Starching Techniques & Recipes
Posted By: linda glenn
Date: 2004/4/26 6:52 a.m.

thought you may enjoy this info, give them a try who knows it may work today list of stiffeners from commercial brands, homemade solutions to those used by women in the 30's and 40's.


Hairspray:
Lightly spray project with hair spray and shape on a prepared work surface. Pin in place using rust proof pins and let dry. Results A non-permanent semi hard finish suitable for snowflakes, etc.

Spray Starch:
Lightly spray project with spray starch and then shape one of these ways: 1) Cover with a handkerchief and press on the wrong side using a cool iron setting. 2) Stretch out on a shaping board (which can be a cardboard box, styrofoam base, or ironing board to name a few), and pin in place using rust proof pins. Templates are wonderful to ensure an even piece. 3) Stretch out on a terry towel and let dry. The towel will "hold" the piece while it dries. Results A non-permanent soft finish for maintaining shape. Perfect for doilies, snowflakes, tablecloths, bookmarks etc.

Liquid Starch:
Liquid starch can be diluted with water as desired or used straight. The more water used, the softer the piece. Dip crochet piece in starch and gently squeeze out excess solution being careful not to twist or wring the piece. Then shape one of these two ways: 1) Roll up in a towel jelly roll fashion until almost dried. Then cover with a handkerchief and press on the wrong side using a cool iron setting until completely dried. 2) Stretch out on a hard flat work surface and pin in place using rust proof pins until dried. For doilies with ruffles, place identical forms at even intervals around the doily, gently stretching the ruffle up and slighlty around the form used. Let dry. Forms can be anything from spice bottles, IBM cartridges and even soda bottles (like Coke). Resuts A non-permanent finish. Very stiff to soft depending on the amount of water used to dilute the starch. Perfect for ruffled doilies.


Commercial Brands:
Aleene's
Provides a permanent hard finish suitable for baskets, angels etc. Available through most craft stores. Craft Pro Fabric & Doily Stiffener Provides a permanent hard finish suitable for baskets, angels etc, not effected by humidity. Available through some craft stores.

Stiffen Stuff
Provides a semi-hard finish suitable for snowflakes. You can speed the drying process of this solution by placing your piece in the microwave and following manufacturer's directions. Not suitable for angels, baskets etc. where you'll need a hard finish. I'm not sure if this solution is permanent. Available at most craft stores.

Stiffen Quick
Provides a non-permanent semi-hard to hard finish and is easy to use with a spray bottle applicator. Microwave instructions are included for a faster drying time, but the product can be used without the aid of the microwave. For rock hard finishes more than one application is recommended. Subject to humidity. Please note: This product will adhere to rust proof pins. Soaking pins and peeling the film off will remove the hardened solution, but may destroy the pins in the process. Thank you Jeannie for an opinion on this product.

Stiffy
Provides a permanent hard finish effected by humidity. Suitable for angels, baskets etc. but will need protection against humidity

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