One of my favorite things to do in my downtime is browse the Antique Pattern Library for vintage doily and table-cover patterns. There’s something about those early instructions and delicate lace motifs that always pulls me in.
Recently, I came across Centerpieces and Doilies from the Home Needlework Series (1916), published by Home Needlework Publishing Co. (Boston, MA) and edited by Mira L. Huston.
And then I saw it.
On page 10, labeled “Figure 11 — Table Cover,” this table cover design absolutely stole my attention. It’s dramatic, intricate, and full of distinct sections—rings of openwork, textured bands, and an eye-catching scalloped border.
My goal for this series
My aim is a true replica of the original 1916 piece—same overall look and construction—while rewriting the instructions in modern US terminology. I’ll keep the spirit and structure of the original pattern, but I’ll use today’s language, clearer round formatting, and consistent abbreviations so the pattern is easier to follow and verify.
Quick note: the booklet is written in UK terminology, but I’ll be sharing my working notes in US terminology, and I’ll call out any places where the conversion matters.
Materials I’m using
The original pattern calls for No. 5 crochet cotton and a No. 5 hook (1.9 mm). The original pattern produces a piece about 56 inches (142 cm) in diameter. I'm unsure if this mean No.5 cotton, which would be thicker than No. 10 cotton or if it means No. 5 Perle cotton which is similar to No. 10 cotton.
I’m working mine in No. 20 cotton thread with a No. 10 hook (1.3 mm) for the traditional crochet areas of the design.
This pattern also includes “afghan stitch” sections (what we’d call Tunisian simple stitch today). For those areas, I’ll switch to a No. 4 hook (2.0 mm) and then return to the smaller hook.
Hook note for the afghan (Tunisian) “pyramids”: For the first pyramid round, a standard crochet hook should hold the required loops (about 11) without trouble. But the next pyramid rounds may require longer forward passes (around 16 and 20 loops). A traditional hook may feel too short for that many loops, which can affect tension and make loops more likely to slip off. When we reach those later rounds, I suggest using a true afghan/Tunisian hook.
What you can expect
- My rewritten rounds in US terms
- Stitch counts and checkpoints (as we can confirm them)
- Photos at key stages so you can compare shape and growth
- A stitch key that stays consistent across the series
This is a 90-round project, and I expect it to take 45-60 days though it could take longer if I run into unclear sections of the pattern.
Series Index: 1916 Table Cover Replica
Bookmark this list—I'll update it as new posts go live.
- Introduction (you are here)
- Post 2: Stitch Key + Rounds 1–8
Next post: We begin
Next, I’ll share:
- the stitch key we’ll use throughout the series
- the Round 1–8 rewrite (with notes on terminology and any corrections)
- and the first progress photos as the center begins to form
If you’d like to crochet along, gather your thread and hooks, and I’ll see you in Round 1!
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