My Birthday Doily

I first saw this pattern on Crochet Galore’s website. I’ve made it in both Size 10 Classic thread and Size 3 Cotton”Fashion” thread. I prefer size 3 and I used a size crochet hook size 2 (2.75mm). What I like about this is it’s a great project to take along on a trip because it fits in your purse. It also seems to start a few conversations with strangers as lots of people don’t see someone crocheting a doily very often. I love these doilies and they make great gifts as well!

Size 10 Crochet Thread; Recommended Crochet Hook: 6, 7, 8, B-1 (1.6-2.25 mm)
I used size B (1) 2.25mm for a 12-inch doily

Size 3 Crochet Thread; Recommended Crochet Hook: D-3 or E-4 (3.25mm- 3.5mm)
I used size C (2) 2.75mm for a 14-inch doily

Chain 8, join. Chain 3 (counts as 1st double crochet), 11 double crochet in ring (12 double crochets). Join to top of beginning chain 3.
Chain 3, double crochet in same stitch as join, 2 double crochet in each stitch around (24 double crochets), join in top of beginning chain 3.
Chain 3, double crochet in same stitch as join, *double crochet in next stitch, 2 double crochet in next stitch* around, join to top of beginning chain 3. (36 double crochets)
Chain 6, (counts as 1st double crochet and chain 3) *skip next stitch, double crochet in next stitch, chain 3* around, join to 3rd chain of beginning chain. (18 spaces.)
Slip stitch into space, chain 3, 2 double crochet in same space, *chain 3, 3 double crochet in next space* around, ending with chain 3, join to top of beginning chain 3.
Slip stitch into space, chain 3, 2 double crochet in same space, *chain 3, 3 double crochet in next space* around, ending with chain 3, join to top of beginning chain.
Repeat row 6.
Chain 3, double crochet in each of next 2 double crochet, *4 double crochet in space, double crochet in each of next 3 double crochet * around, join to top of beginning chain 3.
Chain 3, double crochet in next 4 stitches, *2 double crochet in next stitch, double crochet in each of next 5 stitches* around, join to top of beginning chain 3.
Chain 3, double crochet in next stitch and each stitch around to last two stitches, work these together to do a decrease of one stitch, join to top of beginning chain.
Chain 6 (counts as chain 3 and 1 double crochet), *skip 1 stitch, double crochet in next stitch, chain 3* around, join to 3rd chain of beginning chain.
Chain 3, *double crochet in space, double crochet in double crochet* , around, join to top of beginning chain.
Chain 3, [double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet – (shell made)] in same stitch as join, *skip 2 stitches, [2 double crochet 2 chain 2 double crochet (shell)] in next stitch* around, join to top of beginning chain.
Slip stitch to center of shell [chain 3, dc, ch2, 2 dc (shell)] in same space, shell in each shell space around, join.
Slip stitch to center of shell, chain 1, single crochet in same space, *chain 6, single crochet in next shell space* around, join to lst single crochet.
Slip stitch into space, chain 1, 8 single crochets in space and in each space around, join to lst single crochet, fasten off.