Stiffen Your Crochet Doilies: We’ll Show You How

Posted by admin on July 23rd, 2007 filed in Articles

Ok, crochet is now more popular than ever and likewise so too are some of the old traditional projects. So let us look at dollies; While there may be no practical use for doilies, without doubt they are great to show off with pride and will be admired by all. Naturally there was an era when dollies had there uses. Looking back in those times when everything would have been washed manually, dollies had there uses because one could place them over any areas that were thought to become regularly dirty.

The petite doilies were very washable and many of these crochet dollies could be kept on hand to make a clean, attractive surrounding until wash day. Now that areas that are prone to becoming regularly soiled are made up of plastic so they can be wiped clean, doilies are just a pleasant reminder of the bad old days. Still, those lacy little bits are somewhat of a challenge to make and ought be displayed with pride. The best method to do that is to stiffen your crochet doilies.

Lets Look At Traditional Stiffeners

There are multiple choices of modern stiffeners on hand. The reason that there is an option is because there are various needs to meet – believe it or not. Most crochet doilies look best if the stiffener allows the stitches to show clearly. Different types of stiffener offer different outcomes and you can choose shiny or matte.

If after considering all the above you want to stay with the traditional techniques, there are many types of stiffeners to choose for your crochet doilies. An early recommendation from an old magazine says using gelatine dissolved in boiling water. It’s a little complicated. More modern solutions include hairspray or spray starch. Either can be washed out easily and reshaped if you like. Always use rust proof pins to hold the shape until the crochet doilies are dry. Be certain to keep them clean while they stiffen. Anything that can stiffen crochet doilies is tacky.

Even more traditional is liquid or powdered starch. These have the benefit of being adjustable from soft to stiff. You can melt either corn starch or Epsom salts in boiling water to soak your crochet doilies before shaping. Remember that if you soak your crochet doilies in any stiffening liquid, the excess liquid has to be removed without twisting the doilies.

You do not want to stretch or severely wrinkly them just before they assume a semi-permanent shape. A 50/50 mix of white glue and water is a popular way to go. Surprisingly, the stiffener most sworn by is a solution of sugar and water. The look of the crochet shows through, it’s easy to remove and insects aren’t interested. However you stiffen your crochet doilies, display them with pride. After all You’ve earned it!