The Sunburst Lace Doily: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Radiant, Textured Heirloom
Introduction: Capture the Warmth of Summer with the Sunburst Lace Doily
There's something truly magical about transforming a simple strand of cotton into a piece of heirloom art. The Sunburst Lace Doily is designed to do just that—capturing the radiant warmth of a summer sun with its layered, textured petals and open, airy lacework. This pattern is a stunning centerpiece for any table, blending classic shell stitches with a modern, geometric center to create a piece that feels both timeless and fresh.
Whether you're an experienced crocheter looking for a rewarding project or a confident beginner ready to expand your skills, this doily is a joy to make. The concentric rings of shells grow outward like sunbeams, and the delicate picot edge adds a final touch of elegance. By the end of this guide, you'll have a beautiful, handmade heirloom that you'll be proud to display or gift.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials. Using the exact specifications will ensure your doily matches the intended size and drape.
- Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (DK weight, 100% mercerized cotton) in 'Ecru' (approx. 200 yards). This yarn provides excellent stitch definition and a subtle sheen.
- Hook: US Size 7 (1.5 mm) steel crochet hook. A steel hook is essential for working with fine cotton thread/yarn and achieving the tight, even tension required for lace.
- Notions: Stitch markers (at least one), yarn needle for weaving in ends, blocking pins and a blocking mat (optional but highly recommended for best results).
Gauge: First 5 rounds = 2 inches in diameter. Achieving this gauge is important for the final size and drape. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Important Notes: This pattern is worked in continuous rounds. Do not join at the end of rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of the round. Move the marker up as you complete each round.
Abbreviations:
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble crochet
- dtr = double treble crochet
- shell = (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same stitch
- picot = ch 3, sl st in top of last stitch
Getting Started: The Center
Round 1: Ch 6, join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc), work 11 dc into the ring. (12 dc total). Place a stitch marker in the top of the beginning ch-3.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in same stitch (this is an increase). 2 dc in each dc around. (24 dc). Move marker to top of beginning ch-3.
Building the Lace Pattern
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc. *Ch 5, skip 1 dc, sc in next dc.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 5, sl st to first sc. (12 ch-5 spaces).
Round 4: Sl st into first ch-5 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same space (this is your first shell). *Shell in next ch-5 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (12 shells).
Expanding the Sunburst
Round 5: Sl st to next ch-2 space (the center of the first shell). Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same space. *Ch 1, shell in next shell's ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 1, sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Round 6: Sl st to next ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same space. *Ch 2, shell in next shell's ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 2, sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Round 7: Sl st to next ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same space. *Ch 3, shell in next shell's ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 3, sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Round 8: Sl st to next ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same space. *Ch 4, shell in next shell's ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 4, sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Round 9: Sl st to next ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same space. *Ch 5, shell in next shell's ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 5, sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Round 10: Sl st to next ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same space. *Ch 6, shell in next shell's ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 6, sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Round 11: Sl st to next ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same space. *Ch 7, shell in next shell's ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 7, sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Round 12: Sl st to next ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same space. *Ch 8, shell in next shell's ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 8, sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Creating the Scalloped Edge
Round 13: Sl st to next ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in same space. *Ch 9, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next shell's ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 9, sl st to first sc.
Round 14: Sl st into first ch-3 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in same space. *Ch 10, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-3 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 10, sl st to first sc.
Round 15: Sl st into first ch-3 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in same space. *Ch 11, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-3 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 11, sl st to first sc.
Finishing with Picots
Round 16: Sl st into first ch-3 space. Ch 1, (sc, picot, sc) in same space. *Ch 12, (sc, picot, sc) in next ch-3 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with ch 12, sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.
Blocking for Perfection
To achieve the beautiful, flat, and open lace look shown in the photos, blocking is essential. Soak your doily in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap for 15-20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay the doily flat on a blocking mat, pinning out each scallop and picot point to create a perfect circle. Allow to dry completely before removing pins. This step will open up the stitches and give your doily its final, radiant shape.
Enjoy your stunning Sunburst Lace Doily—a true heirloom piece made with your own hands!
