Crochet doilies may seem old-fashioned, but they’re making a comeback in contemporary decor and fashion. These intricate lace creations add vintage charm to just about anything they embellish.
We’ve collected the best free crochet doily patterns for modern makers, whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or a beginner looking for a unique project.
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Jump to:
- Crochet Doilies At a Glance
- Best Yarns for Doilies
- Free Crochet Doily Patterns With Written Instructions
- What Supplies Do You Need?
- Importance of Blocking
- How To Stiffen Handmade Doilies
- How to Wash Crocheted Doilies
- Quick Tips For Making Doilies
- FAQs About Crocheting Doilies
- More Patterns for Your Kitchen
- Invitation to our Facebook group
Crochet Doilies At a Glance
If you’ve been intrigued by crochet doily patterns but haven’t known where to start, we’ve got you covered. From easy doilies for beginners to large designs made with thin thread, you’ll find your next vintage-inspired project here.
These patterns use basic and special stitches suitable for all skill levels. Most doilies call for thin crochet thread to create elegant lace motifs. However, using heavier weight yarn like DK, sport, worsted, or even chunkier is possible.
Pro Tip: Substituting a thicker yarn can make any doily pattern more approachable for beginners because the yarn and larger hook are easier to hold.
Why You’ll Love These Doilies
Types of Doily Patterns
Crochet doilies come in various sizes, shapes, and styles. The most common shapes are round and oval, but you can also make square or rectangular doilies. Heart-shaped doilies are popular for Valentine's Day or romantic occasions.
Some doilies are designed as foundations for larger projects, such as crocheted garments or accessories.
What are crochet doilies used for?
A large doily can be used as a table runner, rug, or to decorate a dresser top. Small doilies make beautiful crochet coasters or elegant wall art.
Doilies of all sizes can be joined to form many kinds of vintage-inspired and boho projects. You can use doilies to make bedspreads, table clothes, shirts and tops, and even to patch your jeans.
Best Yarns for Doilies
Doilies are traditionally made with lightweight and durable cotton thread designed for crochet projects. The most commonly used thread for crochet doilies is size 10, a fine weight that produces delicate and intricate lacework.
When it comes to crochet thread, the higher the number, the thinner it will be. (This is the opposite of typical yarn, where higher numbers correlate with thicker yarns.)
Here are some favorite yarns for crocheting doilies from thinnest to thickest.
| Doily Yarn | Official Size/Weight | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Size 10 | Size 10 | Lace doilies |
| Oh Baby Organic | Fine Sport / Category 2 | Slightly chunkier, but still delicate, doilies |
| 24/7 Cotton DK | DK / Category 3 | Coasters, table runners, placemats |
| 24/7 Cotton | Light Worsted / Category 4 | Bags, clothing accents |
| Mac-Re-Me Yarn | Super Bulky / Category 6 | Chunky doilies, wall hangings, rugs |
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Free Crochet Doily Patterns With Written Instructions
We have rounded up the best doily crochet patterns for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced crocheter, you’ll find a lace doily here to add quaint vintage charm to your home.
Easy Doily Patterns for Beginners
These easy doilies use basic stitches like single and double crochet. To work them up even faster, try using a thicker yarn.
Classic Crochet Doily Coaster
8-Petal Floral Motif
Zesty Crochet Doily for Spring
Limegreen Floral Doily
Sunny Sunflower Doily
Blooming Antique Crochet Lace Set
Easy Flower Medallion
Beautiful Lace Flower Doily
Intermediate Doilies
These free doily crochet patterns make ideal decorative pieces for your home. The patterns are easy to read but come with a layer of difficulty. These doilies are great if you are looking for a challenging project.
Vintage Star Lace Doily
Christmas Snowflake Doily
Related: 30+ Christmas Ornament Patterns
Fall Pumpkin Doily
Square Filet Crochet Bunny Doily
Crochet Skull Doily
Large Septagram
Blooming Flowers Elegant Lace Doily
Easy Lucky Clover
Four-Heart Coaster
Round Heart Doily for Valentine’s Day
Related: Easy Crochet Heart Pillow
Elegant Crochet Lace Doily
Our Latest Crochet Inspiration:
Here are a few more free crochet patterns and tutorials that are hot off the presses.
Doilies for Advanced Crocheters
These vintage crochet doily patterns are more intricate than the others in this collection. Many of these beautiful lace patterns include several rounds and multiple colors.
Radiant Bloom Mini Mandala Doily
Tri-Colored Classic Doily
Textured Crochet Lace Pattern
Mirror Bouquet Doily
Vintage Table Runner
Picot Peaks
Star Burst Mandala Doily
10 Thread Retro Square Coaster
Springtime Daisy Video Tutorial
Oval Lace Table Centerpiece
Repeating Red Heart Doily
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What Supplies Do You Need?
In addition to yarn, here are the materials needed for crocheting doilies.
- Crochet hook - Steel hooks or thread hooks work best for thinner lace thread. The smaller the hook number, the bigger the size will be.
- Tapestry needle - To weave in the ends or connect the pieces of your doily
- Stitch markers - Helpful for marking where the round ends since doily patterns require crocheting in the round
- Steamer or Iron with Steam Function - For blocking your project. A spray bottle is a good alternative.
Importance of Blocking
Blocking is used to shape and set crochet and knit projects after completion. The purpose of blocking doilies is to smooth out any wrinkles or unevenness and help them lay flat and maintain their intended shape.
You can shape your doily in two ways. The first is to roll it in a towel until it is almost dry. Place a thin towel or handkerchief on the wrong side of the crochet. Dry it using the cool setting on your iron. The second method is to stretch it out on a work surface and pin it in place.
Tools Needed for Blocking
- Blocking board
- T pins
- Steam iron or steam spray
- Rustproof pins
- Spray bottle
- towels
Blocking Methods
The blocking process typically involves dampening the doily with water or steam, gently stretching it, and pinning it into shape on a foam-blocking board. The project should dry completely before removing the pins, leaving the doily with a beautiful and crisp finish.
Related: How to make an easy DIY blocking board that’s the perfect size for small doilies and motifs.
How To Stiffen Handmade Doilies
While this step is optional, stiffening crochet doilies can add stability and durability to delicate creations. This will help ensure they retain their shape and beauty for years.
Here are several ways to make crochet lace last longer:
Hairspray:
Lightly spray your crochet project, then shape it on your work surface or wooden block. Use rust roof pins to secure your doily in place and leave it to dry completely. Your project will have a semi-hard finish to it. This is ideal when making Christmas ornaments like snowflakes.
Spray Starch
Wash your doily and gently pat it dry with a towel. Lay it on a wooden block or styrofoam, then pin it in place. Spray it using spray starch. You can even place a lace doily over a glass bowl to help it dry in a curved shape.
Liquid Starch
There are two ways to apply liquid starch to your doily. You can dilute it in water or apply it as is. Dip your lace doily in starch, then remove excess water gently. Don’t twist or wring it. Use more water if you want your crochet project to be soft.
Glue and Water
Combine equal parts water and glue in a bowl. Place your crocheted item into the solution. Remove excess water but don’t scrunch or twist it. This gives a permanent finish and is ideal for making Christmas ornaments.
Sugar and Water
This is the best option for a natural finish to your beautiful lace. Mix equal amounts water and sugar and bring them to a rapid boil. Set it aside and let it cool for a bit.
Dip your lacy doily into the solution. Remove excess water gently. You can now shape it based on your preferences.
How to Wash Crocheted Doilies
Your crocheted home decor needs cleaning occasionally. Fortunately, the process is quite simple. Here’s how.
- Gently dust off your doily using a soft-bristled brush or a feather duster. This is an important step before wet cleaning.
- Fill one bowl or pot with warm water. Add a few drops of liquid soap and stir to mix the soap with the water. Fill the second pot with just water.
- Put your crochet project into the first bowl and swish it gently. Do this until the soapy water washes all the areas of the doily. Transfer it to the second bowl to rinse it.
- Place your lace doily on a clean white towel after rinsing. Place another towel over it and press down gently to remove excess water. Once you have removed as much water as possible, leave your crocheted piece to dry.
Quick Tips For Making Doilies
Learning how to crochet a doily for the first time? Here are some helpful tips for beginners.
Start with Thicker Yarns
Using thicker yarns, like worsted-weight or even chunkier, can make it easier to see what you are doing when learning how to crochet lace.
Start with Patterns with Pictures or a Video
Look for crochet doily patterns that come with photo or video tutorials. If you are a visual learner, finding a doily crochet diagram can be an excellent way to anticipate how the rounds come together.
Don’t Forget to Use Stitch Markers
Doilies are often worked in the round. You will need to use stitch markers after each round to not forget your place in the pattern.
Block Your Project
Regardless of how small or big your crochet doily is, block it after. This will make the stitches larger and have a more professional finish.
FAQs About Crocheting Doilies
Mercerized cotton crochet thread is ideal for crochet doilies because of its delicate texture. However, you can use different weights and fibers depending on your preferred look.
It depends on the level of detail of the pattern, the size and thickness of the yarn you are using, and your skill level. There are beginner crochet doily projects here that can be finished 30 minutes, while others can take days.
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That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting doily patterns and lots of other projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each other's questions and share their stitches. Join us!
Patty says
I love this post! I've been intrigued with doilies ever since I was gifted several that my grandmother had made as home decor back in the 1930s and on. Each is a beautifully intricate work of art. This post has inspired me to start making my own.