Creating a Sourdough Design using a Doily

Every Monday, I take my sourdough starter out of the refrigerator to make a loaf of sourdough bread.

Making sourdough bread isn’t for the faint of heart. It took me a long time to finally have a great starter and to master the art of sourdough making.

Not one to give into a challenge, I went toe-to-toe with my sister in 2020 to see who could make the best sourdough bread. She beat me but I kept on trying and now feel like I’ve really mastered it.

Now that I have the bread making part down, it’s time to step up my sourdough design skills.

A round sourdough loaf with an intricate lace design baked into the crust, placed next to a white napkin adorned with red and pink floral patterns.

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The Handcrafted Society

I’m joining a group of very talented ladies in The Handcrafted Society. Each month we share a project that is our own version of repurposing a particular item.

This month we were all challenged to create something using a doily. Since upping my sourdough designs is something I’ve been wanting to do I decided to try using a doily as a stencil for a unique design on the top of my loaf.

Don’t forget to check out the creations from the rest of the ladies. You’ll find their links at the end of this post.

A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
A round loaf of bread showcases an intricate sourdough design with a white, lace-like heart and floral patterns on the crust, presented on a white cloth with floral accents in the background.
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Step-by-Step: How to Create a Doily Design on Sourdough Bread

Create an elegant design on your homemade sourdough bread using a doily
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Baking 45 minutes
Servings 1 loaf
Calories
Cost $5

Ingredients

  • Well-hydrated sourdough dough (ready for final proof))
  • Rice flour (for dusting)
  • Clean knit or cloth doily (nothing too thick or fuzzy
  • Press N Seal or Plastic Wrapp
  • Parchment Paper

Instructions

  • Add a generous amount of rice flour to a well seasoned banneton. Shake it from the bottom and up on the sides, all the way around the basket. Shake out if there is too much excess.
  • Lay the doily gently into the banneton and up the sides.
  • Lay your sourdough bread that has been prepared and ready for the final proofing into the basket.
  • If there is excess on your doily, fold it up an onto your bread dough. Cover the basket securely with Press N Seal. (Follow your directions for final proofing). I put mine in the refrigerator for a minimum of 10 hours.
  • When ready to bake, prepare your oven and dutch oven per your sourdough recipe. I preheat my dutch oven and oven to 475° for 45 minutes.
  • When oven is ready. Take the dutch oven out and place on top of oven. Place your parchment paper on your board or counter, turn your dough onto the paper. Gently lift the doily from the dough. Score the dough with your lame. Shallow cuts on the perimeter and a bit deeper cuts on the interior of the pattern.
  • Take the lid of the dutch oven off and place the paper with dough into it. I put one or two ice cubes between the paper and the pot. Cover and put back into oven and bake for 45 minutes (or per your own instructions)
  • When your bread is done, take out of the pot and let cool on a rack for one hour. Then it's ready to enjoy!

Designs on Sourdough Bread – The Journey

It took me several tries to get this project to work. My initial two attempts were to lightly dust the rice flour (with a sifter) over the doily before dough went into the refrigerator for proofing.

  • First attempt I tried it over a crochet doily
  • Second attempt was over a paper doily

Both these attempts failed.

  • Third attempt was to put a paper doily into the banneton before the final proofing.

This attempt looked amazing but the moisture from the dough absorbed the paper into the loaf. The doily was impossible to lift from the surface of the dough.

A loaf of bread with a decorative heart-shaped sourdough design, created using a lace stencil, sits on a wooden cutting board.
<a href="https://youtu.be/1BwFBLYXZc0" target="_blank">Click on the Photo to Watch my YouTube Video</a>

What Finally Worked

By using a knit or cloth doily in the banneton during proofing was the ticket. The fabric held up to the moisture while still transfering the design. It peeled away cleanly but you still need to be very gentle.

A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
A metal container overflowing with bubbly, frothy dough, reminiscent of a sourdough design, spills foam down the sides as it sits on a stove with a blue kettle in the background.

Tips & Tricks

Sometimes projects that are visions, don’t come to life in one try. Finally on the fourth try, I nailed it. Here are some of my tips and tricks:

  • Use a doily with a clear, open pattern (tight knits or thick lace may not transfer well).
  • Avoid synthetic fabrics that may stick.
  • Experiment with different flour colors (rice flour vs. all-purpose) for contrast.
  • Try using the doily on other proofed doughs, too! I’m thinking powdered sugar on pancakes….
A loaf of artisan bread with a detailed lace heart sourdough design baked onto the crust sits on a wooden cutting board. In the background, there are stacked books and a blue egg holder.

Final Thoughts

Sometime baking and cooking can be a series of beautiful flops before you get the final masterpiece. While I baked alot of bread and the pattern didn’t turn out, it all is really great tasting sourdough bread.

Experimenting can be a fun part of the process. My whole journey through sourdough bread has been lots of experimenting. That’s been what makes it fun and something I really enjoy doing.

My new passion is trying out different recipes with the discard. Again, more trial and error until they are ready for me to post them to my recipe section.

Peace and Love,

A blue background with hand-drawn elements sets the stage. A heart symbol flanked by two lines adds charm, while the text "Lynn xoxo" in cursive whispers a promise to make food prep easier and more delightful.

The Handcrafted Society

Be sure to visit my friends and see what they did with their doily projects!

A wooden table set with vintage china teacups, saucers, and plates, each displaying different floral patterns, sits atop lace doilies. Linen napkins and the charm of a Hand Crafted Society create an elegant, nostalgic tea setting.
<a href="https://wmdesignhouse.com/how-to-make-a-diy-paper-table-runner-with-tea-stained-doilies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">WM Design House </a>
A wicker basket with a lavender ribbon holds white teacups, a saucer, a notecard with flower illustrations, and small purple flowers, set against a decorative white background.
<a href="https://thecrownedgoat.com/?p=93754" target="_blank">The Crowned Goat </a>
A white, embroidered tissue holder from Hand Crafted Society sits on a marble surface beside a decorative vase, a succulent in a gray pot, and a textured dish holding a beaded bracelet.
<a href="https://southhousedesigns.com/clay-tissue-holder/" target="_blank">South House Designs </a>
A round loaf of bread with a decorative lace pattern baked into the crust sits on a white surface next to a white cloth with red and green floral designs.
<a href="https://www.livinglargeinasmallhouse.com/sourdough-design-doily/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Living Large in a Small House </a>
Handcrafted Society Logo
A white-framed, four-pane window is hung on a wall, with each pane displaying a different vintage lace doily or embroidered linen, creating a decorative and nostalgic wall art piece.
<a href="https://www.whitelilacfarmhouse.com/repurpose-doilies-and-paint-samples-into-unique-wall-art/" target="_blank">White Lilac Farmhouse </a>
Three ornate white frames display hand crafted beige and brown crochet doilies and fabric art, arranged against a light-colored wall for a vintage, elegant look that celebrates timeless artistry in our society.
<a href="https://anorganizedseason.com/?p=55375" target="_blank" rel="noopener">An Organized Season </a>
A Hand Crafted Society hanging lantern made from layered white paper doilies is displayed outdoors, surrounded by green leaves and branches.
<a href="https://amysadlerdesigns.com/shabby-chic-doily-lantern/" target="_blank">Amy Sadler Designs</a>
A string of fairy lights with pastel-colored paper flower covers in yellow, blue, and pink, hand crafted by Society and arranged on a white surface.
<a href="https://skylarkhouse.com/doily-string-lights-for-summer-decor/" target="_blank">Skylark House </a>
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
A beautifully set outdoor table with floral and pumpkin centerpiece. Plates and glasses are arranged on a burlap tablecloth, ready for a holiday cocktail, surrounded by garden greenery and a white picket fence. Text overlay reads: "What's in my cart this week at the Small House Kitchen.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

Featured

A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

Behind the scenes

Hi, I’m Lynn

After years in corporate America, I’ve channeled my interior design degree and passionate creativity into transforming our 1,300 square foot house into a cozy, inviting haven that proves beautiful living doesn’t require massive square footage.

My slightly OCD tendencies fuel my love for organizing while my “Handy” husband helps bring my vintage-inspired decorating visions to life in our empty nest, where we entertain, garden, and cook from scratch.

Join me as I share practical wisdom, a little humor, and professional insights for making the most of every square inch—because I’ve discovered that living large isn’t about the size of your home but how you fill it with style, function, and heart.

About six people, including a baby, stand close together and smile in a warmly lit living room. The adults surround the baby, held by a woman in the center. A colorful painting hangs on the wall behind them.

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9 Comments

  1. Love this beautiful bread and your message about some things being a total flop before they work out. My first project for this month’s theme was also a total flop! Like you I learned what worked and what didn’t work so I’m happy we’re still counting it as a win in the end. I’ve always wanted to learn how to make sourdough bread and I’m even more excited after reading this post. Big hugs and happy baking, CoCo

    1. Hi CoCo – It’s good to know that I’m not the only one who struggles to make an idea come to life. You should give sourdough a go! It’s really satisfying and also delicious when you finally master it.

  2. Lynn, this bread looks to pretty to eat. But I would eat it! There is nothing like homemade warm bread.

    1. There is nothing like it! I make a fresh loaf every week.

  3. Hi Lynn, Thanks for sharing your journey with us! I’m so sorry the pattern didn’t turn out how you’d hoped, but I’m happy to know I’m not the only one with projects that don’t turn out how we intended! Even though the paper stuck, it looks pretty, and I bet it tastes fabulous! Happy Day!

    1. I think the trial and errors are a fun part of the process. Always fun to share projects with this group!

  4. This could not be better!!!! I love that you too sometimes have to do things multiple times to get the vision you started with.

  5. Anna Price says:

    Lynn – Isn’t it funny how sisters bring out the best in us? I love that you mastered this project because of something you tried with your sister. Thank you for all the tips. Especially the bit about not using synthetic fabric! Your sourdough looks truly “ARTisan”. Pinned!

  6. I am so glad to know I am not the only one messing up over here! Thank you for sharing your mess-ups and your beautiful and delicious recipes! You’re my hero!