Stitch Masterclass: Interlocked Filet Crochet

Filet crochet is a fabulously easy way to create very detailed images with yarn - worked from charts, it's much like colour work or cross-stitch. However, filet crochet is only usually worked with one colour, making it's design potentially much subtler in the end result. Through using similar techniques, interlocked filet introduces a way to bring colour into the mix, and while, you're not likely to use it to produce the detailed picture designs of traditional filet crochet, it gives you a intriguing way to bring pattern into your next crochet project. We've got the basic technique and a few extra ideas to share with you here, but there's lots of intriguing ideas you can try using this technique once you've mastered it!

Hints and tips

• Your CC chain hould always be on the WS of the next row to be worked if it's wrong, simply unravel the last MC st and rework once on the right side of the work.
• Interlocked filet creates a reversible pattern, with the design on the wrong side in the reverse colourways. In that way, it's similar to a knitting technique called double knitting.

The basics

The basic pattern of interlocked filet creates small squares of contrast colour (CC). This is a reversible pattern, which would make it great for the likes of a cowl or scarf where both sides will be seen. The main colour (MC) and contrast colour are not joined at any point in this pattern - they're rather held together by the weaving technique used.

Let's have a go

Step 1:

With MC, chain 3 + multiple of 2 + 3.

Step 2:

Row 1 (MC): 1 tr in 6th ch from hook, [1 ch, 1 tr] across. 4 ch.  

Remove from hook. Place a stitch marker in loose st throughout to stop unravelling if desired.

Step 3:

With CC, chain 2 fewer than MC starting ch. Weave through Row 1 of MC from front to back to front as pictured, ensuring 4 ch at the end for turning chain.

Step 4:

Row 1 (CC): Working into the back of the work only, 1 tr in 6th ch from hook, [1 ch, 1 tr] across ensuring each st is placed in between a separate set of tr from Row 1 of MC. 4 ch. [5]

Step 5:

Remove from hook. Place MC back on hook.

Step 6:

Row 2 (MC): Working alternatively into back and front of work, [1 tr in next tr, 1 ch, miss 1 ch] across. 4 ch.

Step 7:

Remove from hook.

Step 8:

Place CC back on hook.

Step 9:

Row 2 (CC): Working into back of work, [1 tr in next tr, 1 ch, miss 1 ch] across. 4 ch.  

Remove from hook.

Place MC back on hook.  

Row 3 (MC): Working alternatively into front and back of work, [1 tr in next tr, 1 ch, miss 1 ch] across. 4 ch.  

Remove from hook.  

Rep MC rows 2 and 3, and CC Row 2. Each 4-row repeat will make one set of squares on the RS only.

Shifting squares

To make the squares move along for each 4 row repeat, switch the order of MC Rows 2 and 3 for every 4-row repeat. On the wrong side, this will create a Geometric chevron design on the wrong side.

Geometric chevron

To make this wavy chevron design, repeat MC Row 2 only in each 4 stitch repeat (which means, don't switch to MC Row 3). If you change to MC Row 3 instead of MC Row 2 for the next 4 row repeat, the waves will reverse direction.

Project inspiration

Designer Tanis Galik is a master of getting creative with Interlocked filet - these designs are from her book, Interlocking Crochet, published by Krause, and available to buy on Amazon.

Send in pictures of what you have made with this stitch on our Facebook page!