Tatting can be soothing, meditative, and surprisingly versatile. Some projects are airy and delicate, while others feel structured and rhythmic. The Autumn Leaves Square Doily falls into that second category: a harmonious mix of geometry and gentle, flowing motifs inspired by nature.
I designed this doily while enjoying the soft light of the Australian autumn, when leaves take on calmer, earthy tones. Their elongated, undulating shapes inspired the decorative edging, giving the pattern a natural, graceful movement.
But there’s also a practical side: this design was made for those who, like me, prefer working calmly and continuously, without constant cutting and hiding of threads. You’ll need your scissors only twice—the rest of the piece flows in one rhythmic creation.
What Makes This Doily Special
- Elegant square structure – perfect as a centerpiece, gift, or framed decoration
- Leaf-inspired edging – adds softness and natural movement to the geometric centre
- Minimal thread breaks – enjoy the process without frustration
- Customizable size – work more leaves per side for a larger doily or keep it compact
Skill Level
⭐ ⭐ Beginner / Intermediate
This pattern is ideal if you are comfortable with:
- Rings
- Chains
- Split rings
If you’ve made a small motif or earring before, you’re ready to try this doily.
Materials You Will Need
- 2 shuttles (for rings and chains)
- Tatting thread (amount depends on thickness and desired size; my sample uses metallic polyester gold thread)
- Needle and scissors (for weaving in and trimming thread ends)
- Small crochet hook (e.g., 0.6 mm, for joining tatting elements)
Tools & Tips
- Wind your thread onto two shuttles.
- You can adjust the number of leaves and size of the central square to suit your preference.
- The design is made up of two main parts: the inner square (worked entirely in split rings) and the decorative leaf edging.
- Your personal tatting style—tightness of knots, size of rings and chains, and length of connecting picots—will influence the final dimensions.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
- Flowing, rhythmic work – minimal thread cuts for more relaxing crafting
- Scalable – from small accent doily to a larger statement piece
- Customizable – choose thread colors to match the season, your home, or a gift recipient’s taste
- Decorative and functional – perfect for table décor, framed art, or a thoughtful handmade gift
The full step-by-step pattern with diagrams is available to download for free in my shop. Let your shuttles dance and enjoy the calm, creative process of the Autumn Leaves Square Doily!
