A doily is a small ornamental mat or table napkin usually made of cotton or linen placed underneath a dish or bowl. Doilies are both practical and decorative. They save wood or glass surfaces from scratching and help to prevent sliding.

Doilies come in all shapes and sizes, square, round, oval or multi-sided. Sizes range from very small to very large. They can be filled or very lacy openwork allowing the table surface to show through. Most are crochet; some are knit. Doilies may have a fabric centre with a lace edge; and some are filet crochet.  There is such a large variety of colours and styles of cotton thread or baby yarn to choose from; or you can stay with basic white and ecru cotton or linen. Most doilies are crocheted in the round (beginning with a small loop and crocheting around it). By joining these motifs together, you can create larger projects.

There are many different Single Doily patterns, Doily pattern books and Filet pattern books to choose from. If you feel very inspired, try a Collection of eight doily books. Each is reproduced in PDF format for instant download.

Filled	Lacy	Linen Centre	Filet Crochet
Round	Oval (ruffled)	Multi-sided	Knit

Join several large or small doilies to create table runners, centerpieces, tablecloths, cushion covers or bedspreads. I was once asked for a pattern to create an oblong tablecloth. Doilies are useful for this style; take a cloth or square doilies runner and add circular doilies around the edges to the correct size.	Tablecloths
Join several large or small doilies to create special pillows or bedspreads.	Bedspreads
Doilies which look like or are decorated with crocheted flowers are always popular.	Flower Doilies
Give dimension to a flat surface. Embossed doilies. Doilies with ruffles.	Embossed Ruffled
Use doilies to line Baskets or Serving dishes. Place between serving dishes to protect and muffle noise.	Servers
Doilies make lovely place settings (large for dinner plate, medium for dessert plate, small for glasses coasters) and centerpiece sets. Use them to wrap silverware.	Place Settings
Doilies are wonderful for wall decor. Use as a matte in a picture frame. Place in a place as a picture.	Pictures
For home decor, place under flower arrangements or candle sticks. Set on coffee and end tables or under glass.	Flowers & Candlesticks
Place on the back and arm rests on chairs. Decorate plain cushions. Decorate quilts and comforters centre or edges.	Chairs & Sofas
Edgings on curtains or other linens.	Curtain Edgings
Small doilies can be transformed into Jewellery (brooches, earrings). Doilies can be sewn together to make easy doll clothes; tops, capes, skirts, doll blankets.	Jewellery
Turn a plain piece of clothing into something very unique and pretty; place on pockets and hankies. Decorate Purses and Tote bags. Attach to collars. Edge a plain dress for ladies or girls.	Clothes Edgings & Pockets
Your gift wrappings and cards can be gifts themselves. Gift box or bag decorations Invitations Wrap flowers Greeting Cards Envelopes	Small Doilies for Gifts & Cards
For the Holidays, place a doily on a Valentine, create Snowflakes.	Holidays