Using an Antique Crochet Pattern | Filet Crochet Table Runner

I’m diving into the world of historical crochet and it is…small? A lot of the old crochet patterns I’ve seen require finer yarn than I am used to working with, so I thought I’d try a simple project to get used to the smaller scale. Filet crochet seemed like a popular option for makers of the past, as there are so many patterns for it in vintage pattern archives, so I’m making a filet crochet table runner to adorn my bookcase and get some practice in. I’m familiar with the concept and the stitches used for it, but I had never crocheted with anything thinner than fingering weight yarn before - crochet thread proved to be quite the challenge!
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Instagram: / stitchnfiction
☝ STUFF IN THIS VIDEO
The patterns used are in the public domain and available for free courtesy of the Antique Pattern Library: www.antiquepatt...
Filet Crochet Charts: www.antiquepatt...
--Tulips: pg. 14, No. 29
--Roses: pg. 10, No. 15
Table Runner Inspiration: www.antiquepat...
Materials: Vintage crochet cotton, purchased from an antique store.
Tools: #10 (1.30mm) steel crochet hook
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CREDITS
Example images from freevintagecro...
#antiquecrochet #vintagecrochet #filetcrochet

[@pinklady7184]

Irish workhouses and convents used to make lots of laces: crotcheting, tattling, needlepoints, etc. Industrial schools taught them to children.

[@nanrodgers9740]

I'm of Scots/Irish descent, and my dream is to travel to Ireland, not to visit Dublin (though it would be on the itinerary), but to visit the heart of such cottage industries as crocheting, tatting, etc.

[@taylahmillington5388]

I love how you used an antique yarn with an antique pattern. It turned out to be absolutely stunning. You are so clever and I'm very excited to see your future videos.

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you so much!

[@margaretcarter4965]

I have done quite a bit of filet and love doing it. Right now I am working from my grandmother’s instruction books from the 1920s to 1940s. They are a treasure to me.

[@stitchnfiction]

That's so awesome that you have original patterns that have been passed down!

[@alissagonzales735]

I have a bedspread my mother crocheted back in 1960 for me. She put a big rose in the center with roses surrounding it. She also made matching pillow covers.. She could look at a pattern in filet and could make it with no problem. She taught me and it is essy to do because I do a lot of weaving on a loom. So making designs is common for me.

[@stitchnfiction]

That bedspread sounds lovely, that's great that you were able to learn from your mom!

[@veeraanttonen5681]

I completely adore the finished result! My absolute craft dream is to make an old time-y set of bedding (ie sheets, pillowcases etc) from start to finish, make all the lace and trimmings myself for them! Maybe this video gave me a much needed kick to actually start researching how to go about this dream 😊 cant wait for more videos from you!

[@stitchnfiction]

Oh my gosh, that is an amazing dream project! There are so many beautiful crochet lace and bedspread patterns out there, I hope you go for it! 😄

[@grape123]

My great-grandma used SEWING THREAD to crochet doilies and trims. I always loved so much how they looked so I decided to try it myself and surprisingly it’s not as difficult as you may think! White thread isn’t too difficult to work with, and a good hook helps a lot.

[@stitchnfiction]

I'm so impressed by the delicate work people make with thread! Sewing thread is on my list to try at some point. 🤞

[@grape123]

@@stitchnfiction you definitely want to get an ergonomic hook for it. I have my great-grandma’s old hooks and even she made little makeshift handles for herself by wrapping strips of gauze around them:)

[@thisismyname3328]

According to my grandma, wool and other threads were rationed during the war, where as sewing thread wasn't. She remembers her mother making many things with sewing thread, right up until arthritis made her use thicker diameters.

[@grape123]

@@thisismyname3328 it really is a beautiful method. I love how it feels and looks.

[@PriscillaWarner-pu3ej]

Is there a special crochet hook that will keep the thread from slipping off the hook? That's what is frustrating to me in my first attempts to try using this stuff.

[@racheluk1759]

Just Vintage Crochet is a channel I follow.

[@denisepettit8534]

Some of your lace may be bobbin lace and some tatting. For wonderful treasure passed down to you, what a blessing to have.

[@stonytina5177]

I've got the things needed for tatting, watched a few tutorials but still haven't got the hang of it. I need to try harder, I guess.

[@achimwasp]

Nice work! Regarding the technique used: the butterflies are definitely "real" filet work. I.e. the net is made first, using a special filet needle (Prym apparently still makes them). Then a darning stich is used to fill in the squares. The outer rim is stabilized by a row of buttonhole stiches. I might make one of those just for the fun of it. The other laces I'd have to see closer to decide on the technique used, at first glance I would say it might be bobbin lace. And as you said the one you pointed to is obviously knit.

[@stitchnfiction]

That's great to know about the "real" filet work, thank you for that info! I have a few other pieces that look to be made with a similar technique, and I was always curious how they did it.

[@SparklyGutz]

I'm in awe of your craftsmanship! So neat and clean!

[@sallyAS4419]

I found some history on your thread. The name"Lilly Mills" was used starting in 1934 & the mills closed in 1981.

[@stitchnfiction]

That's awesome, thank you! Definitely helps to narrow it down. 😊

[@Kitcat-squish75]

this is absolutely amazing! I'm such a nerd for history and vintage things and looking into history of crochet and other crafts, I've always felt intimidated by small threads because I have such a short attention span some days, but this makes me want to wip out my tiny hook and try it myself some day!

[@stitchnfiction]

Try it! I found that it worked up pretty quickly once I got used to it, just takes some practice. 😊

[@sueann805]

Some of that looks like what my grandmother called tatting or however it is spelled. Love seeing these antiques pieces. WOW that is so beautiful !!! You did an amazing job 👍👍🌹🌹

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you so much! I wondered if some of the antique pieces may be tatted (I know it was a popular craft at the time), but I'm not familiar enough with it to recognize it on sight.

[@margaretcarter4965]

@@stitchnfiction I didn’t see any tatted pieces in your laces. Tatting is quite distinctive. It is a series of half hitches oddly enough.

[@noemisartcorner841]

Congratulations!! It looks just beautiful. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@awilson8521]

✨ Teeny tiny crochet is goals. ✨

[@cynthiahowe8697]

You did a fantastic job. I'm 66 and my grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 9. A friend of my mom's taught me to knit and I taught myself to tat. Looking at the lace pieces you were showing, I did not see any tatting. Definitely some knit one though. My smallest steel crochet hook is a 14, I use mostly to attach pearl beads to my tatting as I can get it through a bead and hook a picot and pull it through the bead to attach it to my piece. One of my size 14 hooks is also marked 0.75mm I have 2 one is just marked USA and the other has both markings. I have various other sizes as well not many of them are marked with mm though I have a few. I keep my steel hooks in an old M&M mini's tube a long one. I had one hook that was unmarked and smaller than my size14 it looked very old and broke on me using it. Threads were very small even smaller than what I used to be able to get and much smaller than what is available now though we did not have size 5 or 3. size 10 was bedspread weight. Most of the old filet patterns were based on the 4 stitches. I crochet too tight and so my pieces before are not as square as they should be. I do a 3 stitches now and it works better for me so a solid would be 3 dc and an open would be 1dc,ch1,sk1,1dc in next. the most ambitious project I did was a native american in full feather headress on the diagonal and attached triangles to the flat sides to make a square. The most abitious I graphed out was a piece with a horse that was in a book of one in a museum and was a cover for the arm of a chair. Worked in size 10 thread and an 8 hook, it was a wall hanging though I did not do that pattern a friend of mine did. Done in size 30 thread and a smaller hook it was still too big for the arm of a chair and much larger than the one I took the pattern from. Can't wait to see what other things you tackle.

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you! ☺️That's so awesome you got to learn from your grandmother, and those filet pieces sound incredible, I bet that was a TON of work!!

[@miffub]

finally someone who holds the yarn the same way i do!! i've never seen anyone else crochet this way and i always felt like i was doing it wrong

[@stitchnfiction]

A few other commenters have said the same - we're not alone! ☺

[@madeingunsa]

So So cute. I love this kind of easy projects but with beatiful results... You have a new suscriber. I'm going to proceed to watch all your content while working in a crochet comision. Seem adecuate 😁 Also, tell you. Vintage Crochet gives me life. I think, nowadays, we use very chunky yarns that work for knitted garments beautifuly but not so well for crocheted ones. If you look at vintage crochet garments they allways use fine guage yarn and very small hooks, for a reason! Y crocheted sweaters and shirts and people always compliments me, but they seem surprised that such a texture could be achieve with crochet, and then, proceed to be even more surprised when I tell them that I used a hook smaller than a 3mm one. It takes a lot of work but, for me, it's worth it.

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you so much! Totally agree, I think a lot of modern yarn is designed with knitters in mind, but crochet can make lovely garments too if you pick the right stitch and the right materials. ☺️

[@margaretradek971]

Well done young lady!!!!!

[@carolilseanne2175]

That's so pretty! Well done 😊😊

[@kayceegreer4418]

Just passed the middle here talking about using the smallest hook you have and I just had to snicker because I have hooks so tiny I'm talking so tiny that the numbers on them probably start with zero or are n the negatives, lol! I truly don't believe those exist, but, I'm telling you, I could re😐-pierce my ears with them! I've found that with thread, you must Wrap it around your pinky finger or some other finger and possibly again around your first finger and just mostly use the hook and the tension between the hook and your work. But I've got to tell you, the way you hold your fiber is the hardest way for keeping tension or correcting tension as needed, and maneuverability, or using that hand to help you work when you get in a jam. I'd have to look at some of your other work to see if your double crochets lean to the left or if your granny squares' corners look like they are chasing one another around the block... if l were a gambling gal, I would lay odds that you have to block everything for it to be straight. I'm not being mean or critical, it's just that everybody I have seen in hundreds of thousands of videos that I have watched, who holds their yarn the way you do, can't make a straight stitch and have trouble with irregular tensioning, in the stitch and between the stitches, and they present their work like it's great or talk about blocking, or , that it'll be okay/straighten up after they block it. I would much rather have straight stitches and no loosey-goosey stringy gaps between my stitches then to have a finished project I have to block after I wash it, or worse, that I have to wash it because it's beginning to twist and look bad, so it needs to be blocked again.

[@stageluvr91]

Just Vintage Crochet does videos on antique patterns. It’s mind blowing the lack of directions some of them have.

[@ravensnow2931]

Ooh, what a fancy hand stitch you used to join the pieces! I've never heard of that one before. Looks super useful.

[@stitchnfiction]

I've been learning a lot from quilting over the last year or so, it's always fun to find new techniques for one craft that I can apply to others!

[@lisahernandez4468]

Loved your table runner. I live in the Piedmont area of North Carolina, where once upon a time cotton mills were the major employers. Lily Mills was started in 1903 and closed for good in 1983. I have to say I miss having the mills in the area, you could go to their little stores and get yarn, sheets, towels etc. Times have changed and so watching you make that pattern with that thread was a sweet memory. Thank you.

[@stitchnfiction]

Aww, thank you for watching! I'm glad it could bring up nice memories. ☺️

[@laurieannpetker-huffman6481]

I have some thread similar to what you used and from my family history mine was made in the 20s but I believe it came in that form until the 40s

[@stitchnfiction]

That's so cool that you know some history related to yours! I'm guessing the skein I had was on the more recent end, as it was in good shape.

[@racheluk1759]

Just finished watching. You did a beautiful piece. Subbed 😊

[@kaycarter492]

Well done that’s hard you have a lot of patience.

[@conniehash4643]

Very nice, i love the fringe!

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you! 😊

[@magicalflora5349]

I am crochetin only doily and the thines yarn i ever worked with was number 30 and size 1.00 mm crochet hook 😍

[@grantharper6033]

Beautiful.

[@cr.d.9258]

Gorgeous.

[@AHandKnitLetter]

This turned out lovely. Well done!

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you!

[@olgajudithespinoespino8106]

Love the resoult❤, a lot of effort

[@kimlove8241]

I have been crotcheting for 50 years. Mostly using threads from size 10, 30 and some in 40. You did a great job very creative. I would suggest using a smaller hook perhaps size 10 thru 14. It helps define your stitches and helps with loose stitches. I double wrap my thread around my index finger using that as a point of tension. There are some beautiful filet crotchet tutorials on you tube. They are spoken in a foreign language but have English subtitles. Very easy to follow along. I'm currently working in a project from Samia T here on you tube. It is a beautiful design. Thank you for sharing your creativity with me.

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you for the tip about the hook size! I invested in a nicer steel set after I made this video, I'll have to try out the smaller ones to see if they help. ☺️

[@trashmum]

I've just discovered filet crochet! Was great to watch this video and laugh at the same experiences I am having!

[@stitchnfiction]

Thanks for watching! Good to know I'm not alone 😆

[@kaylamakesit]

Your piece is beautiful! I am currently working on a blouse for my daughter with #10 thread and and size 7 hook (I think). It was difficult to get used to, but I ordered a set of micro hooks off Amazon with grips and it has made a world of difference. If you’re Interested in seeing my progress I have a video up on my channel. I am slow going with mine. I can’t wait to see more of your videos! You’re very entertaining.

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you so much! 😊 I got some hooks with grips for another project but haven't tried them yet, I'm glad to hear they help!

[@fashionedframebyframe]

Ooooh! I do love the tiny stitches. Very beautiful. 😍

[@lalashields468]

Gorgeous!

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you! 😊

[@carriehandy4247]

Wow! You are really talented! I haven't ever matched up crochet with other fabrics, so I'm impressed!

[@gingibel31]

Would be nice if you would do a tutorial of a small butterfly or a rose . Very simple but would encourage beginners

[@carol29carnegie]

Absolutely beautiful 🤩 but I don’t think I’d have the patience lol 😂

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you! It worked up surprisingly quickly once I got the hang of it. 😉

[@mariakristinahawl1640]

You have a lot of Hardanger lace pieces but picked out the one filet crochet piece that I saw.

[@mDiago6200]

Wow! That is gorgeous!

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you! 😊

[@kathyk479]

You do have filet and the one one our right looked tatted. There were other methods there too! There all stunningly beautifull!

[@gftx6828]

So beautiful!!! Loved that project!

[@cofiecoffcoff4287]

I picked up crocheting because we have tablecloths with this antique style and I wanted to repair it but oh boy OH BOY I'm so not ready for that yet.

[@stitchnfiction]

Oooh, yes! I've never had to repair anything before, I'm sure that's a whole other skillset 😅

[@sterjulie]

Good luck washing this. I crocheted a yoke for a cotton nightgown. After the first wash I found that I had to stretch the yoke back into shape. Every. Time. I. Laundered. It. 😬

[@stitchnfiction]

Oh, yikes! 😮 This was a purely decorative piece, so hopefully the amount of washing needed will be minimal.

[@blaireallison7131]

I absolutely love this!!! I crochet doilies in #10 crochet. That is my go-to. I've done some filet crochet, but never in #20 thread...I see a challenge here. I love detail work and can appreciate your serious attention to it . I'm thoroughly enjoying your videos - I watched the 1917 sweater episode...talk about a lesson in frustration and perseverence!!! I'm a new subscriber and I look forward to your future videos!!! Thanks :) P.S. Gotta love the pup!

[@stitchnfiction]

Aww, thank you so much! ☺️

[@CrystalMendoza05]

Very beautiful result. I enjoyed watching you work.

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you for watching!

[@joannemcmillan9201]

Love how your piece came out. Beautiful!

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you so much!

[@marywrigjt7614]

Bravo.!!👍👍

[@laurenfischer3354]

Wow!! Absolutely gorgeous! Nice work!

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you! 🙂

[@jargoggle]

I really loved this video! Your project turned out so gorgeous. Your personality is so charming and I would love to have tea with you haha. This vid really made filet lace "click" for me in my head. Much thanks!

[@stitchnfiction]

Aww, thank you, that's so sweet of you to say! So glad I could help it "click" for you. 😊

[@MrsBrit1]

I came across an ad with this same paper design for this crochet cotton dates 1952, so I'd assume you're is also from the 50s. I don't know how often they would have changed their packaging. Your filet crochet table topped turned out lovely!

[@justpinkcandy]

I began crocheting when I was 6 with steel crochet hooks and fine crochet thread. The finest was Gutterman's sewing thread and a size 14 steel hook

[@stitchnfiction]

I just started dabbling with size 40 thread and it is TOUGH, props for starting out with those at such a young age!

[@lizjo7213]

mind blown!!!

[@jenreeves7684]

So beautiful! Great job.😊

[@s.maskell7134]

lovely project! Well done.

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you!

[@cristyhampton]

I love it!❤❤ recently I made a filet crochet butterfly doily! it was super fun but kinda painful. I have made a few Irish crochet doilies that are from 1915 and they're SUPER fun to make if you don't mind picots.

[@stitchnfiction]

Oooh, the Irish crochet doilies sound amazing! Irish crochet is on my bucket list, but I'm a little intimidated 😅

[@Momsaidwow]

Wow!!!!!

[@toteoma3034]

I been crocheting with size 40 and higher thread for years. I notice antique hooks have a more pronounced hook than modern. Also, fringe is beautiful 🌈🌹

[@stitchnfiction]

I started dabbling with smaller thread recently and definitely learned the importance of having the right hook! I'll have to look into antique ones, I've been struggling with some of the modern ones.

[@toteoma3034]

@@stitchnfiction I had a 1.25 Boye that I bought from JoAnne's, and when I hold it up to my same size Boye from the 1940s, there is such a difference in the hook! The modern one looks like a nub-of-sorts and the vintage actually has a hook there!

[@schizoozy]

Lovely. I would love a video showing the stitch technique. Shared and subscribed.

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you!

[@denisemayer3837]

Wow it’s beautiful I love your work 😉

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@linr8260]

Oh this is cute.

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you!

[@schizoozy]

I've seen that label on a yarn skein from 1940.

[@stitchnfiction]

Thank you for the tip! Another commenter shared a blog post that showed it around that time period, too, so looks like what I had was probably mid-century-ish.

[@gingibel31]

Those arent scraps those are mini patterns. In those days written patterns or books werent that easily available. So when they got one women used to copy n keep a tiny ref or sample piece, to be used as and when required. Those used to be passed from generation to generation . See your are using it too

[@Madiiiiiiiii316]

I'm trying to crochet my birthday dress with a vintage crochet pattern and I just can't understand what these instructions want me to do 3dbl tr in next dbl tr, 1 dbl tr in next dbl tr, miss 2 dbl tr rep from to of previous row 6 times, miss 1 dbl tr, 1 dbl tr in next 2 dbl tr, 3 dbl tr in next dbl tr, 1 dbl tr in the 4th ch of turning ch, 4 ch for turn. What does it mean someone please help 😢😢

[@stitchnfiction]

Hey there! It would help to know when the pattern was written, and also whether it was published by an American or UK company. The stitch names could change over time, and over location, so it's hard to say without knowing more about the pattern. Sometimes the old pattern books will also have stitch instructions in the beginning or back of the book to help explain their terminology.

[@paulinemegson8519]

You make a slipknot the same way anyone makes a slip knot….I’m not sure why the thickness of the thread has anything to do with it. That thread is size 20 from the looks of it, so it’s a good starting thickness. Btw good move to use a smaller hook, your first one was too large.I usually use my 1mm hook for 20 or sometimes 1.75. Tho I gotta say, 20 thread seems pretty big to me. I’ve been working using 30 thread and my 0.6mm hook lately making little rose ear studs……and there you really do need good light to see what you’re doing.

[@nanrodgers9740]

A Google search showed your crochet cotton was made anywhere from the 1930's through the 1950's.

[@kathyk479]

Some of your samples look tatted too!

[@donnabeard9344]

Those could be pattern swatches. Sometimes that is how women would share patterns

[@stitchnfiction]

Ooh, that's possible - I hadn't thought about that!

[@ChristineWijesuriya-zi6vw]

This particular method looks like Tatting method ..

[@mandypaul7263]

You sew your back stitch in the wrong way .totally

[@ritaalaga3718]

Only one think is wrong. If yoh like give history lesson, mention and do. If you like to give crocheting leson go a hed and do, forget history's. Best wishes