How to Stiffen Doilies
Doilies are used in many craft projects, and often they need to be stiffened in order to hold their shape. You can stiffen doilies using common household products quickly and easily into whatever shape you need. There are two main ways to stiffen doilies, depending on whether you want them to permanently hold their shape or if you will want to wash the stiffener out. When learning to shape doilies, it is best to use a temporary method so that you can wash the doily and retry the shape if you make mistakes.
Instructions
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Temporary Method
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1
Pin the doily to your work surface if you want it to be flat. If you are shaping the doily, drape or wrap it around your form and pin the doily in place if necessary.
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2
Spray the doily thoroughly with hairspray. Use a hairspray without scent, as scent may stain the doily.
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3
Allow the doily to dry completely before removing the pins and form. If it needs to be reshaped, just wash and dry it to rid it of the hairspray.
Permanent Method
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4
Mix 1 part glue to 1 part water. Make sure it is mixed thoroughly. Any liquid glue will work, though craft glue is usually the preferred type.
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5
Dip the doily into the glue and water mixture, making sure the entire doily is covered. Squeeze out any excess glue.
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6
Allow the doily to dry for 5 to 10 minutes. It should still be malleable enough to work with, but no longer soaking.
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7
Shape it around your form or lay it out on a non-stick surface if you would like it to dry flat.
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8
Remove it from the form, if using, after you have shaped it and allow it to dry on a nonstick surface for 2 hours.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use stainless steel pins so that rust marks do not appear on your doily. Small bowls and candle holders make good forms when turned upside down.
