I am a designer of filet crochet patterns. Designing crochet afghan patterns is my passion. If you are not already familiar with filet crochet afghan patterns, it doesn't take long to learn, and once you learn it, you will be addicted! It is such a fun and interesting way to crochet pictures into your afghans. If you would like to learn to use graph crochet afghan patterns to crochet pictures into your afghans this article will be very helpful to you. Plese see the heart sample pattern graph located at http://www.superlativestitchery.com

on the tutorial pattern page and follow the written instructions below.

HEART SAMPLE PATTERN COPYRIGHT TINA GIBBONS

Heart sample pattern first 4 rows

Row 1

Chain 61, this is because the rule for the starting chain is multiply the number of squares in the first row by 3 and then add 1, so (20 x 3) + 1 = 61 chains. There are 61 double crochets for the first row. The first square counts as 4 double crochet, all remaining count as 3 double crochet, (19 x 3) + 4 = 61.

Row 2

Now, chain 3 to turn, this counts as first double crochet of first square, second row, double crochet in 5th chain from your hook, this is second double crochet, first square, second row. Double crochet in next two chains, this completes first square, second row.

By the way, you are following left to right now. Odd rows are right to left, even rows are left to right. So, after the first square in the second row there are 18 open squares, which means each square counts as chain two then double crochet, this does indeed take up 3 spaces for each square, and then the last or 20th square in that row counts as 3 double crochet, adding up once again to 61 stitches, there should be 61 in every row.

The third row, same directions as second row, but following graph right to left, which brings you to the end of row 3, chain 3 to turn which will count as your first double crochet in row 4, double crochet in 5th chain from your hook, this counts as second double crochet of first square of row, double crochet in next two chains, this completes square one of fourth row. Left to right there are now 8 open squares which count as chain 2 double crochet, and then you come to two solid squares which equal 3 double crochets each, so at that point you should have 7 double crochets in a row, and continue with 8 more open squares, each chain two double crochet, so this brings you to the 20th square, solid, equaling 3 double crochet. So, at the beginning and end of each row there should be 4 double crochets together.

By the end of these four rows you should have caught on to the technique and be able to finish the rest of the small smaple pattern. I hope you have enjoyed hte lesson, and accomplished your goal. If you have any further questions or comments please feel free to contact me. I love to hear from newcomers to the love of filet crochet. I also love to see photos of your finished projects. Please feel free to share those with me as well.

Copyright Tina Gibbons http://www.superlativestitchery.com