Whether you’re looking to escape into a rhythmic afternoon of stitching or simply want to add a touch of coastal elegance to your home, this project is a beautiful way to slow down. I found this guide and adapted it to be more approachable, focusing on how the textures feel under your hands as the waves of the pattern begin to take shape.
Pattern Overview
This doily consists of 16 rounds. While it is an intermediate project, many of the rounds repeat previous concepts, making it easier to find your rhythm as you progress.
Pro-Tip: The “Fudge” Factor
In crochet, consistency is often more important than perfection. If you find a section of the pattern confusing, choose a method that looks good to you and stick with it throughout the round. As long as you are consistent, the finished piece will look intentional and professional.
Round-by-Round Guide
The Foundation
Start by creating a slip knot and chaining 8. Slip stitch into the very first chain to create a center ring.
Round 1: The Core
- Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet).
- Work 23 double crochets into the center ring.
- Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain. (Total: 24 stitches).
Round 2: Adding Air
- Chain 4 (counts as a double crochet plus a chain-1 space).
- Double crochet in the very next stitch, then chain 1.
- Repeat around: Double crochet in next stitch, chain 1.
- Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd chain of the beginning chain-4.
Round 3: Filling In
- Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet).
- In every chain-1 space, work 2 double crochets.
- In every double crochet stitch, work 1 double crochet.
- Join with a slip stitch. This creates a solid foundation for the shells to come.
Round 4: The Surf Shells
This round creates the “points” of the doily.
- Chain 1, single crochet in the first stitch.
- Skip 2 stitches. In the 3rd stitch, work this sequence: [1 double crochet, ch 1, (1 treble, ch 1) four times, 1 double crochet].
- Skip 2 stitches, single crochet in the next.
- Repeat around.
- Note: Adding that extra treble and chain space in the center of the shell ensures you have a clear “point” to work into during the next round.
Round 5: Creating the Framework
To keep the work looking clean, you may wish to fasten off after Round 4 and join your yarn with a standing single crochet in the center chain-1 space of any shell point.
- Chain 7.
- Single crochet into the center space of the next shell point.
- Repeat around. This creates large loops for the next round of stitches.
Round 6: Solidifying the Loops
- Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet).
- Work 9 double crochets into the chain-7 loop.
- Work 1 double crochet into the single crochet from the previous round.
- Repeat around.
Round 7: Spaced Double Crochets
- Chain 4 (dc + ch-1).
- Skip the next stitch, double crochet in the next, chain 1.
- Repeat around: Skip 1, dc in next, ch 1.
Round 8: The Solid Ring
- Chain 3.
- Repeat the logic from Round 3: 2 double crochets in every chain-1 space and 1 double crochet in every double crochet. Join and fasten off.
Round 9: The Crisscross (Intermediate Skill)
This is the most technical part of the doily. This stitch crosses in the middle rather than overlapping.
- Standing Treble Start: Wrap yarn 3 times, pull through 2 loops twice (2 loops left on hook).
- Skip 2 stitches, yarn over, go to the 3rd stitch. Pull through, then pull through all sets of 2 loops until you reach the top.
- Chain 2, then double crochet into the center intersection where the legs meet.
- Repeat: For the next one, start your triple wrap in the same stitch the last leg finished in. This creates a continuous zigzag effect.
Round 10: Filling the Crosses
- Chain 3 (on the first leg of a cross).
- Work 2 double crochets in the chain-2 space.
- Work 1 double crochet in the first leg of the next cross stitch. (Skip the second leg).
- Repeat around.
Rounds 11–15: Building Out
- Round 11: Repeat Round 4 (Shells).
- Round 12: Repeat Round 5 (Chain-7 Loops).
- Round 13: Work 7 double crochets in each loop and 1 dc in each single crochet. (Note the decrease from 9 to 7 dcs here).
- Round 14: Repeat Round 7 (Spaced dcs).
- Round 15: Repeat Round 8 (Solid Ring).
Round 16: The Final Wave
To finish the doily with a beautiful, slightly ruffled edge, repeat the shell pattern from Round 4, but slightly smaller:
- Chain 1, single crochet. Skip 2.
- In the 3rd stitch: [1 double crochet, ch 1, 1 treble, ch 1, 1 treble, ch 1, 1 treble, ch 1, 1 double crochet].
- Skip 2, single crochet. Repeat around.
Finishing: The Magic of Blocking
When you finish Round 16, your doily might look slightly bunched or ruffled. Do not worry—this is where wet blocking transforms the piece.
- Submerge the doily in lukewarm water until damp.
- Gently squeeze out the excess water (don’t wring it).
- Lay it flat on a blocking mat or a clean towel.
- Use your hands to smooth out the center and pull the points of the “surf” shells outward.
- If needed, pin the points in place and let it dry completely.
Once dry, the stitches will “set,” and you’ll have a stunning, intricate Mediterranean Surf Doily ready to display.