Add starch to finished crochet projects
As you get into the art of crochet, there will be times when you'll want to add some solidity to your finished work. This is the case when you sew things like handbags, bedspreads, and certain types of lace. Yarn or fiber can be easily reinforced by creating your projects with a variety of different reinforcing media. Starch has been around for a very long time and with the different options available today for starch; You can find the right option for your project.
starch classic
The oldest form of starch is simply to dissolve ½ cup of starch in ½ cup of cold water. Take this mixture and bring it to a slow boil over low heat. When the mixture begins to thicken, gradually add 1 cup of cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes clear. This will leave you with a mix of pie type of thinking.
Once the starch mixture is cool enough to be handled safely, dip in the crochet work and press the starch into it well. Your goal is to soak your project in starch but don't put it in holes or any open work on your project. At this point, you will want to allow your project to dry in the desired position when the starching process is complete.
Once the item is completely dry, you can iron it with a steam iron on a medium setting.
starch spray
The easiest way to strengthen your crochet items is to use spray starch. Spray starch is readily available in the laundry detergent area of any local grocery store or drugstore. To use spray starch, you will need to use one of two methods.
The first method is to spray the piece lightly and press it with a warm iron, on the wrong side, covered with another substance between the item and the iron.
The second method is to spray your piece lightly and then pin it in place and let it dry. If you choose to pin your pieces, be sure to use stainless pins so they don't cause any staining on your finished crochet work.
Spray starch is ideal for household appliances and can be tolerated under normal wear. However, they are not permanent, and if you wash them, you will need to starch them again.
liquid starch
Using liquid starch allows you to control the hardness of your cut very easily. You have the option of using the starch straight from the bottle, or diluting it with water and getting a less stiff piece as a result. This process is identical to the above guidelines for classic starch.
cruel things
And just as the name suggests, it is used to starch craft items and handicrafts. This process is exactly the same as using spray starch; However, the resulting element will be very stiff. And if you want to speed up the process, you can use a hair dryer to dry the starch faster.
white glue and water
If you are looking for a permanent starchy option, you can achieve it with white glue and water. Simply mix equal parts white glue and water together. Dip the crochet piece into this mixture and tap off the excess. Lay your piece out on a hard, non-stick surface to dry and you'll have a permanently grated finish.
shellac
Shellac is used in the case where you want a very strong end product. Simply shape your piece, use a small brush, and add a thin layer of shellac. Let this layer dry, then apply another 2-3 layers on top of it. Once your item dries, the shellac will harden and your item will be very hard to touch. Shellac is ideal for use in things like ornaments and crochet Christmas tree bookmarks.
With these techniques, you can be sure that your crochet projects turn out like a pro and will last for many years to come.