Tips and Tricks for Doilies

Doilies are some of the most cherished collectibles and memorabilia from decades long past. The elaborately crocheted doilies can provide a look into the past, and doilies passed to you from a long ago ancestor can tell stories of what that person was like, what intricate patterns spoke to them. With proper use and care, these treasures can continue to be passed down from generation to generation.

You can incorporate many intricate patterns into doilies, ranging from angels and butterflies, to lighthouses and motifs for special occasions, such as for Christmas and Halloween. Flower images are very popular ranging from rose patterns, to jasmine, and lily of the valley petals and shapes. You can incorporate pine cones and sea shells, and practically anything your imagination can dream and an expert mind and nimble fingers can weave into a doily.

What can you do with these magical creations? You can display them for decorative purposes or use for them functional reasons. In the early decades of the 20th Century, doilies were very popular as coverings for fine furniture. Uses included covering the arms of chairs and couches, as well as the tops of tables and dressers. Doilies covering the tops of fine furniture protect the surface of the furniture, while serving to enhance whatever collectible you may wish to set on the doily. For example, a fine piece of porcelain, a figurine, or a special glass bowl set atop a doily can make a lovely addition to your room. The doily adds an element of grace and elegance to the ornamentation.

While some doilies are designed to serve a functional purpose, others are so picturesque and unique that you really don’t have a choice except to frame them and hang them on a wall to serve as decoration. Such trimmings can add a touch of elegance and romance to your home. Another idea would be to add a favorite photo on top of a doily and frame them both.

For a different look in floral displays, you can wrap a vase with a doily that will complement the size of the vase and tie the doily and vase together with an accentuating ribbon. This would be a unique way to display your fresh-cut flowers or even those of the artificial variety.

You can also use doilies to enhance gift-giving. For something different, instead of using wrapping paper, let the recipient of your gift “open” the gift by merely unwrapping the encasing doily. You will have two gifts in one: the gift and the doily it is wrapped with. It’s great for the environment, too, because you will not be adding more paper refuse to the local landfill. You could also use a basket, line it with a doily, wrap the gift in another doily, and voila! It’s a gift assortment of the best kind.

Doilies can be used in craft items, to shape and stiffen into Christmas ornaments or other small decorative treasures. You can use special fabric stiffener to permanently shape a doily into a hat or bowl. You can starch lightly for a temporary hardening effect that you can wash out. If you decide to use permanent fabric stiffener, which you can typically purchase anywhere craft materials are sold, you should be aware that this kind of stiffener will not wash out. It may also not come off any surfaces you happen to get it on, so be sure to cover all work surfaces carefully.

Doilies come in a variety of shapes and colors. Doilies can be round, oblong, square, or rectangular. Doilies can be coordinated so that different types of the same pattern can be used to accentuate each room of your home or, if you prefer an eclectic mix, you can mix and match to create the ambience you desire.

If used in a functional purpose, you can care for your doilies by gently washing them with soap and water. If you get a particularly stubborn stain on the doily, try using a toothbrush and gently brushing the affected area. Do not rub or scrub as the doily is much too delicate for that.

Doilies come in handy for a variety of uses. They can be used as protection, decoration, or as a novelty. They are exquisite items produced with much loving care and it shows in their stylish designs and patterns that are so pleasing to the eye.

Alana Morgaine
Our Vintage Doilies

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