Mandala Doily Pattern
A Mandala Doily is a versatile and vibrant crochet project that can brighten up any space. Mandalas, with their intricate circular designs, symbolize harmony and balance. This beginner-friendly pattern is perfect for exploring colors and textures while creating a stunning decorative piece.
Finished Size
Approximately 10–14 inches in diameter (depending on yarn and hook size).
Materials
- Yarn: #3 lightweight cotton yarn in multiple colors (you can also use leftover yarn scraps).
- Hook: 3.5 mm or 4.0 mm crochet hook.
- Other Supplies: Scissors, yarn needle, blocking pins.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- sc: Single Crochet
- hdc: Half Double Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- tr: Treble Crochet
- sp: Space
- st(s): Stitch(es)
How to Do These Stitches
Half Double Crochet (hdc):
- Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.
Treble Crochet (tr):
- Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the stitch, and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over, pull through the first two loops. Repeat twice more, pulling through two loops each time.
Tips for a Perfect Mandala Doily
- Use contrasting colors to highlight each round of the mandala design.
- Maintain consistent tension for a smooth, symmetrical look.
- Block your doily to ensure it lays flat and displays the design beautifully.
Pattern
Round 1:
- Start with a magic circle.
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 11 dc into the circle.
- Pull the loop tight and join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (12 dc)
Round 2:
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in the same st, ch 1.
- 2 dc in the next st, ch 1. Repeat from * to * around.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (12 clusters with ch-1 spaces)
Round 3:
- Sl st into the first ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), work 2 dc into the same sp.
- Sc in the next ch-1 sp, work 3 dc into the following ch-1 sp. Repeat from * to * around.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3.
Round 4:
- Ch 1, sc in the first st, ch 5.
- Sc in the center of the next cluster, ch 5. Repeat from * to * around.
- Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Round 5:
- Sl st into the first ch-5 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), work 6 dc into the same ch-5 sp.
- Sc in the next ch-5 sp, work 7 dc into the following ch-5 sp. Repeat from * to * around.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3.
Round 6 (Color Change):
- Join a new color in any sc between clusters.
- Ch 1, sc in the same st, ch 7.
- Sc in the next sc between clusters, ch 7. Repeat from * to * around.
- Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Round 7:
- Sl st into the first ch-7 sp, ch 4 (counts as tr), work 9 tr into the same sp.
- Sc in the next ch-7 sp, work 10 tr into the following ch-7 sp. Repeat from * to * around.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-4.
Finishing Touches
- Fasten off and weave in all loose ends.
- Block the doily by pinning it onto a foam board and lightly spraying with water to shape it. Allow it to dry completely for the best results.