DIY Lace Doily
Lace doilies are a classic piece of decor and are often considered family heirlooms because of the time and skill involved in making them. An extensive knowledge of crocheting is necessary to create the intricate lace patterns in a handmade doily, including chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet and triple crochet stitches. A crochet pattern that uses simple lace repeats in the round and several smaller pieces stitched together gives you the freedom to create any sized doily.
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Things You'll Need
- 1.5mm or 2mm crochet hook
- Size 10 crochet cotton thread
- Sewing needle
- Straight pins or blocking wires
- Water
- Towel
- Clothing starch spray
Instructions
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1
Tie a slip knot with the crochet thread, then chain three stitches with your crochet hook. Work seven single crochet stitches into the first chain you made, then join the ends of the round with a slip stitch. This is create a base round with eight stitches.
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2
Chain eight stitches, then slip stitch into the third stitch of the round to connect the chain to the circle. This will leave one stitch between the beginning of the chain and where the end connects. Chain eight again, then skip the next stitch and slip stitch into the following stitch. Continue in this pattern around to the end of the round and slip stitch into the base of the first chain, ending with five chain loops. The piece will resemble a small flower at this point.
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3
Slip stitch into the first two chains of the first loop, then chain eight stitches. Single crochet into the top of the chain loop space, then chain eight stitches. Single crochet into the side of the chain loop space, then chain two stitches and single crochet into the side of the next chain loop space. Repeat the process from the first eight stitch chain, creating two new loops on each of the loops from the second round. After the last loop, chain two stitches and slip stitch into the base of the first loop you made. You will end the round with 10 chain loops.
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4
Work four single crochets, one double crochet and one triple crochet into the next chain eight space. Chain six stitches, then work a triple crochet, a double crochet and four single crochets in the next chain eight space. Work a single crochet into the chain two space, chain eight stitches, then single crochet into the same chain two space. Repeat this step around, ending the round with five tall loops and five smaller loops. Slip stitch back through the last four chain stitches you made to bring yourself to the top of the chain eight loop you just made. Single crochet into the chain space, then chain four stitches.
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5
Work the following stitches into the next chain six space: triple crochet three stitches together, chain four, triple crochet, chain four then triple crochet three together. To triple crochet three together, yarn over twice, insert your hook into the space, yarn over, pull the loop up, then yarn over and pull through two of the loops on your hook twice. With two loops on the hook, yarn over twice and work the stitch again until you have two loops left on the hook, then yarn over twice and work the stitch all the way through like a standard triple crochet.
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6
Chain four, then single crochet into the next chain eight space. Chain four stitches, then repeat steps five and six until you reach the last chain eight space in the round. Slip stitch into the single crochet at the top of the loop. Chain one stitch, then single crochet in each stitch around the edge of the piece. Fasten off your work and weave in the loose ends with a tapestry needle.
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7
Repeat the process five more times to make a total of six pieces. Thread a sewing needle with a larger sized eye with excess crochet cotton. Stitch the pieces together with the larger points of the center each attached to one of the larger points on the other five pieces. Weave in any loose ends with the sewing needle.
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8
Wash the finished piece in clean water, then wring the excess water out by rolling the piece up in a towel and squeezing it very hard. Lay a towel out on a piece of foam or a pillow. Lay the piece out on a towel and stretch it out so that the lace patterns are opened up. Pin the points to the towel, then pin along the edges to hold the lace open while the piece dries. Spray the surface with clothing starch and allow it to dry fully for at least 24 hours to block the lace.
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Tips & Warnings
You can make a larger doily by making more of the base pieces and sewing them on the outside of the six-piece base. Just attach each piece at the points where they touch another piece.
More help with the crochet stitches used in this pattern is available on the Annie's Attic Crochet Information page.
Do not crochet your stitches too tightly, as tight stitches worked this small will be difficult to work into.
References
Resources
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