Easy Crochet Doily for Beginners, No Thread Needed! FREE Crochet Pattern and Video Tutorial

Hey friends! 👋 

If you're just getting into crocheting doilies and feeling a little nervous about those tiny threads and steel hooks — you're definitely not alone! A lot of crocheters want to try lace projects, but the idea of working with size 10 thread and microscopic hooks can be super intimidating at first.

So here’s my advice: Start with cotton yarn instead of thread! 

Specifically, I recommend using a lightweight 100% mercerized cotton yarn category 2, like YarnArt Begonia, and a 3.5 mm hook. It’s much easier to see your stitches, way more forgiving, and you still get that pretty, lacy look without the frustration.

Why Cotton Yarn is Great for First Doilies:

• Easier to handle than tiny thread

• Stitches are visible, so you learn faster

• Still looks delicate and beautiful

• You can use leftover yarn from other projects

• Great for practicing before diving into “real” thread crochet

To help you get started, I designed a small beginner-friendly doily pattern that uses just a little bit of cotton yarn — perfect for trying out the feel of doily-making, without the pressure.

I had some leftover YarnArt Begonia in my stash, and it was more than enough to make one of these doilies. The pattern works up quickly (you can finish it in about an hour), and it’s a great intro to working in the round and getting comfortable with basic lace stitches.

Beginner Friendly Doily 

Olga Poltava (c) December, 2024

Abbreviations: 

ch chain

sl st slipt stitch

st stitch

sc single crochet

dc double crochet

Ch 8. Join with a slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring. 

Round 1: 3 ch (counts as first dc), 23 dc into the ring. (24 dc total including beginning ch-3).

Join with sl st in the top of beginning ch-3.

Round 2: 4 ch (counts as dc and ch 1), *dc in next dc, ch 1* around. Join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4.

Round 3: 8 ch (counts as dc and ch 5), *kip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 5* around, but don’t make last ch 5, instead at the end, 2 ch, dc in 3rd ch of beginning ch-8 (this creates final ch-5 space and bring yarn and hook into position for the next round).

Round 4: 6 ch (counts as dc and ch 3), dc in same st, 2 ch, sc in next dc, *2 ch, (dc, 3 ch, dc) all in 3rd ch of next ch-5 loop, 2 ch, sc in next dc* around, end with 2 ch, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-6.

Round 5 – Shell Round: sl st into next ch-3 space, 3 ch (counts as first dc), (3 dc in, 3 ch, 4 dc) all in same ch-3 space (beginning shell made),  *skip next ch-2 spaces, (4 dc, 3 ch, 4 dc) all in next ch-3 space (it’s the space between two dc)* around, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3.

At this point, you may fasten off for a smaller doily (approx. 5 in / 12.7 cm).

Optional Round 6 – Second Shell Round (for larger doily  approx. 6.5 in / 16.5 cm): sl st into next 3 st and into ch-3 space, 3 ch (counts as first dc), (3 dc, 3 ch, 4 dc) all in same ch-3 space (beginning shell made), *(4 dc, 3 ch, 4 dc) all in ch-3 space of next shell* around, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Fasten off. Weave in ends using a smaller hook or a tapestry needle. Block or gently press with a warm iron to shape if desired.

Once you try this out, you might just fall in love with doily-making — and then you’ll be totally ready to take on those thread projects with confidence!

If you enjoy this pattern, you can find more in my Etsy and Ravelry shops — or support me with a small tip on Ko-fi. It helps me keep sharing free content like this 💛

Happy crocheting!