By Janna Halioris
This filet crochet potholder is an excellent project for someone who is just learning this new skill. In this technique the shapes in the patterning are formed by solid and open squares formed by blocks and spaces. This type of crochet is always worked in straight rows.
The blocks are formed by double crochet and the spaces by chains, each space divided from the next one by one double crochet.
How to make spaces (sp) for this potholders pattern:
1 space = 1 chain, 1 double crochet (1ch, 1dc)
Spaces are the open mesh in the crochet lace pattern. Make one double crochet (dc), one chain (1ch), skip one stitch from the previous row and make one more double crochet stitch.
How to make blocks (blk) for this potholder pattern:
1 block = 2 double crochet
Blocks are the filled mesh spaces in the filet lace pattern. When a block is made over an open mesh space then one double crochet should be put directly into the space over the chain stitch. When blocks are touching each other, there are three double crochet stitches in the first block and two in each consecutive block.
What you will need:
2 balls of 50 grams 4 PLY crochet cotton. We used 2 different colours for this pattern (white and blue). Hereafter called colour 1 and colour 2.
1 crochet hook no. 2
Crochet instructions:
This filet crochet potholder pattern is easy to follow from the chart that has open spaces and black blocks. Follow the instructions above about how to make crochet spaces and blocks.
Abbreviations:
Chain stitch ch
Double crochet dc
Single crochet sc
Slip stitch sl st
Begin with a foundation chain of 42ch + 4ch (in colour 1)
Row 1: Insert hook in 6th chain from the end, crochet 1dc, * 1ch, 1dc*, repeat *pattern till the end of the row. (You should have 21 spaces).
Row 2: 4ch, *7dc in every next stitch of previous row, 1ch*, repeat* 4x, 1dc.
Row 3 + 4: as row 2.
Row 5: 4ch, 1dc, *1ch, 1dc*, repeat until end of row.
Repeat rows 2, 3, 4 and 5 four times.
Once completed the pattern cast off.
Make this pattern four times - twice in colour 1 and twice in colour 2. Each potholder is crochet twice. The double layer makes it more heat resistant and prevents burning your fingers.
How to crochet the border:
For the potholder in colour 1, use colour 2 for the border and of course for the potholder in colour 2, use colour 1 for the border.
Put the two sides on top of each other. Make sure the pattern matches.
Then crochet 1sc in the third space from a corner, 1ch, 1sc, 1ch repeat until all four sides are completed, close this row with a slip stitch.
Next row, make 1sc over next ch of previous row, 2ch, skip sc previous row, 1sc, 2ch repeat until all four sides are completed, close row with a slip stitch.
Now crochet a hanging loop:
Without casting off make a chain of 15ch, join with 1sc round the corner (same distance as the other side). Turn work and crochet 20sc over chain. Finish with a sl st and cast off.
For more crochet stitches, crochet patterns and other crochet resources by Janna Halioris visit Top Crocheting [http://www.topcrocheting.com]
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