Scalloped Filet Edge Bib Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This scalloped filet edge bib is a sweet little heirloom for a newborn, and it looks far more intricate than it really is. The square body is worked in cream worsted cotton with a simple filet grid, alternating open mesh rows with solid blocks to create a soft, airy openwork texture. A sage green scalloped trim runs along the lower edge, and two chain ties close it at the neck. It feels light and breathable against delicate skin, and the finished piece is about 8 inches square — just right for a tiny chest. If you are comfortable reading a simple filet chart and working double crochet blocks, this is a lovely, quick project for a baby gift.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (CYC 4) cotton — approx. 60 yd cream (A) and 20 yd sage green (B).
- Hook: 4.0 mm (US G/6).
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, blocking pins and mat, optional small button.
- Finished size: Approx. 8 in / 20 cm square body plus 0.75 in / 2 cm scallop trim; neck opening approx. 10 in / 25 cm across ties.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- dc — double crochet
- sc — single crochet
- sl st — slip stitch
- sk — skip
- sp — space
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- RS — right side
- rep — repeat
Gauge
4 filet blocks = 4 in / 10 cm and 4 rows = 4 in / 10 cm (1 block = 1 in / 2.5 cm). Check your gauge by working a small swatch of open and solid blocks and measuring a 4-block section before beginning.
Tips Before You Start
- One block = ch3 + dc (open) or 3 dc (solid). Keep this in mind as you read each row — it makes the filet grid easy to follow.
- Count your blocks, not just your stitches. Each row should total 16 blocks across; a quick count at the end of every row saves frogging later.
- Begin each row correctly. Start with ch3 (counts as first dc) or ch4 (counts as dc + ch1 for an open block) as noted in the pattern.
- Work the scallops loosely. Five dc worked into one stitch need a little breathing room so the scallops lie flat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Body (A)
Ch 34.
R1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc across (32 dc).
R2: ch4, sk 1, dc, [ch1, sk1, dc] across to last st, dc in last (16 open blocks).
R3: ch3, [3 dc in ch1 sp] across, dc in last (32 dc).
R4: ch4, sk1, dc, [ch1, sk1, dc] across, dc in last (16 open blocks).
R5-6: rep R3-4 (32 dc / 16 open blocks).
R7: ch3, 3 dc, [ch3, sk3, 3 dc] x7 (8 solid blocks, 7 open blocks).
R8: ch4, sk1, dc, [ch1, sk1, dc] across, dc in last (16 open blocks).
R9: ch3, [3 dc in ch1 sp] across, dc in last (32 dc).
R10: ch4, sk1, dc, [ch1, sk1, dc] across, dc in last (16 open blocks).
R11-12: rep R9-10 (32 dc / 16 open blocks).
R13: ch3, 3 dc, [ch3, sk3, 3 dc] x7 (8 solid blocks, 7 open blocks).
R14: ch4, sk1, dc, [ch1, sk1, dc] across, dc in last (16 open blocks).
R15: ch3, [3 dc in ch1 sp] across, dc in last (32 dc).
R16: ch4, sk1, dc, [ch1, sk1, dc] across, dc in last (16 open blocks).
R17-18: rep R15-16 (32 dc / 16 open blocks).
R19: ch3, 3 dc, [ch3, sk3, 3 dc] x7 (8 solid blocks, 7 open blocks).
R20: ch4, sk1, dc, [ch1, sk1, dc] across, dc in last (16 open blocks).
R21: ch3, [3 dc in ch1 sp] across, dc in last (32 dc).
R22: ch4, sk1, dc, [ch1, sk1, dc] across, dc in last (16 open blocks).
R23-24: rep R21-22 (32 dc / 16 open blocks).
R25: ch3, 3 dc, [ch3, sk3, 3 dc] x7 (8 solid blocks, 7 open blocks).
R26: ch4, sk1, dc, [ch1, sk1, dc] across, dc in last (16 open blocks).
R27: ch3, [3 dc in ch1 sp] across, dc in last (32 dc). Fasten off A.
Scallop Trim (B)
Join B at lower right corner, RS facing.
Row 1: ch1, sc evenly along lower edge (32 sc), turn.
Row 2: ch1, sc in first 2 sts, [sk 1, 5 dc in next st, sk 1, sc in next 2 sts] x5, sc in last 2 sts (5 scallops). Fasten off B.
Tie Closure (B)
Join B at upper right corner. Ch 40, sl st back along ch (tie). Rep at upper left corner. Fasten off, weave ends.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side. Block the bib lightly to an 8 in / 20 cm square, pinning the scallops flat so they hold their rounded shape as they dry. If you like, sew a small button at the right neck corner as a decorative detail (optional). Once dry, the bib is ready to use or gift.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Color swap: Work the scallops and ties in a soft pink or butter yellow instead of sage for a different nursery palette.
- Button closure: Replace one chain tie with a button-and-loop closure for a quicker, no-tie fastening.
- Bigger bib: Add extra filet block rows in multiples of 2 to grow the body for an older baby, adjusting the scallop count to match the new lower edge.
