Crochet ornaments add a touch of elegance to any home decor or festive occasion. While they are beautiful to look at, they can become flimsy and lose their shape over time. This is where starching comes in! Searching is the process of stiffening crochet ornaments with a mixture of water and starch, resulting in a more durable and long-lasting piece. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps on how to starch crochet ornaments, ensuring that they remain looking as gorgeous as ever.
Can You Starch Crochet Ornaments?
There’s nothing quite like the charm of a delicate, handmade ornament on the Christmas tree. If you’re a fan of crochet and love creating your own holiday decor, you may be wondering if it’s possible to starch your crochet ornaments for an extra crisp, textured finish.
The good news is that the answer is yes! Starching your crochet creations can help add structure and longevity to your work. You can use various starching methods, ranging from a simple DIY solution of water and cornstarch to more commercially available options. So go ahead and give your crochet ornaments an extra special touch this holiday season with a little bit of starch!
Why Should You Starch Crochet Ornaments?
When it comes to crochet ornaments, one of the best things you can do to give them a polished and professional look is to starch them. Doing this ensures that your ornaments will hold their shape and have a crisp finish that will last for years. Starching will help your ornaments retain their shape and make them easier to handle and less likely to unravel or fray over time.
Plus, if you’re giving your crochet ornaments as gifts or using them to decorate your home, starching will help make them look even more special and impressive. So, whether you’re a seasoned crochet pro or just getting started with this craft, consider adding starching to your list of go-to techniques for creating beautiful and long-lasting ornaments.
How to Starch Crochet Ornaments – in 7 Easy Steps
Step One: Choose the Right Starch
The first and most important step in the starching process is to select the right starch. There are many kinds of starch, but cornstarch and laundry starch are the most commonly used. Cornstarch is a natural way to stiffen crochet ornaments, while laundry starch is a commercial product found in most stores. It is vital to ensure that you are using the right starch that suits your needs.
Step Two: Prepare the Starch Solution
Once you have the starch of your choice, you must create a solution by mixing it with water. The manufacturer determines the ratio of starch to water, so it is best to follow their instructions. The mixture can be prepared by combining several tablespoons of starch with a cup of water. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it is completely dissolved.
Step Three: Soak Your Crochet Ornaments
Submerge your crochet ornaments into the starch solution, ensuring they are completely coated. Gently squeeze any excess solution from the ornaments without distorting their shapes. Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle to apply starch to your ornaments evenly.
Step Four: Shape Your Crochet Ornaments
Now that your ornaments are coated in starch, it’s time to pay attention to their shapes. Place the ornaments flat, using rust-resistant pins to shape them while wet. Note that some ornaments may need to be formed around a balloon or other suitable object, while others may need to be blocked with the help of a stretching wire. Allow your ornaments to dry completely in the desired shape.
Step Five: Dry and Iron Your Ornaments
After shaping your ornaments, allow them to air dry completely. Once they are dry, remove any pins or objects used for shaping and carefully iron them in a low-heat setting. The heat will activate the starch, further stiffening the ornaments and giving them a polished look.
Step Six: Repeat if Necessary
For a stiffer result, you may need to repeat the starching process. Before repeating, ensure your ornaments are completely dry and cooled down from ironing. If you still want them stiffer, simply dip them back into the starch solution and follow steps three to five again.
Step Seven: Display Your Beautifully Starched Ornaments
Once your ornaments are starched and dry, they are ready to be displayed. Use them to decorate your Christmas tree, create a festive garland, or give them thoughtful handmade gifts. Now you know the steps to perfectly starch your crochet ornaments, get creative, and add personal touches such as glitter or ribbon for an extra special touch!
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Starch Crochet Ornaments
1. Fabric Stiffener or Starch
The first consideration when you need to starch crochet ornaments is the fabric stiffener or starch you’ll use. Various options are available, including commercial products such as spray-on starches and liquid starches and homemade solutions like cornstarch and flour mixtures. The type of stiffener you choose will depend on the ornament you’re making and the desired effect.
2. Crochet Hook Size
The size of the crochet hook you use to make your ornament is also important to consider when starching them. Smaller hooks will create tighter stitches, holding more starch, while larger hooks will create looser stitches that won’t hold as much starch. It’s best to use a hook slightly smaller than what is recommended for the yarn weight to hold more starch and give your ornament a firmer finish.
3. Yarn Weight
The weight of the yarn used to make your crochet ornament can also affect how well it holds starch. Heavier yarns tend to hold more starch than lighter yarns, so if you want your ornament to have a firmer finish, opt for heavier yarns such as worsted weight or bulky weight rather than fingering weight or sport weight yarns.
4. Drying Time
Another important consideration when searching for crochet ornaments is drying time. It’s important to allow enough time for the starch to dry completely before handling or displaying your finished project. Otherwise, it may become misshapen or discolored over time due to moisture from handling or humidity in the air. Read the instructions on whatever fabric stiffener you use for specific drying times and follow them closely for best results.
5. Temperature
Finally, temperature can also affect how well your crochet ornament holds its shape after starching it. If it’s too cold outside, the stiffness may not set properly and could cause your ornament to sag over time; likewise, if it’s too hot outside, the stiffness may set too quickly and could cause your ornament to become brittle over time due to overheating from direct sunlight or other sources of heat in the environment.
Try to find a cool place with indirect sunlight to let crocheted pieces dry without extreme temperatures affecting their shape.
4 Benefits of Starch Crochet Ornaments
1. Durability
Starch crochet ornaments are extremely durable and can last for many years with proper care. The starch helps to strengthen the thread, making it less likely to break or fray over time. Additionally, the starch helps keep the ornament’s shape, meaning that it will not lose its shape after a few uses. This makes them perfect for use in decorations that will be displayed year after year.
2. Versatility
Starch crochet ornaments are also incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways. They can be used as Christmas tree decorations, garlands, wreaths, and wall hangings. Additionally, they can be made in any size or color to match your decorating needs. This makes them ideal for those who want to add a unique touch to their home decor.
3. Cost-Effective
Starch crochet ornaments are also cost-effective and much cheaper than buying ready-made decorations from stores. All you need is some yarn and starch, found at most craft stores for relatively cheap prices. You can also make larger batches of ornaments to save even more money on your decorations this holiday season!
4. Easy To Make
Finally, starch crochet ornaments are incredibly easy to make! All you need is basic knowledge of how to crochet and patience while working on each ornament. Even beginners can make beautiful pieces with just a little bit of practice! Plus, once you start, it’s hard not to get hooked on making these fun decorations!
Conclusion
Starching crochet ornaments is a simple way to keep them stunning for years. Following the above steps carefully and precisely can experience more durable, long-lasting, and aesthetically appealing crochet ornaments.
Make sure to choose the right starch, prepare a suitable solution, soak and shape your ornaments with care, and allow them to dry correctly. Thanks for reading our post about how to starch crochet ornaments. Happy searching, and enjoy the beauty of your newly refreshed crochet ornaments!
