Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Yarn: Aunt Lydia’s® Fashion Crochet Size 3
- Color: 926 Bridal White
- Quantity: 2 balls (150 yards per ball)
- Hook: Susan Bates Crochet Hook, Size 2.75 mm [US C-2]
- Accessories: Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Measurements:
- Finished Size: Approximately 19½ inches [49.5 cm] in diameter.
- Gauge: Rounds 1–6 = 3½ inches [9 cm] in diameter.
Abbreviations Used (US Terminology):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sk: skip
Stitching Instructions for Making the Aunt Lydia’s Skulduggery Doily Pattern:
Foundation Round:
- Ch 8, then sl st in the first ch to form a ring.
- This forms the center of your doily. Ensure the ring is not too tight to accommodate all the stitches in the next round.
- Round 1:
- Ch 3 (counts as the first dc), then work 23 dc into the ring.
- Slip stitch into the top of the starting chain-3 to secure.
- Total: 24 dc evenly spaced in the ring.
- Tip: Pull the yarn tail to tighten the ring slightly for a neat center.
- Round 2:
- Ch 4 (counts as the first tr and ch-1).
- Work 1 tr into the next dc, ch 1; repeat from * around.
- Sl st into the top of the beginning ch-4 to join.
- Total: 24 tr with 24 ch-1 spaces between them.
- Round 3:
- Sl st into the first ch-1 sp.
- Ch 3 (counts as the first dc), then work 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into the same ch-1 sp.
- This creates the first group of clusters.
- Skip the next tr, then work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the next ch-1 sp; repeat from * around.
- Slip stitch through the top of the first ch-3 to join the round.
- Total: 12 groups of 3-dc clusters separated by ch-2 spaces.
- Round 4:
- Ch 1, sc in the same st as the join, sc in the next 2 dc.
- (Work 1 sc, ch 5, 1 sc) into the next ch-2 sp, sc in the next 3 dc; repeat from * around.
- Sl st into the first sc to join.
- Total: 12 ch-5 loops formed around the doily.
- Round 5:
- Sl st into the first ch-5 loop.
- Ch 3 (this counts as the first dc), then work 2 dc, ch 2, and 3 dc all into the same ch-5 loop.
- This creates the first expanded cluster.
- (Work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the next ch-5 loop; repeat from * around.
- Slip stitch into the top of the initial ch-3 to close the ring.
- Total: 12 expanded clusters.
- Round 6:
- Sl st into the first ch-2 sp.
- Ch 1, work (sc, ch 5, sc) into the same ch-2 sp.
- Ch 5, skip the next 3 dc, sc into the center dc of the next cluster, ch 5, (sc, ch 5, sc) into the next ch-2 sp; repeat from * around.
- Sl st into the first sc to join.
- Total: Alternating ch-5 loops and sc, ch-5, sc groups.
- Round 7:
- Sl st into the first ch-5 loop.
- Ch 3 (counts as the first dc), then work 2 dc, ch 2, and 3 dc all in the same ch-5 loop.
- Ch 5, skip the next ch-5 loop, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the next ch-5 loop; repeat from * around.
- Sl st into the top of the first ch-3 to complete the round.
Continuing the Pattern:
- Repeat similar rounds, gradually increasing the number of ch-5 loops and clusters as needed.
- Ensure the doily lays flat by spacing the stitches evenly and adjusting tension.
Final Rounds:
- Add finishing touches with sc, picots, or decorative stitches along the edges for an elegant border.
- Fasten off and weave in all ends using a yarn needle.
Blocking Instructions
- Soak the finished doily in cool water with mild detergent.
- Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing.
- Pin the doily to a blocking mat, stretching it to the final measurements (19½ inches in diameter).
- Allow it to dry completely for a crisp and polished look.
This guide ensures you craft a flawless Skulduggery Doily. Happy crocheting!
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