What comes to mind when you think of a doily? Maybe you think about your Grandma or maybe you think that they’re outdated. I’m here to tell you that there is absolutely a place for free crochet doily patterns in the modern world!
How do You Crochet a Doily?
You might be wondering how do you crochet a doily? Of course, there are many different ways to do it. That’s the fun part of crochet doily patterns! Each design brings something unique to the table. Most doily patterns are worked in the round. Circle and floral shapes are more common, but there are also square and oval shaped doilies along with some more interesting shapes. Some of these free crochet doily patterns are worked with one color while others are worked with multiple colors. There are free crochet doily patterns for beginners, for intermediate crocheters and for advanced crocheters who are looking for a challenge. Scroll down and see for yourself!
Are Doilies Hard to Make?
Crocheting doilies can range in difficulty from easy to hard, depending on the pattern and the individual’s crocheting skills. Here are some factors to consider:
- Pattern Complexity:
- Simple doily patterns may require only basic crochet stitches and a repetitive pattern, making them suitable for beginners.
- More complex patterns may involve intricate stitch combinations, shaping, and detailed instructions, which might be challenging for beginners but enjoyable for experienced crocheters.
- Thread and Hook Size:
- Doilies are often made with fine crochet thread and small hooks, which can be more difficult to work with compared to thicker yarn and larger hooks. It may take time to get used to handling these materials, especially for those who are accustomed to working with bulkier yarn.
- Attention to Detail:
- Making doilies requires a good amount of attention to detail to ensure that the pattern is followed correctly and the final product is symmetrical and neat.
- Experience Level:
- For those who are new to crocheting, starting with a simple doily pattern and gradually working up to more complex designs is a good approach.
- Experienced crocheters may find making doilies to be a rewarding and enjoyable challenge.
So, while doilies can be intricate and require attention to detail, with patience, practice, and the right pattern, crocheters of all levels can successfully create beautiful doilies.
Supplies for Creating Doilies
Embarking on the journey of creating doilies as a part of your home decor? This great project requires some specific supplies to ensure the best results. Below is a comprehensive guide to the materials needed for crafting doilies, ensuring they grace your coffee table, dining table, or kitchen table with delicate beauty.
Yarn and Thread:
- Thin Crochet Threads: Traditional doilies are made with thin crochet threads to achieve a delicate and intricate design. Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread is a popular choice.
- Heavier-Weight Yarn: For a modern twist, you can use heavier yarn or worsted weight yarn. This choice gives a bolder look and feels to the doilies, making them suitable for various decorative pieces in the living room or as beautiful wall art.
Hooks:
- Small Hook: A small hook is essential for working with thin threads to create detailed patterns and intricate stitches.
- Steel Crochet Hook: This is perfect for working with thin thread, ensuring precision and a perfect finish.
Patterns:
- Free Doily Crochet Patterns: There are a variety of free crochet doily patterns available online for different styles of doilies, from vintage patterns to modern patterns. The best ones are on this list!
- Simple Design: Opt for patterns with simple stitches or basic stitches for simpler projects, especially if you are a beginner on the crochet journey.
Additional Supplies:
- Plastic Canvas: For large size doilies or crochet mandalas, a plastic canvas provides support and shape.
- Different Colours: Having threads in different colours allows for creative expression, making each handmade doily a unique way to accentuate your space.
Tips for Crocheting Doilies
So what do you do with a doily anyway? For one thing, you can make these free crochet doily patterns for decorations. Lay them on the table as a centerpiece, drape them over the back of an armchair for a pop of color, stretch them across a hoop to make a dreamcatcher or simply hang them on your walls to be admired. They can also serve more functional purposes like hotpads or placemats.
Beyond their more practical uses, I really like to think of these free crochet doily patterns as a celebration of our craft. These eye catching designs will stretch your crochet skills along with your imaginations. When you make one of these free crochet doily patterns, you are really making a work of art! Even the simplest free crochet doily patterns are stunning to behold.
- Pattern Selection: Choose easy crochet doily patterns for a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience, especially if you are a beginner.
- Yarn Weight: Pay attention to the recommended yarn weight in the pattern for the best thing in your doily creation.
Now, on to our patterns!!
25+ Easy Crochet Doily Pattern
Don’t worry, doily crochet patterns aren’t all super complicated. This is great geometric inspired diamond design isn’t too tricky but it still looks quite stunning! The pattern calls for single, double and treble crochet stitches along with double crochet 2 togethers.
Designer: Made by Gootie
Yarn: (Fingering Weight #1)
In Sanskrit, Asti means gem and in Indonesian it means small or beautiful. I love free crochet doily patterns that I can finish in an afternoon and this one fits the bill. It only measures 7 inches across. Using 3 different colors adds a lovely dimension to this design and makes it so you don’t need too much of any one color. Hello scrap yarn!
Designer: Tayu Purnamasari for Knitter Knotter
Yarn: (DK Weight #3)
Free crochet doily patterns that can make use of variegated yarn are rare gems! Variegated yarn can be trickier to work with and sometimes your design can get lost in the color changes. This design really does remind me of a beautiful cherry blossom tree! Along with the basic crochet stitches, this pattern calls for picot and v-stitches.
Designer: Handmade by Raine
Yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread (Size 10)
Basic ecru thread looks absolutely lovely in this gorgeous lace doily design. For a free doily crochet pattern that will have you hooked from start to further, look no further than Moonpetals. You can probably spot the pineapple doily stitch motifs in the picture! The pattern also includes puff, picot and cluster stitches.
Designer: Draiguna
Yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread (Size 10)
Sunny yellow radiates out from pale to bright in the center of this beautiful mandala doily. There is also a smaller version that can be used as a coaster. Don’t you just love easy crochet doily free patterns that are multipurpose like that? Special stitches include post, picot and v-stitches.
Designer: Lost in Crochet
Yarn: Scheepjes Catona (Fingering Weight #1)
Can’t decide between crochet doilies free patterns that are monochrome or multicolor? Try the lovely framing technique used in this design. Using an accent color on the last round really pulls everything together and makes the doily look more finished. Special crochet stitches include post, popcorn and picot.
Designer: Draiguna
Yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread (Size 10)
This stunning and colorful easy crochet doily pattern was made to raise awareness about breast cancer. The design is in the “crochet along” style and is split into 3 parts. The cool thing about this pattern is the use of galvanized metal hoops to add structure and form. It’s definitely wall hanging material!
Designer: The Loopy Stitch
Yarn: Stylecraft Special (DK Weight #3)
Bite size and free crochet doily pattern is great for when you’re in between projects. This marvelous monochrome design measures just under 6” and uses basic and cluster stitches. The result is part floral, part geometric, and all beautiful!
Designer: Atelier Mati
Yarn: (Fingering Weight #1)
Free crochet doily patterns that are this stunning and intricate can be a little bit intimidating. If you are worried that this design might be a bit too advanced for you, I would encourage you to make a doily and try it out anyway. The photo tutorial instruction style will walk you through every step of the process.
Designer: Draiguna
Yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread (Size 10)
You will love the relaxing and repetitive nature of this pretty lace doily. The design calls for clusters and v-stitches. So that should be pretty quick to stitch since it’s mostly double crochet stitches. Follow along with the free doily crochet pattern chart to recreate this beauty.
Designer: Pierrot Yarns
Yarn: Pierrot Yarns Yawaraka Lace Thread #18
If you plan to go big or go home with this gorgeous and generously sized doily. It measures a whopping 34” across and it’s pictured here using a hula hoop for a frame. The neat thing about this design is the use of the color changing yarn. You don’t have to worry about changing yarn for doilies colors mid-make or figuring out what colors match well together.
Designer: Julia Hart for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Red Heart It’s a Wrap Rainbow (Sport Weight #3)
If you need a free crochet doily pattern that you can really sink your teeth into (or your hook in this case!) then look no further than the Frozen Lotus doily. The crochet pattern features multiple color changes and a broad range of special crochet stitches - including popcorn, post, picot and cluster stitches.
Designer: Mijo Crochet
Yarn: Scheepjes Catona (Fingering Weight #1)
Ok, how about more doily free crochet patterns that are rated as easy? This simple heart motif doily is just gorgeous! You can easily change the size of your finished doily by changing the size of the thread you are working with. The design calls for cluster and picot stitches along with the basic crochet stitches.
Designer: Coats Design Team
Yarn: Red Heart Classic Crochet Thread (Size 10)
Hooray for more free crochet doily patterns vintage with a floral motif! These pretty flower and lace doilies look amazing in any color. You can learn how to crochet a doily from the written instructions or from the Youtube video. The pattern calls for double, treble and cluster stitches.
Designer: Lacy Crochet Blog
Yarn: Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet (Size 10)
Here’s another easy and free crochet doily pattern. Bright sunny yellow really shines through in this floral doily and lace design. The middle of the pattern is super relaxing and repetitive. The majority of the pattern is made from double crochet stitches so your work will grow quickly!
Designer: Blueraindrops
Yarn: Cotton Thread (Size 20)
Concentric circular alternate between solid and windowpane for the middle of this free crochet doily pattern. Then the design radiates outward in delightfully decorative lace. The whole thing is constructed from just basic crochet stitches. A confident beginner could definitely pull this design off!
Designer: Blueraindrops
Yarn: Cotton Thread (Size 10)
A lot of doily free patterns feature one big central flower. This beautiful doily design features many smaller flowers instead. These blooming beauties are perfect for spring crochet projects. Special stitches include puff and fan stitches.
Designer: Crochet For You
Yarn: (Fingering Weight #1)
Break the mold with this non-traditional crochet oval doily pattern. The oval shape is so striking and different. There is a lot going on in this intricate design, so this is definitely more of an intermediate/advanced crochet pattern. Although it is important to keep in mind that the pattern includes a fair amount of pictures to assist you!
Designer: Virklust
Yarn: (Fingering Weight #1)
Grab a skein of yarn for doilies with long color changes and watch how the different colors paint your doily as you stitch it. I love free crochet doily patterns that use yarn like this because no two doilies are the same! The advanced design includes many different shell stitches along with cluster, picot and triple picot stitches.
Designer: Draiguna
Yarn: Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet (Size 10)
This pretty pink doily was designed as a Mother’s Day present. Have you considered that free crochet doily patterns make great gifts? This intermediate level pattern features a spiral shell motif with a crab stitch edging and it includes many many helpful pictures.
Designer: Purple Needle
Yarn: Red Heart Fashion Crochet Thread
Free crochet doily patterns that don’t call for using crochet thread are a rare gem! Super thin yarn can be tricky to work with - especially for beginner crocheters. Give this sport weight doily a try instead. Bonus - the design only uses basic crochet stitches!
Designer: Crochet Leaf
Yarn: Alize Bahar (Sport Weight #3)
Here’s another sport weight doily design for you. Visual learners will have an easier time making free crochet doily patterns that feature a video tutorial like this one. I love the bold floral centerpiece of this design. It’s certainly not a dainty doily!
Designer: Kristines Crochets
Yarn: Madame Tricote Paris Camilla (Sport Weight #3)
Bright colors and bold design choices add a nice modern touch to the world of free crochet doily patterns vintage. Each section of color has completely new stitchwork to keep you hooked on this design from start to finish.
Designer: Kathryn White for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet (Size 10)
Unexpected purple will add a pop of color to any room. Of course, this stunning design would really look good in any color! Don’t you just love crochet doily free pattern that use basic crochet stitches but look anything but basic?
Designer: Blueraindrops
Yarn: Cotton Thread (Size 5)
Stand tall and wear a crown! Modestyle sized at 7” across, this royal design looks amazing in monochrome. In addition to basic crochet stitches, this pattern also calls for picot and 2 double crochet cluster stitches. It’s really not too tricky so add it to your list of free crochet doily patterns for beginners!
Designer: Cille’s Doilies
Yarn: Cotton Thread (Size 10)
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Common Questions about Crochet Doily Patterns
You may see some patterns here and thing “hey, I thought that was a mandala!” and it’s true that these two are very similar. The main difference is that a doily is usually a lacy design and a mandala is more solid. The other difference is that a doily is meant to be placed on tables or other flat surfaces, while mandalas are meant to be wall hangings and are seen vertically, although you can definitely hang a doily if you prefer or use a mandala on a table!
Most doily patterns are made with crochet thread and are very delicate, but you will see here in our pattern collection that you can make a crochet doily out of lots of different types of yarn. This also depends on what you want to use your doily for. If something hot will be lying on it, make sure you are using cotton, hemp, linen or another fiber that can handle the heat (like a tea pot!)
This varies widely because doilies come in so many shapes a sizes. The average time to crochet a doily is 12-16 hours from the patterns I’ve seen, but a very intricate thread doily could take longer. If you’re looking for a quick doily project, a lot of people like the filet crochet style.
Final Thoughts on Crochet Doily Patterns
Embarking on the delightful journey of making doilies? Excellent! The world of doilies offers a plethora of designs from the intricate pineapple doily pattern to the elegant floral doily, and the classic vintage doily. Whether you plan to craft a delicate cotton doily as a table runner or a vibrant crochet doily coaster to add a splash of color to your space, the options are boundless.
Doilies can be a magnificent addition to various spaces in your home. Imagine a centerpiece doily gracing your dining table or a crochet star doily adding charm to your living room decor. They are not just limited to traditional styles; modern doily designs like the Tesla doily or Mediterranean surf doily are making a statement in contemporary home decors.
However, it’s important to keep in mind the crochet technique needed for different patterns. An oval doily or round doily might require knowledge of working in a circular pattern, while a star doily pattern or crochet pineapple doily pattern could demand more advanced skills. Yet, fear not! Many free crochet patterns, including the doily free pattern, are available to guide you through the process, ensuring you achieve a masterpiece, be it a small doily or a large rectangle doily.
Yarn weight is another crucial aspect to consider. Typically, a thinner yarn is great for a more delicate and detailed doily, while a heavier yarn is ideal for doily coasters or larger doilies. Hook size also plays a significant role in the final product, so ensure you have the right tools for the best results.
Whether you’re crafting a crochet daisy doily or a crochet pineapple doily or even a super basic design, blocking is often an essential step to give your doily that perfect finish. It’s also better if you plan and choose the right yarn for doilies and consider the space where you plan to place them, be it as a table runner or a decorative piece on your coffee table.
So, as you embark on making doilies, whether following a free doily crochet pattern or creating your original doily crochet pattern, remember that this is a great opportunity to enhance your crochet skills, create beautiful decorative pieces for your home, and even make cherished gifts for loved ones.
Want more crochet ideas? Why not check out these amazing crochet borders?
Happy Crocheting!
Amanda
Terry Ann Smith
The patterns are absolutely gorgeous. I’m going to have so much fun making these I’ve got seven granddaughters so I think they’ll appreciate these thank you so very much