How to crochet the ‘Which Way Up’ filet square pattern (step-by-step tutorial)

Rules of 6

I have come up with six rules to achieve this pattern, allowing you to crochet it like a traditional granny square, where the stitches flow naturally from memory. The Rules of 6 encourage you to examine the previous round to guide you through the current round.

Rule No. 1

Each corner space must have 2 double crochet, 2 chains, and another 2 double crochet worked consecutively.

This rule is non-negotiable. It must be followed, otherwise you will not form a square. This rule begins at Round 1.

Rule No. 2

Each group of 6 double crochet must have 2 chains on each side.

This rule begins at Round 2. Using the corner double crochet stitches, you can work up to six double crochet on each side of the square. Round 2 dictates how the following round aligns itself to perform the next rules.

Rule No. 3

The top of the first 2 double crochet of the group of 6 must not have stitches worked into them.

This rule begins at Round 3, where the group of six double crochet from the previous round becomes your reference point. To maintain correct stitch counts and keep the square shape, the solution is to compensate with two chains.

Rule No. 4

The first stitch of the next group of 6 double crochet must begin on the third stitch of the previous group of 6.

This rule begins at Round 3, immediately after Rule No. 3. By remembering this rule, you can continue crocheting the next group of six double crochet stitches accurately.

Rule No. 5

The last 2 stitches of the current group of 6 double crochet must always block the chain-2 gaps from the previous round.

This rule technically begins at Round 3, but Rule No. 1 already achieves this at that stage. It becomes more visually obvious from Round 4 onward.

Rule No. 6

The gaps created throughout the rounds must be directly parallel to the gaps created by the left corner stitches.

You will notice that this pattern cannot form correctly unless every rule is followed.

Let’s get started

Stitch Challenge

These are the basic crochet skills needed to be able to crochet the pattern.

• sl st – slip stitch
• ch – chain
• dc – double crochet

Stitch Standards

I am using the US / International standard crochet terms.

Foundation Chains

Start with a slipknot, then chain 4. Slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.

Round 1

Chain 5 (counts as 1 double crochet and chain 2). Work [2 double crochet, chain 2] into the ring 3 times. Work 1 double crochet, then slip stitch through both loops of the third chain at the beginning of the round. (Rule No. 1 begins)

Round 2

Corner space

Slip stitch into the next chain space. Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet). Work 1 double crochet into the same chain space. Chain 2, then work 2 double crochet into the same chain space. (Rule No. 1)

Side stitches

* Work 1 double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Work [2 double crochet, 2 chains, 2 double crochet] into the next chain space. Repeat from * two more times. Work 1 double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Slip stitch through both loops of the third chain at the beginning of the round. (Rule No. 2 begins)

Round 3

Note: It is easier to continue each round by starting in a chain space. You may also start where the previous round ends, but this causes the round to offset. The last filet stitch will realign the round so it always starts on the third stitch of the previous group of six double crochet. For clarity, this pattern always starts at the corner space.

Corner space

Slip stitch into each stitch until reaching the chain space. Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet). Work 1 double crochet into the same chain space. Chain 2, then work 2 double crochet into the same chain space. (Rule No. 1)

Side stitches

* Chain 2 and skip the next 2 stitches. (Rule No. 3 begins) Work 1 double crochet into each of the next 6 stitches, which may include the first two stitches of the corner space. Complete the corner space as [2 double crochet, 2 chains, 2 double crochet]. Repeat from * to complete the round. Slip stitch through both loops of the third chain at the beginning of the round.

Round 4

Corner space

Slip stitch into each stitch until reaching the chain space. Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet). Work 1 double crochet into the same chain space. Chain 2, then work 2 double crochet into the same chain space. (Rule No. 1)

Side stitches

* Work 1 double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Work 2 double crochet into the chain-2 space, then chain 2. (Rule No. 2 & Rule No. 5) Skip the next 2 double crochet. Work 1 double crochet into each of the next 6 stitches, which may include the first two stitches of the corner space. (Rule No. 4) Complete the corner space as [2 double crochet, 2 chains, 2 double crochet]. (Rule No. 1) Repeat from * to complete the round. Slip stitch through both loops of the third chain at the beginning of the round.

Rounds 3 and 4 form the repeat. As your square grows, you will need to account for stitch counts, and the Rules of 6 will guide you through that process.

Note: I no longer have the original blanket. I will create another one to show images demonstrating the Rules of 6.

Have a great day!