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Common Ground News

What can I do with old crochet doilies?

Author

David Ramirez

Updated on February 21, 2026

What can I do with old crochet doilies?

Gather grandma's doilies because here are 15 cool ways to repurpose them
  1. Lacy candle holder.
  2. Doily luminaries.
  3. Doily pillow.
  4. Doily-back tank top.
  5. Cement doily bowl.
  6. Delicate table runner.
  7. Spherical hanging lamp.
  8. Doily lamp shade.

Besides, are old doilies worth anything?

Quaal and Diaz said that a good quality turn-of-the-century tablecloth retails for about $250 to $350, with very fine and rare pieces costing considerably more.

One may also ask, where can you use doilies? 15 Creative Ways to Use a Doily

  1. Painted Packaging. Love this use of doilies as stencils.
  2. Fabric Doily Bowl. Create a bowl for delicate things like necklaces and wedding invitations.
  3. Lacy Envelope Liners.
  4. DIY Vintage Doily Necklace.
  5. Upcycled Doily Lamp.
  6. Doily Jar Luminaries.
  7. LED Jar Lights.
  8. Doily String Lights.

Also asked, how do you get stains out of old crochet doilies?

Soak the doilies in a mixture of hot water and a gentle detergent. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry in the sunshine. If the stains remain, and you are willing to risk some damage, add bleach to the mixture and repeat the process again. Commercial stain removers applied directly to the stains may be effective.

How do you whiten old crochet doilies?

Submerge your crocheted tablecloth in a solution comprising 2 gallons of water to 1 cup of vinegar and allow it to soak for several hours, sloshing it around occasionally. Eventually, your cleaning solution should turn yellow as the stains on the tablecloth fade.

Can you spray paint paper doilies?

It is simple, and can be finished in just the time it takes for paint to dry. First, spray paint your entire canvas the color you want the doilies to be when the whole project is finished. Let dry. Lay the doilies on the dry canvas.

Where can I sell vintage linens?

Do some research on vintage linens, if you want to sell them. Visit estate sales, antique shops or online antique linen stores, such as vintagelinens.com and emsheart.com. It helps to have some contact with the linens to find out what valuable linens look and feel like.

What can I do with vintage linens?

15 Cute Ways to Repurpose Vintage Linens
  1. Vintage Handkerchief Valance. A valance from vintage hankies.
  2. Vintage Linen Moth. This moth made from vintage linens is exquisite.
  3. Linen Patchwork Curtain.
  4. Vintage Pillowcase Apron.
  5. Envelope Pouches from Vintage Linens.
  6. Vintage Linen Buttons.
  7. Framed Vintage Doilies.
  8. Vintage Linen Sachets.

What do you do with grandma's doilies?

Gather grandma's doilies because here are 15 cool ways to repurpose them
  1. Lacy candle holder.
  2. Doily luminaries.
  3. Doily pillow.
  4. Doily-back tank top.
  5. Cement doily bowl.
  6. Delicate table runner.
  7. Spherical hanging lamp.
  8. Doily lamp shade.

How do you clean an old crochet bedspread?

Old crochet items such as bedspreads require care when cleaning. It is best to wash by hand in the tub, using cold water and Woolite. Then squeeze out the water and dry flat, do not hang.

Can you bleach crochet?

Clorox® Regular-Bleach2 with CLOROMAX® in 1/4 cup water; apply a drop on a hidden area like inside seam, hemline or cuff; wait 1 minute and then blot with towel); no color change means it is safe to use bleach on the item.

How do you get stains out of yarn?

Treat the stain

Soak a linen cloth (they don't shed lint) in a solution of half white vinegar and half wool detergent mixed with cool water. Then use this cloth to dab at the stain, working inwards and on the reverse of the garment to stop the stain spreading. Again, scrape off any excess residue from the spillage.

How do you get yellow out of old fabric?

If linens are yellowed, add 1/2 cup oxygen bleach to 2 to 3 gallons of water (do not use chlorine bleach, which can weaken fibers). Gently agitate by hand, then let soak until the cloth appears white (this may take several hours). Rinse with cold water.

How do you bleach a doily?

That's a very OLD doily! The yellow transfer is a part of the ink outline and may be removed using a soak with Clorox Regular Bleach2 (1/4 cup/gallon for 5 minutes) and then a hot water wash with detergent and Clorox Regular Bleach.

How do you clean antique fabric?

In a large plastic tub, create a mild temperature bath of white vinegar, water and Twenty Mule Team Borax. (Sometimes, I even add a drop of Ivory dish soap.) Let fabric soak for 10 to 15 mins, then lightly wash fabrics by hand. Be sure not to agitate the fibers too vigorously as sometimes this can cause tearing.

How do you wash cotton crochet?

Cotton, linen, and ramie yarn can be washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle using either cold or warm water. Acrylic and other synthetic yarns can be washed and dried with your regular laundry as they do not shrink. Unknown fiber content items should be hand-washed in cold water and dried flat.

How do you wash starch doilies?

Buy liquid starch in the laundry aisle of the supermarket, or save your pennies and make your own with sugar.
  1. Wash the doilies with laundry detergent to remove any old starch.
  2. Pour undiluted liquid starch into a bowl or make a sugar-water starch by bringing 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan.

How do you attach doilies to glass?

Instructions
  1. Make sure your jars are clean and dry.
  2. Lay doily on table and spray one side with adhesive spray.
  3. Place the jar onto the doily and press in place.
  4. Spray the rim with adhesive, then wrap the jar rim with burlap or ribbon.
  5. Tie a piece of twine around the rim if desired.

How do you frame a crochet piece?

How To Frame Your Crochet Art
  1. Gather your supplies!
  2. Cut your fabric to size.
  3. Measure! Measure the doily against the frame to make sure you have it centered.
  4. Place the cut-to-size piece of fabric on the frame, add the back and secure in place - Done!

How do you display antique lace?

Mrs. Reveley says that old lace should be kept wrapped in unbleached muslin, cotton sheets or acid-free tissue paper. Cardboard boxes should be used for storage. Lace, like any other stored textile, should be aired once or twice a year and refolded along different lines so that threads do not disintegrate.

Where do doilies come from?

According to the BBC's magazine “Homes and Antiques”, the name originated “from the surname “Doily”, a London firm of linen merchants who made fringed napkins in the 1700's. From 1711 a doily was a small ornamental napkin used at dessert”. Over the years it evolved into other uses. Doilies are still useful today.

What can you do with lace?

Part 2: 5+ Beautiful Lace Crafts You Can Make with Old Lace
  • Add a little lace to toys or pillows. By adding a little lace, you can make your common pillow or toy dame cute.
  • Cover mason jars or bottles with lace.
  • Lace crown.
  • Lacy book ends.
  • Stylish lace coasters.
  • Lace washer bracelets.