by Crocheting is not just a craft — it’s a timeless art form that connects generations through the beauty of yarn and creativity. Among the many styles of crochet, filet lace holds a special charm. Its delicate patterns, airy structure, and graceful symmetry make it perfect for creating elegant home décor — especially table runners, curtains, and doilies.
In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to crochet an amazing square motif featuring a filet lace star pattern. This design is beginner-to-intermediate friendly, combining simple stitches with an openwork lace structure that looks intricate but is surprisingly easy once you learn the technique.
Let’s dive into the beautiful world of filet crochet and create a stunning motif you can join into a masterpiece table runner!
🧶 What Is Filet Crochet?
Filet crochet is a lace-making technique that uses only two main stitch types — double crochet (dc) and chain (ch) — to create open and filled squares. When arranged together, these small blocks form pictures, geometric designs, or repeating motifs such as flowers, stars, or hearts.
Think of it like drawing with yarn, where each square is either “filled” (a solid block) or “open” (a mesh space). The result is an airy, lace-like fabric — delicate, lightweight, and beautifully textured.
In this tutorial, we’ll make a square motif with a star design at the center, perfect for table runners, placemats, or even wall art.
🌸 Materials You’ll Need
To get started, gather these simple crochet supplies:
🧵 Yarn:
- Cotton crochet thread or fine mercerized cotton yarn (#10 weight) for a classic lace look.
- Choose a light, neutral color like ivory, beige, or white — it enhances the lace detail.
🪄 Hook:
- 1.5 mm to 2 mm steel crochet hook (depending on your thread thickness).
✂️ Other Supplies:
- Scissors — for trimming ends.
- Tapestry needle — for weaving in threads.
- Blocking board & pins — to shape your lace motif beautifully after finishing.
💫 Understanding the Filet Crochet Chart
In filet crochet:
- A filled square = 1 double crochet, 2 chains, and 1 double crochet (making a solid block).
- An open square = 1 double crochet, 2 chains, and 1 double crochet (leaving space between the posts).
The difference lies in where you place the double crochets:
- For a filled block, you crochet extra double crochets to close the gaps.
- For an open block, you leave chain spaces between stitches.
Each row builds upon the previous one, and the pattern is read from bottom to top, alternating directions (right to left, then left to right).
🌟 Step-by-Step Tutorial: Filet Lace Star Motif (Square Pattern)
This motif creates a 6-inch x 6-inch square (approx.), which you can join with others to make a table runner of any size.
🪷 Step 1: Foundation Chain
- Chain 43.
(This forms 10 blocks + 1 extra stitch for turning.) - Turn your work.
🪷 Step 2: Row 1 – Form the Base Mesh
- Double crochet (dc) into the 5th chain from the hook.
- Chain 2, skip 2 chains, dc in next chain — repeat to the end of the row.
- You’ll have 20 open mesh squares total.
Turn your work.
🪷 Step 3: Row 2 – Start Forming the Pattern
Now you’ll begin creating the foundation for your star motif.
- Chain 5 (counts as 1 dc + ch-2).
- Dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next dc for 7 open squares.
- In the next 3 squares, make filled blocks (dc in each chain space and each dc — total 3 dc per block).
- Continue with open mesh to the end.
This starts to form the base of your star shape.
🪷 Step 4: Row 3 – Expanding the Star
- Work 6 open squares.
- Then create 5 filled blocks (this widens the center of the star).
- Continue with open mesh to the end.
You’ll see the shape start to emerge — the middle section filling up with “solid” stitches.
🪷 Step 5: Row 4 – The Star’s Center
- Make 5 open blocks.
- Then create 7 filled blocks (the widest part of the star).
- Finish with open blocks to the edge.
This is the heart of your star pattern — the widest, most filled section.
🪷 Step 6: Rows 5–7 – Decreasing the Star
Work symmetrically to reduce the number of filled blocks per row:
- Row 5: 6 filled blocks
- Row 6: 5 filled blocks
- Row 7: 3 filled blocks
Each row, the star shape narrows again, creating the illusion of points radiating from the center.
🪷 Step 7: Rows 8–10 – Finishing the Motif
Return to open mesh only for the remaining rows, creating an airy frame around your star.
By the end of Row 10, you’ll have a clean square with a star shining in the middle — subtle, symmetrical, and stunning!
🌿 Finishing Touches
- Fasten off your thread carefully.
- Weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle.
- Block your motif:
- Dampen it slightly and pin it to a square shape on a blocking board or towel.
- Let it dry completely.
- This step is crucial — it gives your lace a crisp, professional finish and highlights the filet pattern.
🪞 Joining the Motifs for a Table Runner
Once you’ve made several motifs, it’s time to connect them!
Method 1: Slip Stitch Join
- Place two motifs right sides together.
- Join through the outer loops using slip stitches along the edges.
- This creates a nearly invisible seam.
Method 2: Join-As-You-Go (JAYG)
- On your final round of each motif, connect corners and sides directly into the previous motif with slip stitches.
- This method saves time and creates a seamless, lacy appearance — perfect for table runners or shawls.
You can join motifs in rows (for rectangular runners) or squares (for table toppers).
🌼 Border Ideas
Add a decorative edge to elevate your lacework:
- Simple Picot Edge: [sc, ch 3, sc] repeated evenly around.
- Shell Border: 5 dc in one stitch, skip 2, sl st in next — creates elegant scallops.
- Filet Border: Continue the open mesh pattern for 2–3 rounds to frame your runner.
Choose a border that complements your table and adds refinement without overpowering the star design.
🌸 Styling & Uses
Once your filet lace star runner is complete, you can use it in many creative ways:
- 🌟 Table Runner: Place along a dining or coffee table for an elegant centerpiece.
- 🌷 Curtain Panel: Join vertically for a lacy window treatment.
- 💫 Wall Décor: Frame a single motif or a group for handmade art.
- 🌼 Gift Idea: Perfect as a handmade present for weddings, anniversaries, or holidays.
Each piece carries your personal touch — delicate, timeless, and made with care.
🌻 Tips for Success
- Use starch spray to help your finished lace keep its shape.
- Work with consistent tension — even stitches make cleaner mesh.
- Count carefully: Filet crochet is all about precision; a single skipped stitch can shift the pattern.
- Light colors show the design best, while darker yarns add a modern twist.
- Practice on a small sample first to get familiar with the open and filled block structure.
🌟 Final Thoughts
The filet lace star square motif is a beautiful blend of tradition and simplicity — an elegant design that looks far more complicated than it truly is. Once you understand the rhythm of filet crochet, you’ll find it calming, meditative, and endlessly customizable.
With patience and creativity, you can transform these delicate squares into a breathtaking table runner that will be admired for years to come. Each motif is a tiny masterpiece, showcasing the artistry of handmade lace.
So, gather your hook and thread, find a cozy spot, and let your creativity shine like a star through every stitch. 🌟🧶
