Hello, fellow crafters!
There’s something so timeless and elegant about a handmade doily, isn’t there? Whether you use it to protect your furniture, as a decorative centerpiece, or even as part of a larger project, a doily adds a touch of delicate charm to any space.
Today, I’m thrilled to share a free crochet pattern to create a beautiful, lacy doily, similar to the lovely pink one you see here. This pattern uses common stitches and creates a delightful openwork design, perfect for adding a handmade touch to your home decor.
This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
Skill Level: Intermediate (familiarity with basic crochet stitches and working in the round is helpful)
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Dk (light worsted) or sport weight yarn in your favorite color. Cotton yarn works wonderfully for doilies as it holds its shape well and is easy to block. (The sample in the picture looks like a bright pink cotton!)
- Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your chosen yarn. For DK yarn, a 3.5mm (E) or 4.0mm (G) hook is usually a good starting point. Adjust as needed to achieve your desired drape and stitch density.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Scissors
- (Optional) Stitch Marker: Helpful for marking the beginning of rounds.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet (or triple crochet)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sp: space
- ch-sp: chain space
- rep: repeat
- RS: right side
Let’s Get Started!
This doily is worked in the round, from the center outwards.
Round 1: Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring. Or, make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 11 dc into the ring. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 dc)
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in same st. 2 dc in each st around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (24 dc)
Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in same st. Dc in next st, 2 dc in next st. Rep from * to * around, ending with dc in last st. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (36 dc)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in same st. Ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in next st. Rep from * to * around, ending with ch 3, sl st to first sc. (12 ch-3 sps)
Round 5: Sl st into first ch-3 sp. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same ch-3 sp (this forms your first shell). Skip next sc, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 shells)
Round 6: Sl st into next 2 dc to reach the first ch-3 sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same ch-3 sp. Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * to * around, ending with ch 1. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 shells, 12 ch-1 sps)
Round 7: Sl st into next 2 dc to reach the first ch-3 sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same ch-3 sp. Ch 2, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * to * around, ending with ch 2. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 shells, 12 ch-2 sps)
Round 8: Sl st into next 2 dc to reach the first ch-3 sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same ch-3 sp. Ch 3, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * to * around, ending with ch 3. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 shells, 12 ch-3 sps)
Round 9: Sl st into next 2 dc to reach the first ch-3 sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same ch-3 sp. Ch 4, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * to * around, ending with ch 4. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 shells, 12 ch-4 sps)
Round 10 (Lacy Mesh Round): Ch 1, sc in first ch-3 sp. Ch 5, sc in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * to * around, ending with ch 5. Join with sl st to first sc. (12 ch-5 sps)
Round 11: Sl st into first ch-5 sp. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 6 dc in same ch-5 sp. 7 dc in next ch-5 sp. Rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 groups of 7 dc)
Round 12: Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in next 6 sts. Ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in next 7 sts. Rep from * to * around, ending with ch 3, sl st to first sc. (12 ch-3 sps, 12 groups of 7 sc)
Round 13: Sl st into first ch-3 sp. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same ch-3 sp. Ch 1, skip 7 sc, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * to * around, ending with ch 1. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 shells, 12 ch-1 sps)
Round 14: Sl st into next 2 dc to reach the first ch-3 sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same ch-3 sp. Ch 2, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * to * around, ending with ch 2. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 shells, 12 ch-2 sps)
Round 15 (Start of Scalloped Edge): Sl st into next 2 dc to reach the first ch-3 sp. Ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in same ch-3 sp. Skip 3 dc, ch 3, skip 3 dc, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * to * around, ending with ch 3. Join with sl st to first sc. (24 sc, 24 ch-3 sps)
Round 16: Sl st into first ch-3 sp. Ch 1, 5 dc in same ch-3 sp. In next ch-3 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc), then 5 dc in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to first dc. This creates the lovely scalloped edge!
Video tutorial
Finishing:
- Fasten off and weave in all loose ends securely.
- Blocking is essential! To open up the lace pattern and give your doily a professional finish, wet your doily thoroughly (you can gently wash it or spray it with water). Gently squeeze out excess water, then pin it to a foam blocking mat or a clean towel in the desired shape, stretching the points and edges evenly. Let it dry completely.
I hope you enjoy making this beautiful lacy doily! It’s a truly rewarding project that results in a charming piece of art for your home.
Don’t forget to share your finished doilies with me in the comments or by tagging me on social media! Happy crocheting!
