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Crochet doilies are a delightful way to add beauty and grace to any room. Often recognized as a labor of love, a delicate, handmade doily is a unique way to create a homey and hospitable atmosphere. In the list below, we’ve included a variety of free crochet doily patterns for both beginning crocheters and advanced crocheters alike. Enjoy!
Intro to Crochet Doilies
Crochet doilies are delicate, decorative pieces that add beauty to a variety of settings. While doilies are often made with crochet thread, many modern patterns are crocheted with heavier weights such as sport, DK, or worsted. Most doily patterns are circular and crocheted in the round, though you will also find a variety of square, rectangular, or oval patterns.
What can you do with a doily?
Doilies are perfect for protecting tables, dressers, or other surfaces by holding plants, dishes, teapots, and home decor. In addition, they can be hung up as wall decorations or stitched together to form a lacy table runner.
Are doilies hard to make?
Crochet doilies come in a variety of difficulty levels, from easy to experienced. However, if you’re just learning to crochet, it may be wise to get a few simpler projects under your belt before beginning on a crochet doily. This is mainly because the lightweight threads and yarns and small hooks used for doilies can be challenging to work with for first-time crocheters.
When you do decide to make your first doily, it’s helpful to look for a pattern that suggests a heavier-weight yarn, such as DK or worsted. In addition, choose a pattern that includes only basic stitches.
Supplies for Crocheting Doilies
To make your crochet doily, you’ll need the following:
- Yarn (or crochet thread)
- Crochet hook
- Blocking tools
- Notions (yarn needle, scissors, etc.)
Recommended Yarn for Doilies
Most doilies utilize lace-weight cotton thread. However, you will find a variety of patterns in the list below that can be made with a heavier-weight, thicker yarn.
If you haven’t used crochet thread before, it may take a little thinking to wrap your mind around the way that thread sizes work. With regular yarns, higher numbers coincide with thicker and heavier yarns. With thread, however, the opposite is true. Higher numbers indicate thinner threads.
Crochet thread is available in sizes 3 to 100, though sizes 3-10 are most common for doilies, with 3 being the thickest (similar to a sport- or fingering-weight yarn).
Common threads used for crochet doilies include:
- Aunt Lydia’s Fashion Crochet Thread Size 3
- Aunt Lydia’s Fashion Crochet Thread Size 5
- Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Size 10
- Knit Picks Curio #10
In the list below, however, you’ll also find thicker yarns used, including:
Recommended Hooks
For crochet thread, steel hooks are recommended (often referred to as thread hooks). Check your pattern to find the recommended size for your thread.
For fingering through worsted-weight yarn, we highly recommend the Amour hook set for making doilies.
27 Free Crochet Doily Patterns
Enjoy these free crochet doily patterns for both beginner and advanced crocheters alike.
Vintage Pink Doily Placemat
This adorable vintage crochet doily is made with sport-weight yarn and, when finished, measures about 13”. A set of these beautiful doily placemats would make the perfect setting for a tea party, baby shower, wedding shower, and more.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Nako Fiore
Blooming Ivy Oval Doily
Grace your tabletop with this beautiful and elegant centerpiece doily. Its ivy-like stitches add dignity and fashion to any table setting.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Madame Tricote Paris Camilla
Aunt Lydia's Boho Nights Doily
Doilies aren’t just for grandmas. This pattern creates a trendy, boho design that will add lightness and flair to any surface. Feature it on a dresser, coffee table, or kitchen island centerpiece.
Yarn weight: Size 10 Thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Coral Lace Doily
This beautiful, flowery pattern brings a pop of color to the room. Made with fingering weight yarn, it’s simple yet delightful for adding a rustic, charming look. When finished, it measures almost 10” in diameter.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4
Aunt Lydia's Mediterranean Surf Doily
Here’s another option for a modern and chic simple crochet doily pattern. This circular design is made with size 3 crochet thread and will take your mind to the sunny ocean beach. It measures approximately 20” in diameter.
Yarn weight: Size 3 Thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Fashion Crochet Thread Size 3
Crochet Floral Doily Coaster
Enjoy a steaming mug of tea with this crochet doily coaster. Its basic stitches make for an easy crochet doily pattern that’s suitable for beginners.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Alize Bella
Little Star Mandala
Have fun creating this delicate, star-shaped doily pattern. Using white yarn, this doily can also be reminiscent of a snowflake. Consider making a collection for your winter or holiday decor!
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: JubileeYarn Cotton Select
Filet Crochet Leaf Centerpiece
Celebrate the seasons with this leafy doily design. This project would make a perfect table centerpiece to hold your latest bouquet. This square pattern is made using the filet crochet technique.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: EL. D. Mouzakis Butterfly Super 10
Crochet Swirly Doily Pattern
This swirly pattern adds a feminine touch to any table, buffet, or countertop. This pattern is best for intermediates. Try out the recommended DK yarn, or use a lighter weight for a smaller, more delicate doily.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: King Cole Cottonsoft DK
Doily Plant Mat
Create a simple, decorative design for holding your plants with this crochet plant mat.
With this flexible pattern, it’s easy to use any yarn and hook size and use up whatever extras you have lying around.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Comfy Worsted
Chunky Crochet Doily Pattern in Two Sizes
This fun and chunky crochet doily pattern is made with worsted-weight yarn and is available in two different size options. The worsted-weight yarn is easier to work with, and the finished project is great for holding plants and other decor.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Diamonds Doily
This pattern uses the filet crochet technique and makes a good crochet doily option for beginners. When finished, it measures about 17” in diameter.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Catona 25 gram
8 Petals Flower Doily
This flower doily is made with worsted-weight yarn and is just adorable! Measuring almost 9” in diameter, it would make an excellent coaster or a simple decoration. The author also includes instructions for making it larger, or for stringing these doilies together to make a beautiful, flowery table runner.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Crochet Star Doily
Use contrasting colors to create the shelled layers on this bright and fun doily pattern. This pattern uses worsted or aran-weight yarn and would be ideal for holding plants.
Yarn weight: Worsted or Aran
Suggested yarn: King Cole Aran
Crochet Square Lace Doily
The square shape of this delicate, lacy doily gives it a unique look. This doily only requires basic crochet stitches, though you’ll also need patience and close attention to detail to create this special vintage design.
Yarn weight: Size 5 Thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Fashion Crochet Thread Size 5
Elegant Crochet Cotton Doily
This stunning design - though elegant - displays a more modern look. Use bright, friendly colors to add cheer to any room with this cotton doily.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: King Cole Cottonsoft DK
Ray of Sunshine - Coaster and Mandala
With this pattern, you can easily make a coaster or continue crocheting to create a mandala. This beautiful, decorative coaster really does add joy and sunshine!
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Catona
Starflower Lace
This doily features tiny, 3D flowers that dance around the outside circle of the doily. This pattern is fairly complex and is best for advanced crafters. When finished, it measures about 14” in diameter.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Catona
Aunt Lydia's Skulduggery Doily
Here’s a spooky pattern that incorporates delicate skulls into its web-like design. This pattern makes a great challenge for experienced crocheters.
Yarn weight: Size 3 Thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Fashion Crochet Thread Size 3
Dreaming of Spring Doilies
Turn your thoughts to breezy spring days with this light, flowery design. Grab your favorite spring colors and enjoy this beautiful lacy pattern.
Yarn weight: Size 10 Thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Pineapple Doily Pattern
This fun, spiral pattern is made with puff stitches to create a unique and beautiful textured doily. Have you ever noticed that afternoon tea just tastes better with a lovely, vintage doily nearby?
Yarn weight: Lace
Suggested yarn: Hobbii Rainbow Lace
Triple Flavor
This colorful doily features coordinating colors for an almost 3D look. If you have extra sport weight yarn in your stash, this pattern would be excellent for using up smaller bits.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania Trend
Moonpetals
There’s so much character to admire in the petals of this soft and graceful doily. Special stitches in this pattern include the puff stitch, picot, and cluster stitch. It measures approximately 11” in diameter.
Yarn weight: Size 10 Thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Aunt Lydia's Wisteria Doily
This whimsical doily would be fun to make for a little girl’s room or for decorating any feminine space. Its delicate design is best for experienced crocheters.
Yarn weight: Size 10 Thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Sweetheart Soiree
Share the love with this textured doily that’s full of beautiful crochet hearts. The outside edge features a contrast color for an elegant, finished look.
Yarn weight: Size 10 Thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Mable
This intermediate-level pattern turns out beautifully whether made with a single color or many different colors. Check out the lovely sample images provided for some color inspiration! A free, step-by-step video tutorial is available for this pattern.
Yarn weight: Size 10 Thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Table Topper in 3D
Impress your guests with this stunning 3D table decoration. Made with size 10 crochet thread, this pattern measures approximately 13” in diameter when finished.
Yarn weight: Size 10 Thread
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Tips for Crocheting Doilies
Check out these tips for crocheting your first doily.
Read the pattern notes.
Before getting started on your doily, it’s important to make sure that you understand all of the stitches and abbreviations included in your pattern. If anything looks unfamiliar, take some time to research and practice before beginning, or choose another pattern.
Start with thicker yarn.
If you’re just venturing into the world of doilies, you’ll likely find it easiest to work with a regular yarn, such as sport, DK, or worsted weight, rather than crochet thread. Look for a pattern that suggests one of these yarn choices. Alternatively, you can swap out a suggested crochet thread for regular yarn, but keep in mind that your finished doily will be larger than the indicated size.
Choose a pattern with pictures and/or a video tutorial.
For beginners, finding a pattern that includes a video tutorial or at least plenty of pictures can be extremely helpful.
Use stitch markers
Doilies are generally worked in the round and require plenty of precise stitches. Make it easier on yourself, and make use of your stitch markers!
Block your doily
You’ve worked so hard on your doily! For best results, make time for the final step of blocking your doily to help it keep its beautiful shape. There are multiple blocking methods, but this technique generally involves dampening, pinning, and then letting your doily dry in its shape.
Explore More Free Crochet Patterns
Here are some other articles that you may be interested in if you like to crochet.
- 27 Free Crochet Patterns to Make with Bernat Blanket Yarn
- 27 Free Tunisian Crochet Patterns (Beginner-friendly!)
- 25 Crochet Headbands and Ear Warmer Patterns
- Easy Double Thick Crochet Potholder – Free Pattern
- Reusable Cotton Crochet Face Scrubbies – Free Pattern
- Easy Crochet Can Cozy – Free Pattern
- 30 Free Crochet Coaster Patterns
- 25 Free Crochet Potholder Patterns
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Sarah Stearns has helped thousands of makers find their next craft project with free patterns and step-by-step tutorials on her blog, sarahmaker.com. Read more.
With over a decade of experience in knitting and crochet, she has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times, Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, Apartment Therapy, and Lifehacker.