How to Stiffen or Starch Crochet Articles

Stiffening or starching is used when you have a crocheted article you wish to keep its shape. Stiffening is commonly used for angels or snowflakes, doilies and baskets.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Stiffening can either be permanent if you use a glue mixture or can wash out if you use a sugar or starch method (you will have to stiffen again when you wash the article). If this is your first attempt at stiffening, try a wash-out method until you have the shaping mastered. Or use an old, disposable article to experiment. This is especially recommended for the permanent glue method.
2. Whichever method you use, the general principle is the same. Spray your article or prepare the starch or sugar mixture by boiling, let cool slightly and place into a plastic bag. Place your article into the bag, be sure it completely covered, then squeeze out the excess or blot it well. Do not twist or pull the article.
3. Cover cardboard, styrofoam or your ironing board with plastic (to avoid a mess), lay your article on top and pin into shape. Be sure to use rust proof pins or you will have tiny rust spots on your article. Leave to thoroughly dry.
4. For articles which require a 3D shape such as baskets, place a hard object similar in size, such as a jar, in the centre and shape the sides around, wait to dry. For articles such as ruffled doilies, use rust proof pins to hold the ruffles in shape until it is dry.
5. If you wish to press the article, lay it between two pieces of cloth and press on the wrong side with a warm iron.
6. There are three main methods:
   
   Glue and Water: Mix equal parts water and white glue together.
   * This is permanent and will not wash out.
7. Spray or Liquid Starch: Purchased spray starch is easy to use; Liquid starch can be used as is which gives a very stiff article but should be diluted with water. Follow package directions. The mixture of starch and water will be boiled allowing it to thicken. Experiment first as the more water you add, the less stiff your item will be.
   * Washes out so will have to be re-starched when washed.
   * Articles can become brittle and even break if they are heavily starched.
8. Sugar and Water: Use equal portions of sugar and water. Bring sugar and water to a boil and ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.
   * Washes out so will have to be re-starched when washed.
   * Remember, if you have pets or live in an area with flies, etc. they can be attracted to the sugar.
   * Sugar can yellow over time.
   * Can become sticky or mouldy if in a humid place.