How to Crochet a Doily (Free Pattern)

In this article, we are going to explore making a simple, beginner-level crochet doily pattern. You will find that they are really not that difficult to make at all, and I hope after you learn how to crochet a doily for beginners, you will go on to experiment with more elaborate doilies.

Many people (including me!) consider crochet to be an art form, and you can use this medium to create so many one-of-a-kind crochet doily showpieces. Among the hundreds of things you can choose to crochet, doilies are one of the most special. They are lacy and delicate and oh-so-pretty!

How to Crochet a Doily Tutorial

As we look at the art of crocheting doilies, we will break down creating a doily into manageable steps. This basic doily pattern will form a foundation for your skills, and soon you will be working on elaborate doilies with great satisfaction.

Whether you are crocheting a doily to place on a specific table, showing off your crochet skills, or just having fun, you will be experimenting with a creative craft, and you will find doilies a charming path to take!

Crochet Doily Skill Level

The first example in this article is beginner/ basic. You really only need to know how to work the most basic stitches! Some of the others in the section with 27 crochet doilies are more advanced.

Supplies for Crocheting Doilies

You will need yarn, a suitable crochet hook for that yarn, scissors, and a yarn needle.

Best Yarn for Crochet Doilies

If this is the first time you have tried a doily, choose a DK or light-worsted weight yarn. I'd suggest cotton yarn, but it's not essential.

If you are using DK yarn, you will need a crochet hook of size G-6 (4 mm). If you want to use a different weight of yarn, look at the label to find out what size hook to use.

The thicker your yarn, the larger your doily will be. Using a DK yarn, my doily below worked out to have a diameter of about 8 inches (20 cm).

If you want to go for that very delicate lacy look and use fine crochet cotton, your doily will be much smaller.

Abbreviations for Crochet Doily

All instructions are written in US terms.

• st = stitch
• ch = chain stitch
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet stitch
• dc = double crochet

How to Crochet a Doily, Step by Step Instructions

Round 1:

1. Make 8 chains, and slip stitch into the first chain to make a ring.
2. 3 chains (counts as 1 dc), work 23 dc into the ring,
3. slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the 3-ch at the start of the round.

I have chosen to make a fairly large central hole to add to the lacy effect of the doily and to look like the center of the ‘flower’ you are creating. Also, you need to be able to fit 23 dc into it!

Round 2:

1. 3 chains (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc into next dc stitch, 2 dc into next dc stitch.
2. *(1 dc into each of next 2 dc, 2 dc into next dc).
3. Repeat from * 7 times.
4. Slip stitch into 3^rd of 3-ch at the beginning of the round. (You will have 32 dc stitches.)

Round 3:

1. 3 chains, 2dc into next dc, 2 chains.
2. *(1 dc into each of next 3 dc, 2 dc into next dc, 2 ch).
3. Repeat from * 7 times.
4. 1 dc into each of the last 2 dc.
5. Slip stitch into 3^rd of 3-ch at the beginning of round. (You will have 8 x 2ch spaces.)

Round 4:

1. 3 chains, 1 dc into each of next 2 dc, 2 chains, 1 dc into next 2 ch space, 2 chains.
2. *(1 dc into each of next 5 dc, 2 ch, 1 dc into next 2 ch space, 2 ch).
3. Repeat from * 7 times.
4. 1 dc into each of the last 2 dc.
5. Slip stitch into the 3-ch at the beginning of the round. (You will have 16 x 2ch spaces.)

We are aiming to get more spaces and less “solid crochet” to get the lacy look but still have a firm, substantial doily.

Round 5:

1. 3 chains, 1 dc into next dc, 5 chains, skip 1 dc, 1 dc into next dc.
2. *( 5 ch, skip 1 dc, 1 dc into each of next 3 dc, 5 ch, skip 1 dc, 1 dc into next dc).
3. Repeat from * 7 times.
4. 5 ch, skip 1 dc, 1 dc into last dc.
5. Slip stitch into the 3rd of 3 ch at the beginning of the round.

Round 6:

1. 11 chains (counts as 1 dc, 8 ch),
2. Skip the next dc, 1 dc into next dc.
3. *( 8 ch miss 1 dc, 1 dc into next dc)
4. Repeat from * 14 times.
5. 8 ch, sl st into 3^rd of 11 ch at the beginning of the round.

Round 7:

1. To finish the doily off and give it a nice solid edging, work one sc into every stitch all the way around.

Finishing and Blocking Crochet Doilies

After you have learned how to crochet a doily, you will need to finish it off:

1. Cut yarn, fasten off, and weave in ends.
2. To make it lie flat and look nice and smooth, you will need to block it.

If you have used a yarn that has any acrylic fibers, the best way to block it is to wet it, then pin it out to the correct size and shape, and then allow it to dry naturally. Once it is dry, it should keep its flattened shape.

If you have used cotton yarn, you can use your steam iron to block it and make it lay flat. Once you have steamed it, leave it to dry completely before moving it out of its flat position.

How to Crochet a Doily with Embellishments

You could add a short fringe around the edges, or sew a crochet flower onto the edge of the doily. You may want to use multiple colors, and change colors for each round.

When you are making a ‘one of a kind’ item, you can decorate it in any way you please! That is the beauty of crocheting your own items, whatever they may be!

Crochet Doily FAQs

Why Crochet a Doily?

Here are a few reasons why making a doily is worthwhile.

1. Home Décor: Doilies add elegance and charm to your home. You can use them on side tables, coffee tables, shelves, or sideboards. They can act as elegant coasters, absorbing moisture from cups and glasses to prevent staining the wood.
2. Gifts: Handmade gifts are always really special, both for the giver and the recipient. They make thoughtful, personalized gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or house-warmings, among other events.
3. Creativity: Once you have mastered this basic doily, you can elaborate on your basic skills to show off your personal style. You can choose from a wide variety of patterns, styles, colors, and yarns to create doilies that reflect your personal taste.
4. Skill Development: Crocheting doilies help you to master your crochet skills. As you get more experienced and get better at it, you can try out more complicated patterns.

How to Crochet a Doily - In Conclusion

Crocheting a doily allows you to explore your creativity and show off your crochet skills! This article has provided a starting point for the joy of discovering different doily patterns and improving your crochet techniques.

As you are making your doily, remember to appreciate the process and to enjoy each stitch. With your crochet doilies, you will be adding to the beauty of your home as well as preserving a wonderful tradition.