I'm looking for a recipe for starching doilies with sugar water, to a very hard finish. It is a doily basket. I used to know this years ago and have forgotten it. Can someone help me? Thanks.
By Sharon from Santa Rosa, CA
I have used elmers white glue to stiffen crocheted objects. Dilute the glue by half. 2on glue 1 on water. This drys clear and if object gets dirty can be washed, just restiffen. If stored will not attract bugs either.
Sugar Starch Recipe for doilies
This is the old-fashioned starch used for lacy doilies.
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Mix water and sugar in a small pan. Stir the mixture over low heat (do not boil) until clear and not sugary. Remove pan from heat, and let mixture cool.
Wet the collar and cuffs of a blouse or lace doily. Roll in a towel to remove excess moisture and dip it into the mixture. Squeeze out excess starch, then shape the collar and cuffs or doily. Allow to dry and iron on warm setting.
Doilies do not need to be ironed when you use this starch. Just smooth out and shape while wet on a clean flat surface.
Certain crochet projects, such as doilies or ornaments, need to be starched to stiffen them upon completion. This is a page about starch recipe for crocheted items.