Stiffenning and Shaping Tips

It's important to have a form available, before you begin starching your finished project. Forms can be anything, from balloons, blown up in different sizes, glass jars, or crumpled paper or plastic wrap covered with foil to keep it's shape. Flat objects, like bookmarks, snowflakes, etc. can be pinned to a blocking board or styrofoam covered with a piece of plastic. Whatever form you use, remember to cover it with foil, especially when using paper or styrofoam, as they may loose their shape when they get wet.
There are several ways to 'stiffen' your project. Listed below are a few of the most popular ones. I will add any new techniques, as they come to my attention.

How To Starch Doilies:

For a light starch: Dissolve 1\2 cup starch in 1\2 cup of cold water; add 2 to 3 quarts of boiling water, put mixture over flame and stir until smooth.
For a heavy starch: Follow the same proportions except use only 1 1\4 to 1 1\2 cups of the boiling water.
Allow starch to cool slightly, then dip doily and squeeze starch through it. Wring out extra starch. The doily should be wet with starch but there should be none in the spaces or openwork. Pin doily in position on a padded ironing board, pulling out and shaping to the proper dimensions. When there is a ruffle, pin only the center and allow doily to dry. Iron ruffle with a steam iron after it is dry. Pin folds of ruffle in place and let the doily dry thoroughly.

From WorkBasket June, 1956.

SUGAR WATER:

Mix 1 cup of sugar and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil and cool. Apply with a soft brush or just dip your project into the mixture, and gently squeeze out the excess and shape. Let it dry overnight. This method does have some drawbacks, such as yellowing, becoming soft and sticky in humid weather, and attracting bugs. :-)
This is the oldest method 'I' know of. If you know of an older method,and would like for it to be included here, please feel free to email me and let me know.

GLUE:

You mix equal parts of water and glue. This works best when you brush it on. To get a softer finish just add a little more water. Let it dry overnight.

SPRAY STARCH:

This is good for those projects that need just a touch of stiffening, such as edgings. Works best on flat designs, rather than the 3 dimensional designs.

COMMERCIAL STIFFENERS:

There is a large variety on the market and many of them have the same or similiar qualities. Most of them are water resistant and will not yellow. Some are water based and suggest that you spray your design after it is dry with an acrylic finish to prevent it from becoming limp in humid weather. Usually you can add water for a softer and less stiff finish.
Most can be used just as you would the Sugar Water. Using a soft brush to 'paint' the mixture on, or dipping the finished project and gently squeezing out the excess, shaping and let dry overnight.

SALT STARCH STIFFENING:

1 Tblespn flour; 1 Tblespn cornstarch; 2/3 c. salt.
Mix all 3 together. Add 1 c. water, stirring well. Let come to a boil. Remove from heat and partially cool. Rub mixture into crocheted project. Stretch and pin to selected form and allow to dry thoroughly.
NOTE: This mixture can be used on crocheted bowls and ruffled doilies.

From WorkBasket November, 1957.