Before the Magic Ring .... my crochet projects tended to have large gaping holes. One of the biggest was the one seen in this Giant Crochet Doily Rug
And if you are thinking that maybe it is because it is a large project, this is not the only reason. Take a closer look at some of my other crochet from 2012, and my first intricate Doilies, before I had heard of the Magic Ring....
While it isn't horrible, I much prefer a tighter center, now that I know of the Magic Ring.
Like these Doily Earrings from 2012 as well. Do you not agree they would be a lot better without the center hole?
Too many times I have heard people complaining about the Magic Ring and asking me if there was an alternative for my patterns. While there is, I still strongly suggest the Magic Ring. In several of my patterns the Magic Ring is a must!
If you are unfamiliar with the Magic Ring, you can take a look here on Doily Designs Blog for more info. Or my video tutorial on Doily Designs Youtube.
Some Special Stitches are uses for the Magic Oval, so be sure to check out my YouTube Channel to find out how to do any of the stitches that are giving you problems. As well as the new Magic Oval Tutorial just released.
Crochet Magic Oval can be used as a decorative placemats and matching coasters.
Magic Oval creates an oval center that does not have the usual oval 'hole' on the ends you find with Chain Ovals (ovals that begin with a chain stitch).
I like to use this on bag bottoms as well as for small oval coasters.
Use to add to other crochet creations.
Say Goodbye to those end Gaps in your Ovals!
Magic Oval is a Crochet Game Changer!!
If you have ever crocheted an oval for a bag bottom or cute placemat, you probably already know about the dreaded holes that can form in the ends of the chain.
Usually, when we work around a foundation chain to create an oval, the ends can stretch out, leaving unsightly gaps at either side.
Enter: The Magic Oval 🪄 ✨
This technique is a total game saver for crocheters who want a denser, seamless finish. It creates a solid center without the usual oval 'hole' on the ends, giving your projects a professional, boutique quality look.
Why you will Love the Magic Oval
The beauty of this method lies in its versatility. Because it creates such a sturdy and clean start, you can use it as the foundation for almost anything that begins with an oval. I find myself reaching for this technique constantly.
My Favorite Ways to Use It:
Small Coasters: Perfect for that minimalist, clean aesthetic on your coffee table.
Home Decor: It is the ideal start for oval placemats, doilies and even rugs.
Bag Bottoms: It provides a strong, gap-free base that can support the weight of your items without stretching.
Hybrid Creations: Use it as a base to add to other crochet creations, like decorative patches or designs.
One Technique, Endless Applications
The Magic Oval isn't just for one specific pattern, it is a foundational skill that opens up a world of possibilities. Once you master the center, you can keep growing your stitches to create:
Elegant table runners.
Sturdy market totes.
Oval shaped stuffed plushies.
Decorative mats for your plants and plates.
Pro Tip: When using the magic oval for bag bottoms, I recommend using a slightly smaller hook than your yarn calls for to make the base even more rigid and durable.
What is Next?
Now that you know why the magic oval is so essential, are you ready to see how it's done?
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to level up, this technique will quickly become a staple in your crochet toolkit.
Updated pattern with new Magic Leaves for Magic Flowers!
The Magic Flower Pencil Topper is a fun and creative way to add a touch of nature to your writing tools!
6 Magic Flower designs to choose from in this pattern.
Customize your own blooming pencil or pen with the 3 distinct flower variations and various sizes of leaves. Whether you're working with a standard big pen or a #2 pencil, this topper is designed to fit perfectly.
The best part? You can easily take it off and on, so you can switch up your style whenever you like. Choose from a variety of colors to match your mood and create a unique flower arrangement that's all your own.
Super simple and quick chain rose. Fun pattern gives you the No Wilt Rose Design, sharing my secrets here shhhh! With this simple trick, your rose leaves will stay perky and beautiful.
Pattern uses worsted weight acrylic yarn.
Make several to create a beautiful bought in no time with the Chain Rose and Leaf Pattern.
If you've ever been frustrated by droopy crochet flowers, your going to love my secret to a perky, long lasting rose.
This pattern is designed to be quick and easy, making it a great project for crocheters of all skill levels. With just a few simple stitches, you will be able to create these beautiful, dimensional roses in no time.
Crochet phone pouch for glasses, phones, and more. New added Apple design, with more crochet phone tote ideas! 2 Pattern Package, Easy Crochet Pattern.
Instand PDF Pattern Download on Etsy: Crochet Cross Pattern
Dragon Tear, Jeweled Crochet Cross Pattern.
Beautiful Cross to crochet for home decor, wreath add on, or gifts.
2 Border Choices with Simple, and Wobble Border (Small Shell Edges), to choose from.
These quick and easy crochet Crosses are filled with spirit and joy.
You can use any hook from micro to jumbo, just use corresponding yarn size for best results, and expect Cross size to correspond. Approximate sizes are;
Hook/Yarn/Size
* Size 9, Thread, 5 x 4 in
* E/Size 4, WW, 10.5 x 8 in
* G/Size 4, WW, 13 x 10.5 in
* N/Size 5, Bulky, 20 x 15 in
Crochet and share a Cross this Easter, and Praise the Lord!
As my work continues to reach more of you through search, it has come to my attention that no one has ability to contact me. I want to make sure that the door is always open for conversation.
While the shop is always open for business on Etsy, I am usually available there, and it is the quickest route besides email for questions.
You can find me across most major social platforms by searching for Doily Designs, by Cathleen.
‼️ If you are trying to reach me directly, I do not receive EMAIL through this BLOG!!!‼️
You will find my email on my patterns for direct contact, and I am currently active on Pinterest,Etsy, Ravelry, Youtube, Substack, and LinkedIn. I have found that some platforms like Facebook have made it tricky to keep up with messages lately, so head over to Kofi to say hello!
I am looking forward to hearing your stories and sharing more of mine. Thanks for being part of this journey with me.
I have been on a total nostalgia trip lately, from Land of the Lost, Welcome Back Kotter, to the Jeffersons, finally moving on up.
I like to never found it because I was looking for Flo's diner not Mel's and it is Alice! But finally I found this great compilation of Flo from Alice with a terrific compilation of her "Kiss My Grits" highlights!
It has been so fun sharing these with my daughter. Her take? The aesthetics grabbed her attention. She loves the acting and the "gay vs creep" social dynamics of Three’s Company, but she’s not sold on the 70s scripts, she says that it is just constant back and forth dissing without enough plot! 😂
She’s not wrong, but man, the nostalgia hits different. Kismet brought me to this video today and I had to share.
Watching these clips, I realized that while Flo had the "Kiss my grits," my modern day equivalent is definitely Crap on a Cracker! 😂 Same energy, different decade. Sometimes you just need that one perfect line to handle the chaos of the day.
Huge thanks to David Frederick for the Season 3 compilation. It was exactly the trip down memory lane I needed. Check out Flo in action; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxURxQZS4mM
Crochet flag throw blanket was thrown in for aesthetics and pattern and available blankets by Doily Designs can be found on Etsy Along with 2 size BUNDLE with the King/Queen large and Junior patterns with bonus heart pillow patterns included.
Thank you for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Cathleen 🧶
oh, and... KISS MY GRITS 🤣
I think I have been developing a bit of Digital Incontinence lately... I just can't stop sharing these 70s flashbacks between Flo's sass and my Crap on a Cracker, the internet is getting all my thoughts today! 😂
From Mother to Daughter: The Karmic Comedy of the Yoshi Hat
Now that my youngest daughter has picked up sewing, it has brought up old stories and tales from my Mother and myself, her recalling and telling the story of the Puppet Rush, bringing back my Karmic comedy when my daughter returns the request in sorts to me. This turns into one of my most popular blog post, by far, about a crochet Yoshi hat. Maybe the reason for its popularity, I think, is the story behind it, a tale that proves Karmic Comedy is a very real thing in my life.
A few nights before Halloween, my sweet daughter came to me with that all important request that she needed a Yoshi costume. Now, if you’re a maker, you know that request a few days out is like a five alarm fire. But, like any good parent, I thought, “Sure, why not?” and immediately started planning.
At the time, Yoshi costumes were hard to find, and patterns were scarce, so I decided to make it myself. I dove into a creative frenzy. I sourced a basic cap pattern, engineered the perfect set of big, adorable Yoshi eyes, and found a pattern for the iconic shell. I worked through the night, fueled by caffeine and the pure desire to see her smile. By morning, the costume was complete, and she went to school a very happy, very cute little dinosaur. The hat was the centerpiece and has gone on to be a beloved post and family treasure, a testament to that late night hustle.
The true comedy, though, lies in the flashback it triggered.
The Puppet Flashback
When I was little, I went to my own mother, a talented seamstress and maker. It was a Friday, and I confidently informed her that I needed three puppets by Monday for a school play. I didn’t just need any puppets; I needed a bear, a woodsman, and his wife.
Of course, she pulled it off. But she didn’t just make three functional puppets; she went above and beyond. Her fabulous trio was a masterpiece, stitched with care, personality, and flair. They were a huge hit in my little school play and a source of quiet pride for me.
My last minute, demanding request of my mother came back to me years later in the form of my daughter’s last minute Yoshi request. That, my friends, is karmic comedy, the universe’s gentle way of reminding me that what goes around, comes around, even in crafting.
Sharing the Love and Talent
In the end, that Yoshi hat is more than just crochet; it’s a symbol of the incredible love, talent, and kindness my mother shared with me. Every stitch I make, every late night I work for my own kids, I’m channeling her generous spirit.
And if you’re feeling inspired by this tale of late night crafting (or feeling the karmic loop yourself!), you can find all the details, patterns, and references for my iconic Yoshi hat post HERE.
What’s your best “karmic comedy” story from your crafting or parenting life? I’d love to read it in the comments!
Whether you are looking to create a stunning heirloom for your home or you need a quick, thoughtful gift for a loved one, I've gathered a few of my favorite Doily Designs patterns' for the holidays.
Most paid, and link to Etsy as well as a free doily pattern, with links to right here on Doily Designs.
From vintage inspired showstoppers to quick yarn busting gift ideas, there is something here for every skill level.
This is a versatile hidden gem that derseves a spot in your holiday rotation. It starts with an easy, color changeable Mandala base that can be finished in four different ways:
Christmas Balls: Stuffed for a classic ornament look.
Coasters: Keep them flat for festive table settings.
Garland: String them together to deck your halls.
Gift Tags: The perfect handmade touch for your presents.
Christmas Mandala Doily Pattern includes pattern to make into a cushion/pillow or stool/chair cover, and doily edge options. (seen if 1st photo used as a doily)
You can find all of these patterns and more in my Etsy shop. Whether you're making a set of matching Mandala ornaments or starting on the big Cranberry Pineapple tree skirt, I can't wait to see what you create!
Create beautiful, lightweight Christmas tree ornaments in the colors of your choice. 🎄
🧶 Garland 🎀
Link them up for a festive mantel or doorway banner. 🚩
☃️ Coasters 🎀
Keep them flat for quick, charming holiday coasters. 🍹
🎁 Gift Tags 🎀
Great decorative gift tags to embellish those special gifts. 🏷️
Mix and match designs and colors to make matching decorative Christmas Mandala sets for the table, the tree, mantel, gifts and more.
Need Video Help? If you are new to crochet? Don’t worry, this pattern is written clearly, and you can find the free video tutorials on my YouTube. Search my channel for any basic stitches in question and the Mandala tutorial.
