Doily Blanket Photo Prop

Doily Blanket Photo Prop by Tricia Dodge

Project Overview

The Doily Blanket Photo Prop is a crocheted blanket designed by Tricia Dodge that combines traditional doily construction techniques with a functional photo prop blanket. This project creates an elegant, lacy blanket suitable for newborn photography, decorative display, or as a cherished handmade gift. The finished blanket measures approximately 22 to 24 inches when made with standard specifications, making it an ideal size for draping over infants or small surfaces during photo sessions.

What Is Being Made

This is a crocheted doily-style blanket that features an open, lacy construction reminiscent of traditional doilies. The blanket is worked in the round from the center outward, creating a circular or medallion-style pattern. The design combines decorative open spaces with textured stitch clusters, resulting in a delicate yet substantial piece that functions as both a beautiful photo prop and a practical blanket.

Crochet Techniques Used

• Magic circle foundation: The pattern begins with a magic circle, a modern crochet technique that creates a tight, adjustable center point for circular projects. This method allows for a seamless center without a visible hole.
• Round-by-round construction: The blanket is built in expanding circular rounds, with each round adding width and complexity to the overall design.
• Chain spaces and loops: Multiple rounds feature chain stitches that create open, lacy spaces throughout the blanket, contributing to the doily aesthetic.
• Cluster stitches: The pattern incorporates groups of double crochet stitches worked into the same stitch or space, creating textured, dimensional elements that contrast with the open areas.
• Slip stitch joining: Rounds are joined using slip stitches, a technique that creates a seamless transition between rounds and maintains the circular shape.

Crochet Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch): Used to create the foundation and to form the open loops and spaces that define the doily pattern.
• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch used for creating texture and structure, particularly in the cluster groups that appear throughout the pattern.
• Single crochet (sc): Used to anchor stitches and create definition between the open spaces and textured sections.
• Slip stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and move the yarn across stitches without adding height.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Doily Blanket Photo Prop is designed to be worked with super bulky yarn, which creates a quick, satisfying project with beautiful drape and texture. The pattern calls for 180 yards of super bulky yarn. The designer used Loops and Thread Cozy Wool, available from Michaels, though any super bulky yarn of similar weight and characteristics will work for this project.

A size N (10mm) crochet hook is recommended to match the yarn weight and create the proper gauge. The designer emphasizes the importance of matching the millimeter size rather than relying solely on letter designations, as hook sizing can vary between manufacturers.

A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends, a standard finishing technique in crochet projects.

Size Variations

The pattern provides flexibility for creating different blanket sizes. The standard specifications produce a blanket measuring 22 to 24 inches. For crafters desiring a larger finished piece, a size P hook (11.5mm) can be substituted, which will produce a blanket approximately 30 inches in diameter. However, using a larger hook will require additional yarn beyond the standard 180 yards, so adequate yardage should be purchased before beginning the project.

Pattern Structure

The blanket is constructed over multiple rounds, beginning with a magic circle and 12 double crochets. Round 2 introduces the first open spaces with chain-5 loops spaced around the circle. Round 3 refines these spaces with smaller chain-3 loops, creating a more delicate appearance. Round 4 adds texture with clusters of five double crochets, building dimension into the design. This progression from simple to more complex stitching creates visual interest and the characteristic doily appearance.