What to use to really stiffen crochet doily?

Hairspray Lightly spray your item with hair spray and shape on your prepared work surface. Pin in place but make sure you use rust proof pins, and let dry. This results in a non-permanent semi hard finish.

Spray starch is very easy to use. All you need to do is wash your doily and towel dry. Lay out your item on your prepared surface. Use a cardboard box, or anything with a flat surface that you can pin on. Styrofoam works great for most of these methods. Pin your crochet down with rust proof pins and then spray with the spray starch.

You can drape your doily over a glass bowl or pie pan for a curved look. I like to use little candleholders or small glasses to form the doily.

Glue and water. Mix equal portions of glue and water together. Dip your crochet piece in the solution and gently squeeze out excess being careful not to twist or wring the item. Shape however you want the piece to be. This method works great for Christmas ornaments. It leaves a permanent finish.

Liquid starch is another easy way to stiffen crochet. You can either dilute the starch with water or use it straight. The more water you used, the softer your doily will be. Dip the crochet piece in starch and gently squeeze out excess being careful not to twist or wring the crochet.

Hope this helps!

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/diy-vintage-doily-cloche-covers-17252871

here is more info for you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL7kLk66ZhU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJFvKOxw3M4

Can remember my mother and grandmother using sugar water, shape the doily after soaking in this solution.

Hi Shirley, hope this helps you out,

https://www.crafterslovecrafts.com/stiffen-crochet.html

Hi Shirley, I remember my grandmother using sugar water. I'm not certain of the measurements. Years ago I used liquid starch rather than sugar water and it worked very well. Just pour the starch into a bowl and submerse your doilie in it and position it over a bowl or can in whatver design you want it to be; let dry, then remove. This can be used to make some nice looking conversation piece crochet bowls. Have fun!

Hi Shirley. In a small pot mix 1 cup cold water with 1 Tablespoon corn starch. Mix until clumps disappear. Boil this solution until thick. Remove from heat and let cool. Mix in about a half-cup of cold water. Soak your doily in this liquid. Then carefully squeeze out extra liquid and position EXACTLY the shape you want and let it dry. Good luck Shirley. Happy New Year.

You can add starch to it.

You can use liquid starch

here is a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S21lvWkKlsQ

Hello.

I like Modge Podge for all my decoupage and crafting needs It comes in several sheens gloss matte and satin, and application finishes to include fabric, outdoor, glitter,dishwasher safe, pearl and more!

https://plaidonline.com/products/brand/modpodge?count=80

https://modpodgerocksblog.com/learn-how-to-mod-podge/

Liquid starch. There are directions on the bottle.

Liquid starch should do the trick

Another vote for liquid starch over here.

Hello,

Starch in it's liquid form or mix up powder or use Sugar Water. (Sugar with Hot water to melt it). Best wishes.

Have you tried white glue watered down

My good friend, who passed at the age of 104, stiffened her work with sugar water!

The following methods to stiffen your crochet work very well.

1. Spray starch is very easy to use. All you need to do is wash your doily and towel dry. ...
2. Glue and water. Mix equal portions of glue and water together. ...
3. Liquid starch is another easy way to stiffen crochet. ...
4. Sugar and Water.

You can use craft glue that has been watered down or fabric stiffener.

Hi Shirley, you can use starch or you can make your own with one of these recipes -https://craftingagreenworld.com/articles/diy-natural-fabric-stiffeners/