How to Stiffen Crochet

I have a few people I so dearly love when it comes to crochet... Other than my online crochet angel/friend Bieke B who I met in Facebook, Lisa Van-Klaveren whom I met through Ravelry, I also adore Theresa Richardson who, just like Bieke and Lisa, generously shares her crochet talents as well as patterns through You Tube videos and her blog tutorials. I know I wouldn't have learned much of this craft if not for the 3 wonderful women I've mentioned above.

Now I would love to share with you something I have learned from her on how to stiffen crochet thread ornaments. I'd love to blog about this too so that I can easily refer back to it whenever I decide to stiffen any of my crochet projects. Ü

Post from Teresa Richardson of Crochet Mania.
Video Tutorial : How to Stiffen Crochet Thread Ornaments.

This is what I use for stiffening thread or yarn. This is not the same as blocking. That will be another tutorial. There are products called fabric stiffeners out there on the market. Glue with water works just the same. I have even used sugar and water to stiffen snowflakes.

Stiffening Solution:
•1 part glue
•1 part water
•Mix well

Saturate your piece in the solution. Squeeze out the excess. Shape your project on an old towel. It will take 24-48 hours to dry. The smaller snowflakes will dry faster. The yarn snowflakes will take about 48 hours to dry.

Once the pieces are dry, you can add glitter. I like to wait until the snowflakes are dry to add glue. I have found that the excess glue with the stiffening process will cover the glitter so it may not be as shiny and glittery.