There is something timeless about crocheted doilies. They add a touch of elegance to a home, showcase the beauty of thread crochet, and make wonderful handmade gifts. Today I'm excited to introduce my newest design, the Blooming Lace Doily.
This delicate doily features a floral-inspired design that blossoms outward from a simple center ring. The combination of cluster stitches and airy chain spaces creates a beautiful lace effect while keeping the pattern approachable for crocheters who are new to thread crochet.
Measuring approximately 7 inches across, the Blooming Lace Doily is the perfect size for displaying under a vase, candle, small plant, or decorative figurine. It also makes a lovely gift for friends and family who appreciate handmade items.
Although the finished doily looks intricate, the pattern is rated Easy and consists of only six rounds. The design uses basic crochet stitches along with simple double crochet and treble crochet clusters. Once you establish the pattern, the rounds flow naturally and are enjoyable to work.
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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 💛
Have you ever admired beautiful crochet doilies and thought,"I wish I could make something like that..."—but then felt intimidated by the idea of using tiny steel hooks and thread? You’re definitely not alone, and the good news is: youcan start learning how to crochet doilies in a way that’s totally beginner-friendly!
If you’re a beginner crocheter who would love to try making your first doily, I’ve got the perfect little project for you.
This simple, small doily is designed with beginners in mind. It’s a great introduction to round-based patterns, lace stitches, and working with mercerized cotton—butwithout the pressure of using thread and super fine hooks right away.
Instead of thread, we’ll be using aCategory 2 100% mercerized cotton yarn, likeYarnArt Begoniaor any similar cotton yarn you have on hand. You’ll only need asmall amount of yarn—in fact, I’m using leftover scraps of YarnArt Begonia from a previous project, and it’s plenty for this piece!
We’ll also be using a3.25 mm hook, which is larger and more comfortable than a steel thread hook, making it easier to control your tension and get used to the stitch patterns commonly found in doilies.
In my step-by-step video tutorial, I’ll walk you through each round slowly and clearly so you can follow along with ease.
Whether you're completely new to crocheting in the round or just looking for a gentle introduction to doilies, this pattern is a great starting point.
If you’ve been curious about crocheting doilies but nervous about jumping in, this is your invitation to give it a try. You don’t need a lot of fancy supplies—just a bit of leftover yarn, your hook, and a bit of time to relax and crochet something beautiful.
Have you seen the adorable miniature orchids that started appearing in local shops a couple of years ago? Orchids have always been stunning flowers, but these miniature varieties are especially delicate and captivating.
I love purchasing them and gifting them to family and friends. To make these gifts even more special, I often pair them with a handmade miniature crochet doily.
Today, I’d like to invite you to crochet along with me and create a beautiful six-inch doily. This delicate doily is worked with size 10 mercerized cotton thread and a 1.6 mm steel hook, making it the perfect addition to your home decor or as a heartfelt gift.
Whether you give them away, keep them for yourself, or even sell them, these small doilies are sure to be cherished.
A small doily can elevate the presentation of any decorative piece. Imagine placing a miniature orchid on top of a delicate lace doily—instantly, the charm and elegance are enhanced!
These doilies are not only beautiful but also practical and versatile. They make excellent gifts, wedding favors, or even table decorations for a countryside-themed wedding or a vintage tea party.
The materials for this doily cost less than fifty cents, yet the finished piece is worth much more. Handmade lace always carries a special allure, and I can easily see people purchasing these in bulk for special occasions.
If you're looking for a small yet profitable crochet project, these doilies are an excellent option.
You can complete this doily by following my step-by-step free video tutorial on YouTube.
Or if you prefer written instructions, you can purchase the pattern in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.
I’d love to see your finished doilies, so feel free to share your creations with me. Happy crocheting!
It is a small doily (only 10 inches across after blocking), which features lots of popcorns.
This doily is quick and easy to make, and only takes about 100 yards of thread.
I name my doilies after my friends, so I named this doily Ninfa after my very good friend.
I only met Ninfa last year, but we became instant friends. We live in the same neighborhood, go to the gym together, occasionally meet for coffee at our local Starbucks, go hiking, and text each other every day!
Yesterday we went on a hike up on the foothills behind my house. We've been having a lot of rain here in Northern California, and the hills turned so lusciously green! What a joy to go for a walk with a good friend to enjoy the nature and fresh air!
My Ninfa Doily pattern is available in my shops on Etsy and Ravelry!
This is my most recent design - Alina Doily (I name my doilies after my friends).
Most of the time, I make my doilies in white, as it's at the classic color for doilies. When browsing through vintage patterns, you will see that they are exclusively white.
But it's fun to experiment with colors!
I have to admit I'm not very good at creating interesting color combinations. But I am pleased with the colors I chose for this doily.
I really like it! Feels very fresh and crisp, just like the winter air outside of my home right now!
Finally I have a new doily pattern! I named this doily after a friend of mine. I now made it a tradition to name my doilies after friends, and I like this idea.
This doily measures about 16 inches across (after blocking). I used Aunt Lydia's classic cotton thread size ten and a 1.5 mm steel hook.
I like the way my doily looks in white, and right now I'm working on another Alina doily in blue, white, and green. It's coming out lovely.
But just look how pretty it looks in variegated thread! The doily shown below was made by Jovette, who tested the pattern for me. Thank you Jovette!
The pattern is available in my Etsy, Craftsy, and Ravelry shops. For the next few days, the price is 50% off.
I'm also having a giveaway for this pattern on my Facebook page. To enter my giveaway, follow/like my FB page and leave a comment on the post about this doily pattern. I will draw three people at random and announce the winners on Wednesday morning (December 12).
Those of you who have been blogging or following blogs for many years probably have noticed that it has changed dramatically!
A lot of wonderful bloggers have left the blogland, others moved to different platforms like Facebook and Youtube.
Do you remember the fun times of link parties and giveaways? I don't see very many of those either.
My own blog and blogging style have changed too! I started by blog as a way to connect with other women and share my work.
But with time it grew from hobby to a small business. And of course, there is nothing wrong with making money from one's work; we all need to pay our bills and buy our food. But there are days when I miss blogging just for the joy of it!
Reminiscing for the past days, I decided to have a Giveaway!
This doily is called Pineapple Bouquet and I designed it earlier this year. I am giving away my pattern to three winners.
To enter my giveaway, please visit my Facebook Page, follow me (if you are not a follower yet) and leave me a comment on the post about this giveaway!
Textured doilies have become quite popular in the last few/several years. I've made probably over a hundred doilies, but I had never made a textured one until now!
Preetha has tested a lot of my crochet patterns, and I was glad and excited to test a pattern for her.
This was a challenging project and I learned a couple of new interesting stitches along the way.
I absolutely love the way my Ziva doily turned out! I used aunt Lydia's classic thread in size ten and a 1.75 mm steel hook. My doily turned out 10 inches.
I was worried that when I block my Ziva doily, the dark blue color might bleed. And it did!
You can also follow Preetha and see more of her crochet work on Facebook!
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In my previous posts I've shared some personal struggles that my family and I are going through. A lot of you have been very supportive. I greatly appreciate that!
This summer has been very difficult for me. I live in constant state of stress and anxiety. And now there is also so much worry and sadness in my heart.
About a month ago, my father had an open heart surgery. The doctors said it went well, but his recovery has been very difficult. He was admitted to the hospital twice after the surgery. He had fever for many days and was very weak and fatigued, yet the doctors were saying it's just a part of the recovery process.
Finally, when he was back at the hospital for the third time, they discovered there was an infection and they had to perform another urgent surgery.
It's been a few days now, and my dad is still in the hospital in a critical condition.
I'm really scared and worried. And I just don't know how to deal with all these feelings and emotions!
Crocheting doesn't help at the moment as I can't focus and keep making stitching mistakes.
I did a lot of gardening today. That seemed to help a little.
Tomorrow I'm going to drive two hours to visit my dad.
Please, keep my dad, my family, and me in your prayers and positive thoughts. Just knowing you are there for me helps. Thank you!
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Hello and welcome! My blog started out of my love for crochet doilies and lace handkerchief edgings, but now you will find all kinds of crochet projects here.
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