If you love collecting and displaying beautiful lace doilies, you understand the importance of keeping them in perfect condition. Starching your lace doilies using cornstarch is an effective way to preserve their shape and durability. In this blog post, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to starch your lace doilies with cornstarch, ensuring they remain beautiful for years to come.
Materials You'll Need:
- Lace doilies
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Pins
- Clean towels
Step 1: Prepare the Starch Mixture
Start by creating your cornstarch starch mixture. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of cornstarch with 1 cup of water. Stir well until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. If needed, you can adjust the ratio slightly depending on the size and thickness of your doilies.
Step 2: Wet Your Doilies
Place your lace doilies in a clean sink or basin. Carefully wet them with water, ensuring they are evenly soaked. This step helps the cornstarch mixture evenly distribute throughout the doilies.
Step 3: Apply the Cornstarch Starch Mixture
Transfer the cornstarch mixture into a spray bottle for easy application. Start spraying the mixture onto your wet doilies, making sure to cover the entire surface. Gently press the doilies to ensure the starch is absorbed evenly.
Step 4: Shape and Pin the Doilies
Now comes the fun part! Take your wet, starched doilies and gently shape them to preserve their desired form. Lay them flat on a clean towel or any smooth surface. Use pins to hold the doilies in place, ensuring they don't lose their shape during the drying process.
Step 5: Let Them Dry
Allow your starched doilies to air dry completely. This process can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the humidity levels in your area. Avoid direct sunlight or excessive heat, as it may cause the doilies to become brittle.
Step 6: Remove the Pins and Enjoy!
Once your doilies are fully dry, carefully remove the pins. You will notice that your lace doilies are now perfectly preserved, with a beautiful stiffened texture. Find the perfect spot to display them and enjoy the admiration they receive from friends and family!
Starching your lace doilies with cornstarch not only helps preserve their shape but also makes them easier to clean. If your doilies become dusty or soiled, simply rinse them in cool water and reshape while damp. Repeat the drying process, and they will be as good as new!
Remember, properly starched lace doilies can be delicate, so always handle them with care. With these easy steps, you can preserve the elegance and beauty of your lace doilies for years to come!
We hope you found this guide helpful! Do you have any additional tips or techniques for starching lace doilies? Share them with us in the comments below!