Doilies come in several shapes and many sizes.
Crocheted doilies have been used in the family home for centuries. Doilies made for special occasions have been passed down from generation to generation. Antique doilies have made their way into museums around the country. The use of heavy starch to make doilies lie flat or hold a particular shape also helps preserve the doily. Many early crochet pieces were starched with equal parts sugar and water. Even these doilies have been safely preserved, though they tend to yellow with age. Regular spray starch will not give the desired stiffness or hold the shape for any length of time.
Instructions
1. Doilies can be shaped to hold a fluted edge.
Make a form before preparing the starch if you plan to use one. Forms are used to create bowl shapes or shapes meant for doilies that will hold objects. Crumpled paper covered with foil is a commonly method material. Glassware and bowls can be used to shape doilies also.
2. Measure doilies with a dressmaker's tape.
Stretch the doily slightly and measure the dimensions. Measure across for a round doily. Measure the length and width for squares and rectangles.
3. A larger ruler may be needed for measuring tablerunners.
Lay the doily on the parchment paper and trace the shape, leaving a wide border around the outside. You can use a plate slightly larger than a round doily. Use a 12-inch ruler to draw the squares and rectangles.
4. Pins with heads are easier to use.
Cut out the parchment shape and tape it to cardboard. Have the sewing pins handy.
5. Dissolve the laundry starch in the cold water. Stir until completely dissolved. Boil 1-1/4 cups of water, then add the starch water to the boiling water. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir until the starch has thickened.
6. Remove the starch from the heat and allow to cool until comfortable to the touch. Place the doily into a large bowl and pour the starch over the doily. Allow the doily to absorb the starch. Wring out the excess starch.
7. Place the doily on the cardboard and pin each loop in place, making sure the doily matches the shape. Pins can be placed behind each ruffle to make it stand up. Straighten and smooth designs such as those that mimic flower petals.
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