How to Crochet a Filet Crochet Mesh Top

Over the past couple of months I've been doing my best to use up yarn from my scrap yarn stash and resist the urge to buy new yarn. And let me tell you, resisting this urge requires some serious will power! As I was working on these mesh tops I thought to myself, "Wouldn't it be awesome if I started a series called Scrap Style?" In this series, I focus on using what I have on hand to create slow fashion pieces. And just in time for summer I came up with this cute filet crochet mesh top!

The great thing about challenging myself to not buy yarn and use what I have is that it forces me to think creatively and to be ok with mixing and matching different colors and even yarn types and weights. When I started this top I really wanted to use this red mystery yarn I had and when I ran out I took inspiration from my sandworm wreath and made the back with black and white stripes. I love how this turned out!

Filet Crochet Mesh Top

Materials and Pattern Notes

• I used a 4.00mm hook but the hook size you use will depend on the yarn weight you use

• For this top I used worsted weight yarn from different brands and fibres (I'm pretty sure the red yarn is a wool blend).

• To alter the size of the top you can:

  • Use a different size hook and appropriate yarn weight, for example, if you use crochet thread you would use a 2.50-3.00mm hook

  • Start with more or less foundation chains. This filet crochet pattern uses multiples of 2 (plus 3 for foundation ch)

  • Measure around the widest part of your hips and divide by two to get the measurement for the front and back.

  • For my top, the measurement around my hips is 40" so each of the pieces is 20" and I made the necessary number of chains to measure 20" making sure that the total number of chains were multiples of two (plus 3 chains for the foundation chain)

• Unless stated, starting chain counts as a stitch

• The top is made up of two pieces, front and back, that are sewn together at the sides and shoulders

Abbreviations (US crochet terms):

ch - chain

ch-sp - chain space

st(s) - stich(es)

dc - double crochet

sk - skip

yo - yarn over

dec - decrease (see Special Stitches)

PM - place marker

Special Stitches:

Filet crochet decrease: yo, insert hook in the next st, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, sk ch-sp, insert hook in next dc, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through remaining loops.

Below is the pattern for the top I'm wearing in the photos, fit to my measurements but first here are step by step photos of what the stitches and fabric will look like.

To start, make the necessary number of chains:

Make the first dc in the 4th ch:

Make a chain:

Skip one chain and dc in the next chain:

Repeat the sequence of making a chain, skipping a chain, and making a dc in the next ch:

When you reach the end of the row, after making the last dc + chain 1 sequence, make a dc in the last two chains:

Filet Crochet Top Pattern

Again, note that the numbers below are for my measurements specifically, which is 20” at the base for each piece. Be sure to measure yourself and adjust the numbers as needed.

Row 1: ch 93, dc in 4th ch from hook, *ch 1, sk 1, dc in the next ch, repeat from * ch 1, dc in each of the last 2 chs, turn

Row 2: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in the next st, *ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, repeat from * ch 1, dc in each of the last 2 sts, turn

Repeat Row 2 until piece measures approx. 7-7.25" or about 17 rows depending on your tension, yarn weight, and hook size. If you want a longer top continue adding rows until you are ready to start on the armholes.

Armhole

Filet crochet decrease at both ends of the row to shape the armhole - ch 3, dec (see Special Stitches), *ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, repeat from * to last 3 dc, dec, dc in last st, turn

Repeat decrease row 8 more times

Repeat Row 2 4 times

Neckline and Shoulders

ch 3, (counts as dc), dc in the next st, *ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, repeat from * 5 times, ch 1, dec, turn

ch 3, sk ch-sp, dc in next st, *ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, repeat from * to last 3 dc, dec, dc in last st, turn

ch 3, dc in next st *ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, repeat from * leave remaining st unworked

ch 3, sk ch-sp, dc in next st, *ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, repeat from * ch 1, dc in last 2 sts.

Repeat Row 2 4 times

ch 1, sc in each st and ch-sp across

Cut yarn and weave in ends.

Here's what the top looks like after creating the armholes, neckline, and shoulders:

Join yarn on the opposite side and repeat Neckline and Shoulders rows but don't cut your yarn. Evenly work sc stitches into the row edges on the straps, then across the neckline stitches and chains, then into the row edges on the opposite strap. Cut the yarn and weave in the ends.

Block and shape the finished pieces.

Sew the shoulder seams and the side seams together and your scrap style filet crochet mesh top is ready to wear!

Looking for more airy tops for summer? Check out my crochet Mesh Summer Top made using the crochet plain trellis stitch.

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This pattern is for personal use only. The pattern and its photos may not be reproduced, distributed or resold, translated, published, altered, shared or posted in any way over the internet or offline.

You may sell finished items made from this pattern as long as it is handmade by you, not mass produced, giving the credit to Pops de Milk / Patricia Castillo as the designer. If you have any questions, you can email me at patricia@popsdemilk.com