This pattern creates a circular, lacy doily with a star-shaped design featuring prominent petals. The pattern uses a combination of basic crochet stitches and cluster stitches. The provided excerpt gives detailed, round-by-round instructions, but it relies heavily on an accompanying diagram (which is not included in the text).
Skill Level: Due to the intricate stitch patterns, the reliance on a diagram, and the fine yarn/hook, this pattern is best suited for an intermediate to advanced crocheter. The skills involved are:
- Chain (ch)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Single crochet (sc) – The pattern does not state the terminology but the use of “dc” for double crochet and working in US terms with the provided hook and yarn, it is US terminology.
- Double crochet (dc) – US terminology.
- Treble crochet (tr) – Used only once, at the end of round 26.
- Cluster stitches (2-dc cluster and 4-dc cluster) – Specific instructions are referenced, but a general understanding of cluster stitches is helpful.
- Working in the round
- Joining rounds with a slip stitch
- Following a diagram (essential, as the written instructions frequently refer to it)
- Skipping stitches
- Working into chain spaces
- Creating “shells” (combinations of dc and ch)
- Forming a ring.
Sizing: Finished diameter: 20 1/2 inches.
Materials:
- Yarn: Mercerized (or pearl) crochet cotton size 5, white, about 400 yards. This is a very fine, thread-like yarn.
- Hook: Steel crochet hook US size 2 (2 mm) – This is a very small hook, appropriate for fine thread.
Gauge: First 3 rounds measure 2 3/4 inches in diameter.
Crochet Doily Diagram
Construction:
- Center Ring: The doily begins with a chain-8 ring.
- Rounds 1-7: These rounds establish the center of the doily and involve working single crochet, double crochet, and cluster stitches, following the diagram.
- Rounds 8-23: These rounds form the “petal star” design. They involve alternating “shells” (combinations of double crochet and chain spaces) and 2-dc clusters, following the diagram. Some rounds require slip stitching across several stitches to begin the next round in the correct position.
- Rounds 24-27: These rounds continue the pattern, with some rounds using a technique of replacing the last few chains with a double crochet or treble crochet to position the yarn for the next round. Round 25 involves working double crochet groups over two chain-5 loops simultaneously to form the tip of each star point. The final round ends with a slip stitch, and the yarn is fastened off.
Key Features:
- Star-Shaped Design: The doily features a prominent star shape with defined petals.
- Lacy Texture: The combination of stitches and chain spaces creates a delicate, openwork fabric.
- Fine Yarn and Hook: Uses size 5 crochet cotton and a 2mm hook, resulting in a fine, intricate piece.
- Diagram-Dependent: The written instructions frequently refer to a diagram (not included), making the diagram essential for following the pattern.
- US Terminology: Likely uses US crochet terms.
- Intricate pattern.