by Beth Mckinney

Created on: March 08, 2009

Doilies are elegant, traditional and simple. Though they may seem old-fashioned, useless or difficult, they make a wonderful crochet project. Many doily patterns are relatively simple, though working with thread crochet does take some concentration. Further, they can make great gifts if shaped as coasters or place mats, and can be a meaningful contribution to a special celebration when created as the base of centerpieces or other table decorations. Finally, while doilies may seem great-grandmotherly, a sense of tradition has its place, and doilies continue to enhance many contemporary homes, restaurants and galleries.

Here is a very simple pattern that will fit nicely under a Glade 2in1 candle or other similar votive holders:

Materials: 1 size-10 ball of Cebelia Crochet Cotton (1.75 oz/50 grams), white or other color to match.
Steel Crochet Hook #4

Begin by chaining 9 foundation stitches. Join to form a ring.
Round 1: ch 3 (counts as dc); work 23 dc in ring; sl st in 3rd ch of first dc.
Round 2: ch 1 * 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 3 sc in next st, repeat from * around.
Round 3: 1 sc in back loop only of each of next 5 st. * Work 2 sc in back loops of next st; sc in back loops of next 4 sc; repeat from * around.
Round 4: ch 6; skip 2 sts, dc in next st, *ch 3, skip 1 st, dc in next st, repeat from * all around, ch 3, join in 3rd st of ch 6.
Round 5: ch 10, 1 dc in next dc, *ch 4, 1 dc in next dc, repeat from * all round, ch 4, join in 4th st of of ch 10.
Round 6: ch 3, 6 dc in ch 3 loop; * dc in dc, 6 dc in ch 3 loop * repeat from * across; join with sl st to 3rd ch of first ch 3.
Round 7: ch 6, skip 2 sts, dc in next st * ch 3, skip 2 sts, dc in next st, repeat from * all around, ch 3, join in 3rd st of ch 6.
Round 8: ch 7, skip 2 st, dc in next dc, * ch 4, skip 2 sts, dc in next dc, repeat from * around
Round 9: ch 8, dc in next dc, *ch 5, skip 2 sts, dc in next dc, repeat from * around.
Round 10: ch 3, *8 dc in ch 5 loop, dc in next dc; ch 3, sl st in 3rd chain from hook to make picot; dc in same dc; repeat from * around.

To finish, place on wax paper and spray with fabric stiffener. Allow to dry; repeat on the other side.

A larger, but still relatively simple, doily pattern can be found at:

http://www.crochetpatty.com/patterns/thread/Aries .html

A more complicated but beautiful doily pattern can be found at http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/misc16.html. This was designed as a crochet-a-long.

The Germans from Russia Heritage Collection has published a lovely poinsettia doily pattern that would make a nice Christmas placemat. http://library.ndsu.edu/grhc/history_culture/textile /olgastolz.html

Since doilies are a traditional craft, many vintage patterns are still useful and beautiful. Therefore, garage sales, used book stores and freecycling clubs can be excellent sources of doily patterns as well. After completing several projects with patterns, most crafters can begin to design their own doilies. In this way, today's crocheters can add their own vision to a beautiful continuing tradition.

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