Classic Circle Doily Pattern

This beginner-friendly crochet doily pattern uses simple stitches to create an elegant circular design. Ideal for decorating tables, shelves, or even framing as wall art, this doily is a wonderful project to help you master working in the round.

Finished Size

Classic Circle Doily Pattern

Approximately 10 inches in diameter (size may vary depending on yarn and hook).

Materials

Yarn: Lightweight cotton yarn (#2 fine or #3 light recommended).
Hook: 3.0 mm or 3.5 mm crochet hook.
Other Supplies: Scissors, yarn needle, stitch markers (optional for tracking rounds).

Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch: Chain
sl st: Slip Stitch
sc: Single Crochet
dc: Double Crochet
st(s): Stitch(es)
sp: Space

How to Do These Stitches

Chain (ch):

Create a slipknot on your hook.
Yarn over and pull the loop through the hook.
Repeat to create as many chains as needed.

Common Mistake:
Chains that are too tight will make the foundation stiff. Keep your tension loose and consistent.

Slip Stitch (sl st):

Insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated.
Yarn over and pull the loop through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.

Common Mistake:
Accidentally skipping the slip stitch step when joining rounds can leave gaps in your work. Double-check that each round is joined securely.

Single Crochet (sc):

Insert your hook into the stitch.
Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook).
Yarn over and pull through both loops.

Common Mistake:
Inconsistent stitch size. Practice even tension for uniform stitches.

Double Crochet (dc):

Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, and pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook).
Yarn over and pull through the first two loops (2 loops remaining).
Yarn over and pull through the last two loops.

Common Mistake:
Skipping the yarn-over step before inserting your hook can cause missing stitches.

Pain Points to Avoid While Making the Doily

Maintaining a Consistent Tension:
Uneven tension can make your doily ripple or curl. Check your stitches periodically and adjust tension if needed.
Stitch Counting:
Ensure you’re counting stitches in each round, especially for increases. A missing or extra stitch will affect the shape.
Joining Rounds Properly:
Always join rounds with a slip stitch at the top of the first chain or stitch. Skipping this step can leave gaps.
Blocking the Finished Doily:
A doily may look uneven when finished. Blocking (wetting and shaping) is crucial to highlight its design and ensure it lies flat.

Pattern

Round 1:

Start with a magic circle.

Ch 3 (counts as the first dc), work 11 dc into the magic circle.
Tighten the circle and join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (12 dc)

Round 2:

Ch 3, dc in the same st (increase).
Work 2 dc in each st around.
Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (24 dc)

Round 3:

Ch 3, dc in the same st, dc in the next st.
2 dc in the next st, dc in the next st. Repeat from * to * around.
Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (36 dc)

Round 4:

Ch 3, dc in the same st, dc in the next 2 sts.
2 dc in the next st, dc in the next 2 sts. Repeat from * to * around.
Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (48 dc)

Round 5:

Ch 3, dc in the same st, dc in the next 3 sts.
2 dc in the next st, dc in the next 3 sts. Repeat from * to * around.
Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (60 dc)

Round 6 (Add Openwork):

Ch 1, sc in the same st, ch 5, skip 2 sts.
Sc in the next st, ch 5, skip 2 sts. Repeat from * to * around.
Join with a sl st to the first sc. (20 ch-5 loops)

Round 7:

Sl st into the first ch-5 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), work 7 dc into the same ch-5 sp.
8 dc in the next ch-5 sp. Repeat from * to * around.
Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (160 dc)

Round 8 (Final Edging):

Ch 1, sc in the same st, ch 3, skip 1 st.
Sc in the next st, ch 3, skip 1 st. Repeat from * to * around.
Join with a sl st to the first sc. (80 ch-3 loops)

Finishing

Fasten off and weave in ends using a yarn needle.
Block the doily to shape it and highlight the pattern.

Optional Tassels or Fringe

For a modern twist, add tassels or fringe around the edges:

Cut yarn into equal lengths (about 4 inches).
Fold a piece of yarn in half, insert the folded end through one of the outer loops, and pull the tails through the fold to secure.
Repeat this around the edge to add a fringe effect.