Round Checkerboard Filet Charm Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little round checkerboard charm is the perfect small project for anyone who wants to try filet crochet without committing to a full blanket or shawl. Worked in joined rounds with worsted-weight recycled cotton, it builds a bullseye pattern of solid black and white blocks separated by tiny open squares, so the design reads clearly even at two and a half inches across. It works up in about twenty minutes, uses only scraps of yarn, and feels firm, flat, and satisfyingly neat once blocked. Clip it to your keys, a tote bag, or a zipper pull and you have a stylish, desert-boho accessory that looks far more complicated than it really is.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (CYC 4) recycled cotton, approximately 10 yards black and 10 yards white.
- Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4).
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, metal keychain ring or split ring, pliers (optional, for securing the ring), blocking pins and mat.
- Finished size: Approximately 2.5" (6.5 cm) diameter, excluding the ring.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through the last two loops.
- sp — space: the ch-1 gap between blocks.
- beg — beginning.
- st(s) — stitch(es).
Gauge
The first 3 rounds should measure 1.5" (3.8 cm) in diameter. Work those rounds, lay the piece flat, and measure straight across the center; adjust your hook size if you are noticeably off.
Tips Before You Start
- Work in joined rounds, and remember that the ch 3 at the start of each round counts as your first dc — do not also work a dc into that same stitch base.
- Each solid square is a block of 3 dc; each open square is a ch-1 space. Keep your ch-1 spaces snug so the filet grid stays crisp.
- Change colors at the end of the round as indicated, finishing the last stitch with the new color so the join looks clean.
- Keep your tension even and slightly firm; loose filet blocks blur the checkerboard effect.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Center Disc (Rounds 1–2, Black)
With black, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
R1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 1, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 1, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (4 blocks, 4 ch-1 sps)
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (8 blocks, 8 ch-1 sps) Change to white.
White Ring (Round 3)
R3: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (16 blocks, 16 ch-1 sps) Change to black.
Outer Black Ring (Round 4)
R4: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (32 blocks, 32 ch-1 sps) Change to white.
White Single Crochet Rim (Round 5)
R5: Ch 1, sc in each st and in each ch-1 sp around, join with sl st to first sc. (96 sc) Fasten off.
Black Border
Join black with sl st in any sc, ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working each tail under a few stitches in its own color so it disappears. Block the charm lightly by pinning it flat and spritzing with water or steam, pressing the open squares gently open; let it dry completely. Attach the metal ring to the top edge through a ch-1 space or an sc stitch, then close the ring with pliers if needed so it stays secure.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the colors for a holiday or team palette — the checkerboard reads well in any high-contrast pair.
- Make a matching pair and join them back to back with a round of sc for a sturdier two-sided charm.
- Use a smaller hook and finer cotton thread to turn the same motif into a tiny earring or stitch marker.
