INEXPENSIVE STIFFENING SOLUTION FOR CROCHET AND LACE WORK

Please vote on this guide at the bottom of the page.

I like to use this solution for my crochet work that needs to be stiffened because it is inexpensive and I can clean my items when they become soiled.  If you use glue or commercial products you can not always get your item clean.

STIFFENING SOLUTION

• Hot sugar solution made with one cup of sugar boiled 3 to 4 minutes in 1/2 cup of water.

TO BLOCK THE CROCHETED PIECES

• Cool solution before using.
• Cover an embroidery hoop with white cotton fabric stretched tight.
• Wet crocheted item and squeeze out the excess water.  Item should be damp, not wet.
• Dip item in sugar water solution and thoroughly saturate with sugar solution.
• Next lightly squeeze out excess sugar solution.
• Place a piece of waxed paper on the hoop and using rust proof pins, pin the doily on the stretched fabric with the waxed paer between.  The waxed paper allows for a quick release.
• Stretch and shpe body of crocheted item.  If item is a doily and it has ruffles you can place Styrofoam balls at set intervals to allow the doily ot curve over the balls and take on that shape.  If you want to save and not use Styrofoam balls you can use crumpled tinfoil made into balls instead. 
• As the crochet item gets almost dry and begins to harden, remove pins, and with your hands stretch and shape ruffle shape.  Allow item to dry completely.
• For additional stiffness, when dry, using a clean pasty brush go over the entire project lightly with more solution, and allow item to dry again
• Repeat this last step until desired stiffness is attained.
• Sometimes you may have to use a clean dinner knife to gently pry between the frame and crochet work.