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Writer's pictureSusanna Carpi

Vintage Crochet Mandala

Updated: Sep 13, 2022

So gratifying when an idea manifests so beautifully.


Materials - Vintage doily, metal hoop, organic cotton yarn, vintage cotton thread.

Techniques - Crochet, Binding/Wrapping


I'm fascinated with the patterns and designs of doilies, and enamoured by vintage doilies that have been lovingly made over hours, and hours, and hours. And in this case, with extra fine cotton, and a damn small hook.


But for most, popping a doily under the knick-knack, is so not minimalist. And I'm keen to reinvent how we can enjoy and admire crochet works.


The project flow :

  • Get inspired by an idea, after poking around in my studio, wondering what to do with collection of vintage doilies, and then finding a couple of metal hoops.

  • Wash and pin doily out to dry (it's called blocking)


  • Wrap/bind metal hoop with cotton yarn. Concentrate for about an hour straight to make sure that the bind is tight. Use technique I learnt from a traditional bow maker to secure ends, so glue free.

  • Find the perfect bit of cotton thread in my stash, realise that I need to work out some math, procrastinate instead, and enjoy the sunny winters day.

  • Work out the math - diameter, radius, circumference, no. of crochet points, distance needed between points, experiment to work out no. of stitches and design, test.

  • Beaver away for a hour or two? As often happens, lost track of time.

Finished project "Catching dreams of scones and cream"


A vintage cream doily crocheted on to a cotton covered hoop
"Catching dreams of scones and cream"

Ah, my creative spirit is well sated with this one : )

Thanks for coming along on the creative journey!

What do you think? You can share your thoughts on Instagram here


Till next time, Susanna xx






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