Cotton Field Doily

Embroider and crochet one of George Washington Carver’s original extension models that he designed as a teaching tool. This beautiful doily can be created with simple stitches and recycled materials.

Read more about Carver in “The Scientist Who Crocheted: George Washington Carver’s Unexpected Legacy,”

Materials

• Burlap, about 9 threads/inch (2.5 cm), 15" (38.1 cm) square
• Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread, Fashion 3, 100% cotton, 100 yd (91.4 m) per ball, ½ ball of Natural, small amount of Sage, small amount of Warm Rose
• Scrap paper, 15" (38.1 cm) square
• Cardboard, 20" (50.8 cm) square, or large cutting mat or other surface you can tape and cut on
• Pencil
• Compass, or pin placed at the center and tied to a pencil with string the length of the radius
• Masking tape
• Water-soluble disappearing marker
• Craft knife
• Dressmaker’s shears
• Embroidery scissors
• Brown sewing thread to match the burlap
• Needles: #7 sharp sewing needle, #18 tapestry needle
• Crochet hook, #4 (2 mm) steel
• Serger or zigzag sewing machine (optional)
  Finished measurements: 12" (30.5 cm) diameter

Originally published in PieceWork Winter 2021.