched in a single color, so any chart, no matter the technique, which has a square grid and only a single color, can be adapted to this look.
It’s easy to do needlepoint from the chart, but what if you want that lacy grid around the solid design which is so characteristic of filet crochet?
Begin by choosing threads and canvas with a good contrast in color between the two. Traditionally Filet Crochet was done with white threads, but pick a color and stitch on white canvas. For the example, I’ve used a hand-dyed white thread on Victorian Green canvas.
Start by stitching the chart in the middle of the canvas. Usually it works best to start at the middle of the chart. Once this is stitched begin to make the grid. A horizontal or vertical stitch, going over two threads will be made in every other hole, resulting in a grid which looks like the left sample above. If you put the connecting stitch every fourth hole, you get a bigger gird, as in the sample on the right.
Make the grid as large as you want. The end result will be a solid design against an obvious grid, just like Filet Crochet, but in needlepoint.
Here are some sites on the Internet to check out with free Filet Crochet designs:
- About.com filet crochet patterns
- Smart Crochet – over 300 patterns
- Four crochet animals
- Patterns sets to buy on CD
- Vintage pattern of Peacock Buffet Scarf
Related posts:
Oh. My. Goodness. That’s an awesome idea.
*rifling through filet pattern books excitedly*
Cool idea! I have thought of using cross stitch patterns to crochet a picture in an afghan.
Glad to see it works both ways!
Now where on earth am I going to find time to give this a try??? But try it, I am going to have to do. I love the simplicity of 2 colours, and there are some great designs. Thanks for the links to get us started.
This is GREAT!…it also gives me a few ideas.
Thank you so very much!!!!!
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