A Beautiful Project That Teaches You New Stitches
You've seen mandala doilies on Pinterest - those round, lacy pieces that look like they belong in a castle. They seem too complicated for a beginner, right? But here's the secret: every fancy doily is built one simple row at a time. This pattern uses chains, double crochets, clusters, popcorns, and picots. If you know the basics, you can handle this.
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What You'll Make
A 6-inch (about 15 cm) mandala doily with 12 repeating petals. Perfect as a coaster, a small table accent, or a gift.
Before You Start: Quick Term Reminder (US terms)
- ch = chain stitch
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- 2-dc cl = 2-double crochet cluster (two unfinished double crochets together)
- 3-dc cl = 3-double crochet cluster (three unfinished double crochets together)
- 5-dc popcorn = 5 double crochets in same stitch, then pull loop through first dc
- picot = chain 3, slip stitch into first chain
- BLO sc = back loop only single crochet
- FLO sc = front loop only single crochet
Rnd 1
Make a magic ring. (3-dc cluster, ch 3) repeat 6 times. Join with sl st to top of first cluster.
Rnd 2
In any ch-3 space from Rnd 1: (2-dc cluster, ch 2, work 2 unfinished dc in same space, then 2 unfinished dc in next ch-3 space, yo and pull through all 4 loops - joined cluster, ch 2) repeat 6 times. Join.
Rnd 3
In any ch-2 space from Rnd 2: (2-dc cluster, ch 2, 2-dc cluster, ch 1) repeat in each ch-2 space around (12 repeats). Join.
Rnd 4
In each ch-2 space from Rnd 3: work 6 dc. (12 groups of 6 dc). Join.
➡️ You've laid the foundation. Now comes the fun part - popcorns, petals, and surprises. Keep going to see this doily come alive!
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