Ready to learn how to stiffen fabric? With this technique you can make these doily candle holders in minutes. Then use them in your home decor or even at weddings and more. Here we are starching doilies to maintain a shape but this same technique can be used on any fabric.
How to Stiffen Fabric: Video Tutorial
First, start with the video below that has all of the information you need to making fabric stiff.
Can’t watch the video or missed some of the steps? Follow along with the directions below.
How to Stiffen Fabric Tutorial
- The secret to stiffening your fabric is a product called Stiffy. And no I did not misspell that! You can find it for sale at your local craft store or on Amazon here.
- Decide what shape you want your finished product to be. I used a drinking glass. Cover this in plastic wrap to protect the surface.
- Pour the Stiffy into a disposable bowl. You can reuse this material by pouring any excess back into the container.
- Add your doily or other fabric to the Stiffy and soak completely.
- Squeeze any excess from the doily. DO NOT WRING OUT! This will stretch your fabric.
- Apply the doily to your plastic covered surface.
- Gather up any excess as needed. Here we created a fluted edge around the top.
- When you are happy with the shape, set aside to dry overnight.
- Remove from the glass and these are ready to add to your decor. If you made the tea light holders, add in a battery operated light or carefully light a real candle. You will need to watch real candles carefully as you don’t want them to burn the sides.
Add these to your home decor or make a bunch for a wedding or party. Now that you know how to stiffen fabric, these types of projects are super simple.
Will you be using this technique to create fun projects? Had you ever heard of Stiffy before this?
Have heard of Stiffy for long time, just have never purchased it. Remember seeing guest on Carol Duvall show use a product to stiffen doilies, not sure what it was called however, was long time ago. Still miss all those great craft shows on HGTV.
When I discovered all those shows we lived in MT. and I was alone a lot since Mr. Furry was over road trucker for weeks on end. All those shows helped pass the time and inspired me to craft many a late night.
Great tutorial Angie, think it’s time for me to try this.
Happy daze
I bet it was the same product! It has been around for years!
Very cool and great (and easy) gift idea! Visiting from Tuesdays at Home party.
I thought for sure you were going to recommend starch. This looks like a neat product. The votive holders are so pretty.
My grandmother used to do this. I can so see a few of these around my home. Thx. Will pin and repost on my FB page @CoastalBohemian
This is really neat. They are so pretty and can be used for so many things.
Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
This is such a cute idea! Would make a great gift too:) Pinned!
I love these! They’re so pretty and perfect for gift-giving or as part of a party favor!
I’d love for you to share this at my party. You can find it at http://www.theorganizeddream.com
These look so cute and easy to make, I wonder if anyone has thought to use them at a wedding dinner or reception? Thank you for sharing last week on Oh my Heartsie Girls WW linkup, this week your recipe is being featured. Please stop by and share again!!
Great DIY! Thanks for linking up at Funtastic Friday.
I’ve never heard of using Stiffy before, we’ve only tried starch and sugar water, which doesn’t always work so well. Can’t wait to try it
I would love a written pattern of the candle holders shown in the photo. Thank you.
Sorry. I purchased the doilies.