I always block my doilies though I don’t use the
fancy technique with round charts, pins, and padded surfaces. I do it in a much
simpler way!
I lay a big towel on the table (in summer I do it
on my patio table; in winter I do it indoors). Next I wet my doily and gently
squeeze out the excess water. Then I put the doily on the towel and straighten
it. I gently stretch it, pat it, and shape it until it looks round and even to
me. I leave it to dry. That’s it!
Here is a photo of my doily right after I finished
crocheting it.
And here is the same doily after I blocked it using
my simple and quick technique.
If you ever wash your doilies, you can then use
this same method to dry them.
And if you want to stiffen your doily a bit, just
spray on it some spray-on starch after you straightened your doily on the
towel.
I found the pattern for the doily pictured above here. Since this vintage pattern is no longer covered by the copyright and is in the public domain, I repost the pattern below.
Starting at center, ch 8. Join with sl st to form ring.
1st Rnd: Ch 6 (to count as tr and ch 2), 11 tr in ring with ch-2 between, ch 2, sl st in 4th st of ch-6.
2nd Rnd: Sl st in next ch, sl st in sp, ch 8, *tr in next sp, ch 4. Repeat from * around. Join last ch-4 with sl st in 4th st of starting chain.
3rd Rnd: Sl st in next 2 ch, sl st in sp, ch 10, * tr in next sp, ch 6. Repeat from * around. Join.
4th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 4, 5 tr in same sp, * ch 3, 6 tr in next sp. Repeat from * around. Join.
5th Rnd: Ch 9, * skip 4 tr, tr in next tr, 5 tr in sp, tr in next tr, ch 5. Repeat from * around, ending with 5 tr in last sp. Sl st in 4th st of starting chain.
6th Rnd: Ch 8, * tr in next 3 tr, in next tr make tr, ch 2 and tr; tr in next 3 tr, ch 4. Repeat from * around. Join.
7th Rnd: Ch 7, * tr in next 3 tr, 2 tr in next tr, ch 3, 2 tr in next tr, tr in next 3 tr, ch 3. Repeat from * around. Join.
8th Rnd: Ch 6, * tr in next 4 tr, (4 tr in next tr) twice; tr in next 4 tr, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join.
9th Rnd: Sl st in next ch, sl st in sp, ch 7, * holding back the last loop of each tr on hook make tr in next 4 tr, thread over and draw through all loops on hook (4-tr cluster made), ch 3, tr in next 8 tr, ch 3, make a 4-tr cluster as before over next 4 tr, ch 3, tr in sp, ch 3. Repeat from * around. Join.
10th Rnd: Ch 8, tr in same place as sl st, ch 5, tr in next 8 tr, ch 5, 7 tr in next single tr, ch 5, tr in next 8 tr, ch 5, in next single tr make tr, ch 4 and tr. Repeat from * around. Join.
11th Rnd: Ch 4, 4 tr in same place as sl st, * ch 5, 5 tr in next tr, ch 5, make an 8-tr cluster over next 8 tr, ch 5, in next tr make tr, ch 1 and tr; (ch 1, tr in next tr) 5 times; ch 1, in next tr make tr, ch 1 and tr; ch 5, make an 8-tr cluster as before, ch 5, 5 tr in next tr. Repeat from * around. Join.
12th Rnd: Ch 4 (to count as tr), holding back the last loop of each tr on hook make tr in next 4 tr and complete a 5-tr cluster, * ch 3, 5 tr in center st of next ch-5, ch 3, make a 5-tr cluster over next 5 tr, ch 5, in tip of next cluster make tr, ch 3 and tr; ch 5, tr in next 9 tr with ch-2 between, ch 5, in tip of next cluster make tr, ch 3 and tr; ch 5, 5-tr cluster over next 5 tr. Repeat from * around. Join.
13th Rnd: Sl st in next 3 ch and in next tr, ch 4, tr in next 4 tr, * ch 5, skip next cluster, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) twice; (ch 3, 3-tr cluster in next sp) 8 times; (ch 3, tr in next sp) 3 times; ch 5, tr in next 5 tr. Repeat from * around. Join.
14th Rnd: Ch 4 and complete 5-tr cluster as before, * ch 3, in next sp make tr, ch 3 and tr, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 3 times; ch 10, skip 4 clusters, in next sp make tr, ch 4 and tr; ch 10, skip 4 clusters, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 3 times; ch 3, tr in same sp where last tr was made, ch 3, 5-tr cluster over next 5 tr. Repeat from * around. Join last tr with dc in tip of 1st cluster made.
15th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 11, * tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 5 times; (ch 5, 7 tr in next tr) twice; ch 5, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 5 times; ch 7. Repeat from * around. Join last ch-3 with sl st in 4th st of ch-11.
16th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 11, tr in same sp, * (ch 3, tr in next sp) 5 times; ch 7, make a 7-tr cluster over next 7 tr, ch 5, 7 tr in center st of next ch-5, ch 5, make a 7-tr cluster over next 7 tr, ch 7, skip next sp, (tr in next sp, ch 3) 5 times; in next sp make tr, ch 7 and tr. Repeat from * around. Join last tr with dc in 4th st of starting chain.
17th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 7, * make 7 tr in center st of next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 5 times; ch 7, sc in tip of cluster, ch 7, tr in next 7 tr, ch 7, sc in tip of next cluster; ch 7, skip 1 sp, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 4 times; ch 3. Repeat from * around. Join with dc as before.
18th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 9, * tr in next 7 tr with ch-1 between, ch 5, skip 1 sp, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 3 times; ch 7, sc in next sc, ch 11, make a 7-tr cluster over next 7 tr, ch 11, sc in next sc, ch 7, skip next sp, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 3 times; ch 5. Repeat from * around. Join with dc as before.
19th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 11, * in next tr make tr, ch 2 and tr, (ch 2, tr in next tr) 5 times; ch 2, in next tr make tr, ch 2 and tr, ch 7, skip 1 sp, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) twice; ch 9, sc in next sc, 15 sc in each of next 2 ch-11 loops, sc in next sc, ch-9, skip 1 sp, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) twice; ch 7. Repeat from * around. Join with dc as before.
20th Rnd: Sl st in next sp, ch 11, * (make a 3-tr cluster in next sp, ch 3) 7 times; 3-tr cluster in next sp, ch 7, tr in each of next 2 ch-3 sps, ch 11, dc in next sc, (ch 2, skip 2 sc, dc in next sc) 5 times; ch 5, dc in next sc, (ch 2, skip 2 sc, dc in next sc) 5 times; ch 11, tr in each of next 2 ch-3 sps, ch 7. Repeat from * around. Join last tr with sl st to 4th st of starting chain.
21st Rnd: Ch 1, sc in same place as sl st, * ch 7, tr in next sp, (ch 5, tr in next sp) 8 times; ch 7, skip 1 tr, sc in next tr, ch 11, (dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2) 5 times; in next sp make dc, ch 5 and dc, (ch 2, dc in next sp) 5 times; ch 11, skip 1 tr, sc in next tr. Repeat from * around, ending with sl st in 1st sc made.
22nd Rnd: Ch 1, sc in same place as sl st, * ch 7, skip next sp, (make a 5-tr cluster in next sp, ch 7) 8 times; sc in next sc, ch 13, (dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2) 5 times; in next sp make dc, ch 5 and dc, (ch 2, dc in next sp) 5 times; ch 13, sc in next sc. Repeat from * around. Join and fasten off.
I found the pattern for the doily pictured above here. Since this vintage pattern is no longer covered by the copyright and is in the public domain, I repost the pattern below.
Starting at center, ch 8. Join with sl st to form ring.
1st Rnd: Ch 6 (to count as tr and ch 2), 11 tr in ring with ch-2 between, ch 2, sl st in 4th st of ch-6.
2nd Rnd: Sl st in next ch, sl st in sp, ch 8, *tr in next sp, ch 4. Repeat from * around. Join last ch-4 with sl st in 4th st of starting chain.
3rd Rnd: Sl st in next 2 ch, sl st in sp, ch 10, * tr in next sp, ch 6. Repeat from * around. Join.
4th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 4, 5 tr in same sp, * ch 3, 6 tr in next sp. Repeat from * around. Join.
5th Rnd: Ch 9, * skip 4 tr, tr in next tr, 5 tr in sp, tr in next tr, ch 5. Repeat from * around, ending with 5 tr in last sp. Sl st in 4th st of starting chain.
6th Rnd: Ch 8, * tr in next 3 tr, in next tr make tr, ch 2 and tr; tr in next 3 tr, ch 4. Repeat from * around. Join.
7th Rnd: Ch 7, * tr in next 3 tr, 2 tr in next tr, ch 3, 2 tr in next tr, tr in next 3 tr, ch 3. Repeat from * around. Join.
8th Rnd: Ch 6, * tr in next 4 tr, (4 tr in next tr) twice; tr in next 4 tr, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join.
9th Rnd: Sl st in next ch, sl st in sp, ch 7, * holding back the last loop of each tr on hook make tr in next 4 tr, thread over and draw through all loops on hook (4-tr cluster made), ch 3, tr in next 8 tr, ch 3, make a 4-tr cluster as before over next 4 tr, ch 3, tr in sp, ch 3. Repeat from * around. Join.
10th Rnd: Ch 8, tr in same place as sl st, ch 5, tr in next 8 tr, ch 5, 7 tr in next single tr, ch 5, tr in next 8 tr, ch 5, in next single tr make tr, ch 4 and tr. Repeat from * around. Join.
11th Rnd: Ch 4, 4 tr in same place as sl st, * ch 5, 5 tr in next tr, ch 5, make an 8-tr cluster over next 8 tr, ch 5, in next tr make tr, ch 1 and tr; (ch 1, tr in next tr) 5 times; ch 1, in next tr make tr, ch 1 and tr; ch 5, make an 8-tr cluster as before, ch 5, 5 tr in next tr. Repeat from * around. Join.
12th Rnd: Ch 4 (to count as tr), holding back the last loop of each tr on hook make tr in next 4 tr and complete a 5-tr cluster, * ch 3, 5 tr in center st of next ch-5, ch 3, make a 5-tr cluster over next 5 tr, ch 5, in tip of next cluster make tr, ch 3 and tr; ch 5, tr in next 9 tr with ch-2 between, ch 5, in tip of next cluster make tr, ch 3 and tr; ch 5, 5-tr cluster over next 5 tr. Repeat from * around. Join.
13th Rnd: Sl st in next 3 ch and in next tr, ch 4, tr in next 4 tr, * ch 5, skip next cluster, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) twice; (ch 3, 3-tr cluster in next sp) 8 times; (ch 3, tr in next sp) 3 times; ch 5, tr in next 5 tr. Repeat from * around. Join.
14th Rnd: Ch 4 and complete 5-tr cluster as before, * ch 3, in next sp make tr, ch 3 and tr, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 3 times; ch 10, skip 4 clusters, in next sp make tr, ch 4 and tr; ch 10, skip 4 clusters, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 3 times; ch 3, tr in same sp where last tr was made, ch 3, 5-tr cluster over next 5 tr. Repeat from * around. Join last tr with dc in tip of 1st cluster made.
15th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 11, * tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 5 times; (ch 5, 7 tr in next tr) twice; ch 5, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 5 times; ch 7. Repeat from * around. Join last ch-3 with sl st in 4th st of ch-11.
16th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 11, tr in same sp, * (ch 3, tr in next sp) 5 times; ch 7, make a 7-tr cluster over next 7 tr, ch 5, 7 tr in center st of next ch-5, ch 5, make a 7-tr cluster over next 7 tr, ch 7, skip next sp, (tr in next sp, ch 3) 5 times; in next sp make tr, ch 7 and tr. Repeat from * around. Join last tr with dc in 4th st of starting chain.
17th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 7, * make 7 tr in center st of next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 5 times; ch 7, sc in tip of cluster, ch 7, tr in next 7 tr, ch 7, sc in tip of next cluster; ch 7, skip 1 sp, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 4 times; ch 3. Repeat from * around. Join with dc as before.
18th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 9, * tr in next 7 tr with ch-1 between, ch 5, skip 1 sp, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 3 times; ch 7, sc in next sc, ch 11, make a 7-tr cluster over next 7 tr, ch 11, sc in next sc, ch 7, skip next sp, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) 3 times; ch 5. Repeat from * around. Join with dc as before.
19th Rnd: Sl st in sp, ch 11, * in next tr make tr, ch 2 and tr, (ch 2, tr in next tr) 5 times; ch 2, in next tr make tr, ch 2 and tr, ch 7, skip 1 sp, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) twice; ch 9, sc in next sc, 15 sc in each of next 2 ch-11 loops, sc in next sc, ch-9, skip 1 sp, tr in next sp, (ch 3, tr in next sp) twice; ch 7. Repeat from * around. Join with dc as before.
20th Rnd: Sl st in next sp, ch 11, * (make a 3-tr cluster in next sp, ch 3) 7 times; 3-tr cluster in next sp, ch 7, tr in each of next 2 ch-3 sps, ch 11, dc in next sc, (ch 2, skip 2 sc, dc in next sc) 5 times; ch 5, dc in next sc, (ch 2, skip 2 sc, dc in next sc) 5 times; ch 11, tr in each of next 2 ch-3 sps, ch 7. Repeat from * around. Join last tr with sl st to 4th st of starting chain.
21st Rnd: Ch 1, sc in same place as sl st, * ch 7, tr in next sp, (ch 5, tr in next sp) 8 times; ch 7, skip 1 tr, sc in next tr, ch 11, (dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2) 5 times; in next sp make dc, ch 5 and dc, (ch 2, dc in next sp) 5 times; ch 11, skip 1 tr, sc in next tr. Repeat from * around, ending with sl st in 1st sc made.
22nd Rnd: Ch 1, sc in same place as sl st, * ch 7, skip next sp, (make a 5-tr cluster in next sp, ch 7) 8 times; sc in next sc, ch 13, (dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2) 5 times; in next sp make dc, ch 5 and dc, (ch 2, dc in next sp) 5 times; ch 13, sc in next sc. Repeat from * around. Join and fasten off.
I'm linking this post to
Link Your Stuff @ Annamarie's Haakblog
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home,
And that is exactly how I do it, I put it in a liquid starch after I wash it, squeeze it out, and stretch on towel like you:) take care:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! And that sure beats all those pins!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I have used that technique on shawls but not on doilies I must give it a try.. Did you use size 10 thread? Teapot is very pretty
ReplyDeleteYes, I used size 10 cotton thread and size 4 hook.
DeleteOlga it is so pretty and good advice on the doilies.
ReplyDeletelovely idea
ReplyDeleteThat's cool how you don't have to pin it down.
ReplyDeleteОльга, это очень хорошие советы, но я ленюсь расправлять на полотенце новую увлажненную салфетку и так как хочу быстрее увидеть результат проглаживаю утюгом, опаривая на гладильной доске. Наверное все же так как делаю я неправильно. Очень красивый чайный сервиз и цветущая герань!
ReplyDeleteИрина, если проглаживать утюгом и опаривать салфетку работает, то можно и так. Главное, чтоб не заморачиваться с иголками.
DeleteBeautiful doily !
ReplyDeleteI've never used pins or anything else...just my steam iron...
Have a great day !
Anna
Easy, peasy! That's a better way than all the pinning!
ReplyDeleteThank You very much for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so very beautiful! Is that really size 30 cotton thread you used?
ReplyDeleteI haven't crocheted doilies with anything smaller than size 10 yet...
feeling too intimidated! :-)
I used size 10 cotton thread and size 4 (1.25 mm) hook for this doily. But for handkerchief edgings I use much thinner thread and hook.
DeleteSuch a pretty doily. And what a clevr and simple way to block a finished work. It looks so much better and more well finished after blocking. Very beautiful work :)
ReplyDeleteI have used that method of blocking for many, many years!
ReplyDeleteI'm having trouble on the 10th round can you help explain it?
ReplyDeleteYes me too? Did you work it out?
DeleteWhat exactly do you have trouble with?
DeleteI counted the stitches in the picture and in round 10 instead of doing 7tr you do 9tr :)
DeleteIt's beautiful! What's the finished size? Thanks
ReplyDeleteMine came out about 19 inches in diameter.
DeleteYea, round 10 isn't working for me either. It doesn't seem to follow round 9. Maybe I'm missing something.
ReplyDeleteI counted the stitches in the picture and in round 10 instead of doing 7tr you do 9tr :)
DeleteHas anyone figured out round 10 yet?
ReplyDeleteI counted the stitches in the picture and in round 10 instead of doing 7tr you do 9tr :)
Deletefor round 10 the pattern says repeat from * - but there isn't a leading *. This means you don't know where to repeat from. it should read
Delete"Ch 8, tr in same place as sl st, ch 5, * tr in next 8 tr, ch 5, 7 tr in next single tr, ch 5, tr in next 8 tr, ch 5, in next single tr make tr, ch 4 and tr. Repeat from * around. Join.
I love all of the patterns on your site...this one in particular. I did it in yellow with white the last two rounds.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I sure wish I'd read this before blocking an intricate doily I just made. All those pins! Well, it's done now and drying (and measures 2 inches more than it's supposed to, lol). Next time I'll use your way. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see your doily! Are you going to post it on your blog?
DeleteCan't wait to try this doily, it is very delicate looking, and I also do this technique with my doilies.
ReplyDeleteOne thing to note - the starting stitch instructions are wrong after about Round 15 (up to 21). If you look this up on Ravelry, other people (but not that many!) have noted it. It's kind of a puzzle, but not too bad to figure out. For example, the 20th round MUST be a chain 14. After messing with all the previous rounds, I was watching a movie and started with a chain 11. Had to take the whole round out.
ReplyDeleteso, after i wash my doilies which i found in my MIL garage, i can re-wet them and put liquid starch and stretch them to shape??? My E-mail address is countrygirlsherri@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi Sherri,
DeleteIf you are going to wash them anyway, while they are still wet from the washing, you can just lay them on a towel, stretch and shape them, and spray with spray-on starch.