How to Stiffen a Doily with Candle Wax

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Do you have a tatted doily or a crochet project that you’d like to harden? Let me show you how easy it is to block your crochet or tatted lace with candle wax. The results are brilliant! Read on…

Let me be honest, I was always been scared to block my items myself. I know 10 ways to Stiffen Crochet items but Tatted lace and fine Crochet lace always intimidated me. The few times I had tried in the past, the effect hadn’t lasted long. My handmade items would hold shape for some time but they were not the desired stiffness or neatness that I preferred.

I’ve recently discovered that the best way to stiffen an ornament or a doily is to use Candle Wax. Have you heard of this technique?

Using Candle Wax to Stiffen Crochet Projects

I’ll confess I did not know this until a few months ago. A reader left a message asking if I knew how to use wax to harden objects. My How to stiffen a doily with Starch post reminded her that when she growing up, her mother and great aunt used candle wax to stiffen their projects. She asked me if I knew. I had heard of wax being used but never tried it myself. I was intrigued…

Today, as I was decluttering my kitchen, I came across some old candles. I didn’t want to throw them away so I thought why not try to wax my doily and see if I succeed.

I searched google, Pinterest and YouTube but they didn’t know … I found ways to stiffen a paper doily with wax but all the other results only spoke of how to get wax off your doily.

So, I decided to experiment. If I used melted wax and dipped my doily, it would be difficult to shape it while it’s hot. I didn’t want to burn my fingers or get messy with tweezers. Wax solidifies very fast. So I decided it is best to grate some wax onto the doily directly.

I didn’t know how it would turn out but experimenting hurt no one (except the doily).

I grated a little bit of wax on my project to cover it.

It looked like it would clump if I melted it. I was afraid it would stick all around too. So I brushed off the excess, dabbed on what was left and transferred the doily over to another wax paper.

Now, what to use to melt the wax?

I had initially thought, I’d use a blow dryer on the highest setting but while working the idea didn’t appeal to me. I decided it was best to cover the doily with another sheet of wax paper and use a steam iron instead.

Using the hot Steam Iron (with the steam option turned off) I pressed on it. The wax quickly absorbed into the doily leaving no residue. I lifted the wax paper to see that the doily didn’t show any signs of wax on it.

I let it cool for sometime and then removed the backing. I felt it needed a bit more wax. So I repeated the whole process 2-3 times more.

The doily is stiff as a cardboard!!!

What kind of wax should I use?

I used candle wax. I had half used candles and even a tea light. I grated it directly after removing the cover. One of them was even scented. ?

How to harden a crochet doily with Candle Wax

Here are the exact steps that I followed and the material that I used.

Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links.  I make a small commission at no extra cost to you by referring you to products I use. You can read my full Disclosure here. 

Materials you need:

• Candle or candle wax – preferably in the same color as your item.
• Wax paper- 1 roll.
• Plastic tray to collect the extra wax crumbs
• Cheese grater
• Hot Iron / Steam Iron

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Cut out two sheets of wax paper. You should be able to place your item on it leaving enough space around. If your item is small, you can use just one sheet folded in half.

2. Place your item flat on the plastic tray. Your item should be dry. No need to moisten it.

3. Start grating the candle wax directly on to your project. Once it’s fully covered, gently press on the wax crumbs so they adhere to your material.

4. Turn over the item and grate some more wax on the other side. Repeat as in step 3.

5. Gently lift the item and place it on the wax paper. Let the excess wax crumbs fall off. Cover with the second sheet wax paper.

6. Press with hot Iron till the wax melts. Turn the sheet over and press again.

7. Lift the wax paper and transfer the still warm doily to the tray. Grate more wax on it. Turn and cover the other side too.

8. Transfer it back to the wax sheets. Press with the hot Iron again.

9. Repeat the above steps till you have desired thickness. I waxed it 3-4 times.

10. Let it cool completely. If you want to curve or shape some parts, do it while still warm. Once it is cold, it will hold shape.

Can I use wax for bigger crochet projects or tatted doilies?

Yes, you can. I’ve tried different items – from small motifs to a complete doily. Yes, it worked on all of them. My doilies as you can see are quite delicate.

Here are a few things to remember while using Candle Wax to harden objects.

1. Avoid using on acrylic yarn as the heat may burnit.
2. Use same color wax as the project. I used s slightly lavender colored wax and my white doily turned purple. 🙁 The item takes on the color of the wax.

 

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