Crochet Hot-Air Ballons Doily

The Crochet Hot-Air Balloons Doily is a charming and whimsical addition to any home decor. This intricately designed doily features a series of delicate hot-air balloons that seem to float across the fabric effortlessly. The attention to detail in each stitch is truly impressive, making it a delightful project for experienced crocheters looking for a unique challenge. Whether displayed on a side table or used as a centerpiece, this doily is sure to spark joy and admiration from guests. Its playful design adds a touch of warmth and personality to any room, making it a perfect conversation starter. So, grab your crochet hook and yarn, and let your creativity take flight with this adorable Crochet Hot-Air Balloons Doily!

Material: Pearl cotton # 8, hook 1.1 mm (US steel #10); you can substitute with Cebelia #20 or equivalent cordonnet thread (but the gauge can slightly vary)

Stitches : ch, sl st, sc, dc, tr, tr tr (=triple treble), tr dec (2 tr closed together on 2 stitches);

Difficulty: medium.

Start with 5 ch, join with sl st

1. 1 ch, 8 sc in lp, join with sl st to first st.

2. *2 sc in next sc*; Repeat * to * 7 times more, join with sl st to first st. =>16 sc

3. 6 ch (=tr tr) in first sc, tr tr in 2nd sc, 8 ch *(tr tr in next sc) twice, 8 ch*; Repeat * to * 6 times more, join with sl st to first st. =>16 sc

4. sl st in first sp,*10 dc in next sp, 2 ch*; Repeat * to * 7 times more, join with sl st to first st.

5. sl st in 5th dc, *sc in 5th dc of next grp, 4 ch, (tr, 3 ch, tr) in 2 ch sp, 4 ch*; Repeat * to * 7 times more, join with sl st to first st.

6. sl st in first sp,*sc in next 4-ch sp, 9 dc in next 3-ch sp, sc in next 4-ch sp, 6 ch*; Repeat * to * 7 times more, join with sl st to first st.

7. sl st in 5th dc,*sc in 5th dc of next grp, 9 ch, sc in next 6-ch sp, 9 ch*; Repeat * to * 7 times more, join with sl st to first st.

8. sl st in first sp,*sc in next sp, 9 ch*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st.

9. sl st in first sp, *(tr, 3 ch, tr) in 5th ch of next sp, 2 ch*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st.

10. sl st in first 3-ch sp, *9 dc in next 3-ch sp, (sc, 2 ch, sc) in next 2-ch sp, 2 ch*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st. Cut thread;

11. Join thread in a 2-ch sp, *sc in 2-ch sp, 13 ch*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st.

12. sl st in first sp, *13 tr in sp, 4 ch*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st.

13. *tr dec on first 2 tr, (tr in next tr) 9 times, tr dec on last 2 tr, 4 ch, sc in 4-ch sp, 4 ch*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st.

14. *tr dec on first 2 tr, (tr in next tr) 7 times, tr dec on last 2 tr, 4 ch, (sc in 4-ch sp, 4 ch) 2 times*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st.

15. *tr dec on first 2 tr, (tr in next tr) 5 times, tr dec on last 2 tr, 4 ch, (sc in 4-ch sp, 4 ch) 3 times*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st.

16.*tr dec on first 2 tr, (tr in next tr) 3 times, tr dec on last 2 tr, 4 ch, (sc in 4-ch sp, 4 ch) 4 times*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st.

17.*tr dec on first 2 tr, tr in next tr, tr dec on last 2 tr, 4 ch, (sc in 4-ch sp, 4 ch) 5 times*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st.

18. *3 tr closed together tr dec on the 3 remaining tr (last dec), 4 ch, (sc in 4-ch sp, 4 ch) 6 times*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st.

19. * tr on last dec, 4 ch, (sc in 4-ch sp, 4 ch) 7 times*; Repeat * to * 15 times more, join with sl st to first st. Cut thread.

N.B.

• Always substitute (also if not explicitly said) first st in a row as follows:
  • first sc with 1 ch, sc;
  • first hdc with 2 ch;
  • first dc with 3 ch;
  • first tr with 4 ch...and so on
• When you read "sl st to <location>", where the location is not immediately contiguous to last st, this means of course "an appropriate number of sl sts for reaching <location>".
• Also if I do not specify it, if you lasted prev row on a st (say st1), while you must start next row in another st (say st2), make an appropriate number of sl sts to reach st2.