Make Your Own Craft Stiffener

By: Joanne Jones
Submitted: 2009-01-16 17:50:45
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Have you ever had a crochet project and you wanted it to hold a certain shape?  An easy way for your projects to hold their shape is by using a craft stiffener.  You can either buy it from the store or you can make your own.  There are a few advantages to making your own stiffener, such as: it is all natural; you don't have to spend a lot of money and it is easy to find the ingredients at any grocery store.  Here are a few different recipes for making your own craft stiffener.

Cornstarch and Water

There are two different ways to make your own stiffener using just cornstarch and water.

Method 1:  In a small saucepan, mix together 1 part cornstarch and 6 parts water.  Place on the stove on medium heat and cook until the mixture is clear and thick.  Allow it to cool before using.  

Method 2:  In a small saucepan, bring 5 parts water to a boil and remove from heat.  In a bowl, mix together 1 part cornstarch and 2 parts water until the cornstarch has completely dissolved.  Mix this in with the boiled water.  Turn the heat back on and stir the mixture constantly until it has thickened.  Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool before using.

For both methods, any excess mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.  This method will give your project a hard finish.

Epsom Salts

Bring 1 part water to a boil.  Then add in 1 part Epsom salts and stir until the salt has dissolved.  Allow the solution to cool a little before using.  This mixture will dry quickly and will give a hard finish to your crochet project.

Spray Starch

While not exactly homemade, it is easy to find spray starch in most grocery stores.  Simply spray it on and then iron your piece to give it shape.  Spray starches are best for pieces that you still want some movement in.  The spray stiffens the fabric and allows it to hold its shape, yet bend and move if you want it to.

Sugar and Water

Mix together and dissolve 1 part water and 1 part sugar in a small saucepan.  Bring the mixture to a rapid boil and remove from heat.  Allow it to cool slightly before using.  This method will also give you a hard finish for your crochet pieces.  The best part of the sugar and water mixture is that it brings out the natural feel of your craft project.

Using Your Stiffener

No matter how you made your stiffener, they are all applied and used in the same way, except for spray starch, which is sprayed on.  Simply immerse your craft piece into the stiffener and let it soak for a minute or two.  Take the piece out and place it on a clean towel or paper towels.  Using another cloth or paper towel, gently press down until the excess liquid has been removed.  Don't wring or twist your piece, as that will distort the finished product.  

Next, mold your craft piece into the desired shape.  If you need to, you can use items around your house, such as plastic or glass containers, cardboard, bowls or even Styrofoam shapes.  Use rust proof pins to hold the piece in place while it dries.  Allow it to completely air dry before removing the pins.  Voila!  Your piece is finished!

Article source: Expert Articles