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Crochet doily patterns are often made with crochet thread, but modern patterns use heavier weights like super fine, sport, DK, and worsted weight yarns. Typically, they are made in a circular shape, but nowadays you can find them in other shapes as well.
The idea of crochet doilies might make you think of your grandmother’s house, but modern versions of this classic design are a lot of fun to stitch.
What is a Doily?
A doily is a small mat commonly used as a decoration to enhance the centerpiece of the table, and as protection for the furniture finish from heavy bowls or vases. They can also be used on the backs or arms of chairs or sofas for an added bit of decor.
They can be made of paper or fabric, knit, or crocheted. A doily is characterized by its openwork look and is closely associated with Victorian-era décor.
Where Can I Use Crochet Doilies?
Crochet doilies aren’t just ornamental pieces, they have multiple uses as well:
- Protection for your furniture: Doilies have a practical role in protecting wooden furniture from scratches. As for chairs, they function as an antimacassar or protection from grease and dirt.
- Support for floral arrangements: In Victorian Era tradition, doilies were used to bind the stems together in a floral arrangement. They also acted as an enhancement to the beauty of the flowers, by being their backdrop.
- They are used in food service and etiquette: Doilies have a prominent role in the custom of finger bowls. The linen or crochet doily (never the paper version) separates the dessert plate from the finger bowl.
Doilies are the perfect delicate touch for your home.
Are Crochet Doilies Hard to Make?
Crochet doily patterns come in all difficulty levels, from easy to expert level. But if you are just starting out with crochet, try out a few simpler projects before starting with crochet doilies. This is because working with lighter-weight threads and smaller-sized hooks may be too challenging for people just starting their crochet journey.
If you are a beginner who wants to work on crochet doilies, it’s better if you start with the heavier-weight patterns we’ve listed here, as they’re a little easier to work with and to see your stitches. Anything made with a (3) DK weight or (4) worsted weight yarn is going to be easier for those new to crochet than projects worked with lighter weight yarn or thread.
How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Doily?
Crochet doilies typically take about 12 to 16 hours to crochet, depending on the pattern difficulty, size, and of course how quickly you can crochet. This is due to how detailed the design can be.
Often you are working with different stitches from round to round, which makes it a little more complicated and time-consuming than other small projects.
Is There a Difference Between a Crochet Doily and a Crochet Mandala?
Differentiating between mandalas and doilies may be confusing for people starting out, especially since there are doilies with a mandala look to them. The main difference is that doilies are characterized by a lacy openwork design while mandalas typically have a more solid fabric when they are completed.
The purpose of the two is different as well, doilies are primarily small and are placed on furniture and as decoration. Mandalas are typically made in bigger sizes and are meant to be wall hangings and viewed vertically.
As mandalas and doilies increase in popularity there is a bit of blurring between the two genres. There are doilies used as wall decorations, and there are mandalas placed on tables and other furniture pieces. So don’t get hung up on vocabulary!
Should You Block Doilies?
For best results, it is worth it to block your doilies so that the lace stitching opens up. It also makes the stitches a little smoother and more even, which is helpful if you plan to place something on top of your doily.
There are several different blocking methods but you either dampen the doily and then pin it to shape and let it dry, or you pin it to shape and spray with water or let the steam go through the fibers and then let it dry.
If desired you can also stiffen doilies with starch.
Can You Make Crochet Doilies with Chunkier Weight Yarns?
We’ve included some free crochet doily patterns below that use heavier-weight yarn than the traditional thread used to make doilies, but it’s not common to find doily patterns that call for worsted yarn or anything heavier.
While you can make a pattern designed for lighter yarn in a heavier yarn, it will come out much bigger and you won’t always be able to see all the intricate patterning on heavier yarn.
What Stitches Are Used in Crochet Doily Patterns?
The open spaces found in doily patterns are usually made with chains and skipped stitches from the round below. All sorts of stitches can be used in crochet doily patterns, so it’s helpful to have a grounding in all the basic crochet stitches, including single crochet, half double crochet, and treble crochet.
Lots of more complicated stitches are built on these basics. You can see how simple stitches are built on and changed to make a bunch of different stitches in our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library! This collection includes 45 stitch patterns you can use on your own doily designs and other projects.
Materials and Supplies You Need to Make Crochet Doilies
Best Yarns for Crochet Doilies
Most traditional doilies use very fine crochet cotton thread, though heavier yarns are used in some projects as well.
When crochet threads are classified by weight, the higher the number, the thinner the thread. This is the opposite of the classification system for heavier-weight yarns, where a higher number indicates a thicker yarn.
Crochet thread sizes are available from 3 to 100, but for doilies, the common sizes used are in the 3 to 10 range.
Common yarn used for crochet doilies include:
Crochet Thread
(1) Super fine
(2) Sport
(3) DK
(4) Worsted
Crochet Hook
Since crochet doilies are often worked with crochet thread, a smaller hook is needed than the normal set you might already own.
Steel crochet hooks are typically used for crocheting with thread. You can buy just the size you need for your project (consult the pattern to determine the size you need) or if you love making doilies and other projects using thread you can buy a whole set like the Amour Steel Crochet Hooks Set.
For projects worked on heavier yarn, you can use your standard-sized crochet hooks.
Other Tools and Notions
A good pair of sharp scissors is important for cleanly cutting your thread or yarn when your project is done or when you need to change colors. A tapestry needle is helpful for weaving in ends, but when working with crochet thread you will need one with a relatively small eye.
Stitch markers are super helpful when crocheting doilies or other projects worked in the round. They can help ensure you end the round where you are supposed to, or you can use them to mark off sections where the pattern repeats to make sure you are on track.
As mentioned above you may also want to invest in some tools for blocking your projects. Blocking mats are helpful because you can pin right into them when you have your project the desired shape.
Free Crochet Doily Patterns
Add an eye-catching piece to your home with these crochet doilies free patterns. Crochet doilies make great projects if you are looking for a bit of a challenge. The best thing about them is that there is an unlimited range of adorable patterns and lovely designs to choose from!
Modern Heavier Yarn Weight Doilies
Tackling crochet doilies as a beginner can be a big challenge, but if you’d like to try a doily and aren’t confident working with crochet thread, these projects use super fine to worsted weight yarn to make the project a little easier.
Doily Plant Mat
Designer: Rows and Roses
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Worsted
Simple yet eye-catching, this flexible crochet doily pattern can be made with any yarn weight and any hook size, so even if you use whatever extra yarn you have lying around, you’ll still be able to make a doily to emphasize the beauty of your plants.
Crochet Star Doily Pattern
Designer: Crochet ‘n’ Create
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Muse Hand Painted Aran
You can make this pretty doily in a solid color or mix it up by changing colors every round. Finished with a flurry of shells, the crochet star doily pattern has many uses.
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Asti Doily
Designer: Tayu Purnamasari, via KnitterKnotter
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
Asti means gem in Sanskrit and in Indonesian it means small or beautiful. Asti is the perfect way to describe the beauty of this doily. The style is similar to a mandala but it is small and can be used in place of a more traditional doily. This is a great project for using scraps as you can make each round a different color if you like.
Crochet Swirly Doily Pattern
Designer: Crochet ‘n’ Create
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
Who says simple designs aren’t eye-catching? The crochet swirly doily pattern is simple yet attractive. This delicate crochet doily will bring a sweet pop of color to your table or your home.
Elegant Crochet Cotton Doily
Designer: Crochet ‘n’ Create
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
Who says that you need cotton threads to showcase open work? Heavier-weight yarns work as well! Grab some DK weight yarn and create this beautiful crochet doily.
Picot Peaks Crochet Doily
Designer: Crochet ‘n’ Create
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
Regardless of if you use multiple colors or a solid color yarn, you’ll be able to create this beautiful picot peaks crochet doily. It’s the perfect project if you want to level up your doily-making skills.
Crochet Table Centre Doily Pattern
Designer: Crochet ‘n’ Create
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
Display it at the center of your table or hang it up as wall art, either way, this crochet doily will be turning heads. It mostly uses shell stitches and double crochet variations so it’s not that difficult to stitch.
Little Star Mandala
Designer: Lost in Crochet
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Oh Baby
Have fun making this star-shaped doily pattern. Reminiscent of a snowflake, it will be a great addition to your winter home décor.
Diamonds Doily Easy Crochet Doily Pattern
Designer: Made by Gootie
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Oh Baby
If you are looking for an easy geometric-themed crochet doily pattern, then this one is for you. Learn how to do the crochet filet technique to create the unique floral design you see in the pattern. This pattern is great for beginners and advanced crocheters alike!
Daisily Doily
Designer: Baiti Jannat
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Oh Baby
Bring some springtime color into your home with the Daisily Doily crochet pattern. With a daisy at the center, this doily is a lot of fun to make and perfect for decorating the table during springtime celebrations.
Ray of Sunshine Coaster and Mandala Doily
Designer: Camilla Baroe
Yarn weight: (1) Fingering
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Catona
Ray of sunshine is the perfect way to describe this sunshiny crochet doily! Feel the warmth of the outside inside your home with this pretty pattern.
Mini Cluster Doily
Designer: Atelier Mati
Yarn weight: (1) Fingering
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Sock-Ease
Who says a doily has to take a long time to stitch? This mini cluster doily creates a partly floral and partly geometric design that works up quickly, so you can finish it up within the day.
Frozen Lotus
Designer: Johanna Lindahl
Yarn weight: (1) Fingering
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Catona
This is one of the most beautifully detailed patterns we have on the list. The frozen lotus doily has multiple color changes with a broad range of special crochet stitches including the popcorn stitch, front and back post stitches, picot, and cluster stitches. Every new row will be a fun adventure. Better yet you can make it in many different sizes, it just depends on what yarn you use.
Classic Crochet Thread Doilies
When people think of crochet doilies, they think of delicate details in projects made with thin crochet threads. If you are up for the challenge, we’ve compiled some of the most eye-catching, lovely doilies made with crochet threads for you to choose from.
Aunt Lydia’s Skulduggery Doily
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Size 3 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Fashion Crochet Thread Size 3
Doilies aren’t just limited to classic Victorian-esque designs. The Skulduggery doily has something spooky hiding craftily in the intricate design. It’s a playful twist to your home décor. An ornamental mat you can display to bring more Halloween spirit to your home, or use it in your ofrenda for Dia de los Muretos
Mediterranean Surf Doily
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Size 3 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Fashion Crochet Thread Size 3
The circular design and Mediterranean feel of this doily is a modern and chic twist on your typical crochet doily. Choose a shade of blue or blue-green and let your mind wander to the sunny ocean beaches as you crochet this stunning doily.
Gantari
Designer: Ada Indonesia
Yarn weight: Size 5 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Petra Cotton Thread Size 5
Illuminate your home with the Gantari crochet doily pattern. The meaning of Gantari in the Indonesian language is illuminated. This pattern was inspired by candlelight and hope for the new year, though it will be a lovely addition to your decor year-round.
Kusuma
Designer: Ada Indonesia
Yarn weight: Size 5 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Petra Cotton Thread Size 5
A doily pattern features a stunning floral design. Blooming like a flower, the Kusuma doily lives up to its name, which means flower. The pattern consists of 32 rounds, allowing the full detail and intricacy of the pattern to pop out.
Boho Nights Doily
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Simple yet trendy, the boho design adds a more modern look to your doily project. Display it on a dresser, coffee table, or wall, and showcase your personality in your home décor.
Moonpetals
Designer: Draiguna
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Get hooked on this pretty, openwork crochet doily. The intricate lace work will keep you happily crocheting for hours. This pattern features puff stitch, picot, and cluster stitches to create the lovely eye-catching design you see.
Wispweave
Designer: Draiguna
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Having a hard time deciding between a solid and a multicolor project? Why not have a solid base and use a different color for the edging? With an accent color as the last round, it elevates the color and details of the center.
Dawnglow
Designer: Draiguna
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Doilies that are this stunning and intricate may be a little intimidating, but don’t worry! This pattern features a photo tutorial to help you through every step of the way. With this, you’ll not only hone your skills but have an amazingly beautiful crochet doily for your home.
Hearts Desire Doily
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Change the size of this sweet doily by simply switching the weight of thread on this beautiful project. This simple heart doily is a gorgeous starter project for crocheters looking into making doilies for their home.
Dreaming of Spring Doilies
Designer: Lacy Crochet
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
We love floral crochet doily motifs because there is such lovely symmetry and balance in these sorts of patterns. This project includes a video tutorial if you need more help working through the pattern.
Mandala Doily
Designer: Cristina Mershon, via Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
The mandala doily proves that you can have doilies that have the same fun colors and stitch combinations as mandalas. Create a focal point for your home and inspire the space with the colors you choose.
Aunt Lydia’s Coventry Doily
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Interesting stitch patterns combine with beautiful color combinations in this fun openwork doily. The Coventry doily will bring charm and personality to your furniture.
Table Topper in 3D
Designer: Cindi Edwards, via Mary’s Crochet Facebook page
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
This beautiful table topper doily will keep you staring at it for days. The 3D design is a unique feature that isn’t that common in doily patterns. Add this to your homemade home decoration collection!
Aunt Lydia’s Scalloped Round Doily
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Add soft sophistication to your interior setting with this lovely and delicate crochet doily. The simple lines result in clean finishes with a lacy scallop you’ll adore. Display it in your bedroom, bathroom or living room, add it to any part of your home that’s looking for that homey yet elegant touch.
Square Lace Doily
Designer: Handmade by Raine
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Doilies can be made in shapes other than circles and ovals. The square lace doily is a simple and repetitive pattern, which is perfect for beginners!
Aunt Lydia’s Fairfax Doily
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
The Fairfax doily features a delicate design that will showcase your crochet skills. Elegant and eye-catchin,g you’ll definitely love pouring your time in making this beautiful crochet doily.
Tesla Doily
Designer: Viktoriia Gul, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
The Tesla Doily is a beautiful and simple circular doily that can build up quickly. You can make it in solid colors or change the color at the end of every round. Either way it won’t take away the beauty in the design.
Sweetheart Soiree
Designer: Draiguna
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Add some flair to your tabletops with the textured design of the Sweetheart Soiree doily. This pattern has sweet details of hearts in it, even in the petals portion of the design. The pattern has detailed instructions and a full photo tutorial to help you through the process.
Wispweave Rectangle Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Draiguna
Yarn weight: Size 10 Thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
The Wispweave Rectangle doily is a small doily that can be used not just as table protector for decorative centerpieces, but as coaster as well. Pair these smaller ones with the round version above for a full set of beautiful doilies for all purposes.
Sunmote
Designer: Draiguna
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
The Sunmote doily is small but beautifully detailed. Bring a lacy and romantic feel to your home by adding this fun doily to your home decoration. You can also use these as coasters.
Irish Doily
Designer: Handmade by Raine
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
If you are looking for a beautiful lacy doily pattern with more of an openwork look, then the Irish Doily is for you! To make sure that you keep that beautiful shape you can stretch it out, pin it to a blocking mat, and spray it with starch to give it some extra strength.
Milli
Designer: Zoya Matyushenko, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
The Milli doily features a mesmerizing, intricate design that will surely add a refined feel to your home. Place these doilies on your table tops, on your vanity, or your chair and they will surely be the center of attention.
Crochet Daisy Doily Free Pattern
Designer: Handmade by Raine
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
If you love daisies and want more than just a daisy in the center, this free doily crochet pattern is for you! The Crochet Daisy Doily features intricate lace work that both shapes and defines the daisy without being too literal.
Agnes Doily
Designer: Zoya Matyushenko, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
To decorate your home or give as a gift, the Agnes doily pattern will make a lasting impact to the interior of any home. No matter what color you choose, the intricacy of the details will still shine through.
Crochet Pineapple Doily Pattern
Designer: Craft Passion
Yarn weight: Size 20 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: DMC Cebelia Size 20
Fun spirals and stitches create a unique and beautifully textured doily with the Crochet Pineapple Doily pattern! Enjoy your afternoon tea more with a beautiful and delicate doily on your tabletop.
Aunt Lydia’s Vanessa Tray Doily
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Size 20 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: DMC Cebelia Size 20
Add a touch of refinement with this lace doily tray insert. It is made with a join-as-you-go manner which means less sewing and fewer ends to weave in, and who doesn’t love that?
Affinity Doily
Designer: Kathryn White, via Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Size 30 crochet thread
Suggested yarn: DMC Cebelia Size 30
We’ve seen a lot of free crochet doily patterns vintage in design but nothing else stands out like this one. The Affinity doily is a showpiece that will bring refinement and elegance to your space. Featuring delicate lace work it will look attractive on any dresser, table, or sofa.
Are You a New Crocheter Who Needs Extra Help?
If you take a look at these crochet doily patterns you will see that you’re just doing one little step or stitch at a time and they aren’t that intimidating.
But if you need a little more confidence and skill before you tackle these projects, our Crochet Fundamentals course is just for you.
These video tutorials cover basic stitches, increases and decreases, finishing techniques and so much more that will help you make projects that look as good as the ones you see online.
