|
|
|
Stiffening or
Starching Crochet Articles
KarensVariety.com |
Stiffening or starching is used when you
have a crocheted article you wish to keep its shape. Stiffening is commonly used for angels or
snowflakes, doilies and baskets.
Stiffening can either be permanent if you
use a glue mixture or can wash out if you use a sugar or starch method
(you will have to stiffen again when you wash the article). If this is
your first attempt at stiffening, try a wash-out method until you have the
shaping mastered. Or use an old, disposable article to experiment. This is
especially recommended for the permanent glue method.
Whichever method you use,
the general principle is the same. Spray your article or prepare the
starch or sugar mixture by boiling, let cool slightly and place
into a plastic bag. Place your article into the bag, be sure it completely
covered, then squeeze out the excess or blot it well. Do not twist or pull
the article.
Cover cardboard, styrofoam or your ironing
board with plastic (to avoid a mess), lay your article on top and pin into
shape. Be sure to use rust proof pins or you will have tiny rust spots on
your article. Leave to thoroughly dry.
For articles which require a 3D shape such
as baskets, place a hard object similar in size, such as a jar, in the
centre and shape the sides around, wait to dry. For articles such as
ruffled doilies, use rust proof pins to hold the ruffles in shape until it
is dry.
If you wish to press the article, lay it
between two pieces of cloth and press on the wrong side with a warm iron.
There are three main methods:
Glue and Water: Mix
equal parts water and white glue together.
* This is permanent and will not wash out.
Spray or Liquid Starch: Purchased
spray starch is easy to use; Liquid starch can be used as is which gives a
very stiff article but should be diluted with water. Follow package directions. The mixture of starch and
water will be boiled allowing it to thicken. Experiment first as the more water you add, the less
stiff your item will be.
* Washes out so will have to be re-starched when washed.
* Articles can become brittle and even break if they are heavily starched.
Sugar and Water:
Use equal portions of sugar and water. Bring
sugar and water to a boil and ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.
* Washes out so will have to be re-starched when washed.
* Remember, if you have pets or live in an area with
flies, etc. they can be attracted to the sugar.
* Sugar can yellow over time.
* Can become sticky or mouldy if in a humid place.
|
