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Content Created by Tracey of Baker Street Living 
If you love crafting with fabric, lace, or doilies, having fabric stiffener on hand is a must. The good news? You don’t need to buy expensive commercial products. You can make an effective fabric stiffener at home using simple, inexpensive ingredients you probably already have. This is the most popular and versatile homemade fabric stiffener recipe. I have tried a few and always come back to this easy recipes.
What You’ll Need
- White PVA glue
- Water
- Mixing bowl
- Stir Stick
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the solution
In a bowl, combine equal parts white glue and water, plus an extra tsp of glue. - Stir until completely smooth.
- Store in a clean bottle with an airtight lid.
Fabric Prep
Always test a scrap piece first. Different brands and blends absorb differently, and testing saves surprises.
- Make sure your fabric is clean and wrinkle-free. If you are making crumpled bolws ir rustic items, you may want some wrinkles.
- When washing fabric ahead of time, do not use fabric softener.
- Press if necessary.
Ideal fabrics for use with fabric stiffener are lace, chiffon, natural cotton, linen, denim, felt, and canvas.
Fabrics to avoid include
- leather
- suede
- Polyester & synthetics ( resist absorption)
- Stretch knits (warp swhile drying)
- Waterproof fabrics (stiffener won’t penetrate)
If purchasing fabric to make projects such as bandanas or craft squares, wash it to remove the sizing to achieve the best results.
How to use Fabric Stiffener
- Soak the fabric
Submerge or cover the fabric in the mixture until fully saturated. - Remove excess
Let the excess drip into the bowl. Do not wring, as this can distort the fabric and cause creasing. - Shape your project
Place the fabric over a mould, bowl, balloon, or flat surface, depending on your project. - Let it dry completely
Allow to air dry for 24–48 hours. Drying time depends on thickness and humidity.
Once dry, your fabric will be stiff and hold its shape.
How to Make Fabric Stiffener
Materials
- 1/2 cup Plus 2 tsps of White PVA Glue
- 1/2 cup Warm Water.
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine glue and water.
- Using a stir stick, mix well.
- Use for crafting projects,
- Store in an airtight container
How to Use Fabric Stiffener
- Cover whatever base form you are using with plastic wrap.
- Soak the fabric you are using to create a sculpture, bowls or accessory until it is fully saturated.
- Hold the saturated fabric above the bowl and allow some of the liquid to drip out of the fabric
- Lay the saturated fabric over the form and create the shape you desire.
- Leave to dry for at least 24 hours.
- Remove the fabric from the plastic wrap and allow it to air dry for another 12-24 hours.
Ways to Use Fabric Stiffener?
Fabric stiffener helps the fabric hold its shape once it dries. It’s especially useful for:
- Fabric flowers
- Lace bowls
- School Banners and Flags
- Ornaments and wall decor
- Holiday decorations
- Sculpted fabric projects
Homemade fabric stiffener is ideal for light- to medium-hold projects and is easy to customize depending on how stiff you want the final result.
Ways to Apply Fabric Stiffener
Dipping
Fully saturate the item you are applying the stiffener to. do not wring it out. Let it drip over the bowl of stiffener for a few seconds. After allowing some excess to drip off, place it over a form and allow it to dry completely for at least 24 hours.
Spraying
Pour fabric stiffener into a spray bottle and apply liberally to the surface of the fabric. Hold the bottle 8 to 10 inches from the surface of your fabric. Make sure that you cover your work surface, as it will become saturated as well. Fully saturate the fabric and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. For large pieces, you may need to turn them over and allow more drying time.
Brushing on
This is perfect for doing small items that are part of a larger piece, such as brooches, silk flower arrangements, book covers or embellishments on diy projects. Cover the surface with wax or a protective cover and apply a light coat of fabric stiffener. You may need to apply multiple coats to get the effect you are looking for.
Clean Up Tips
This product is glue-based; therefore, it can damage surfaces or containers if left unchecked. Clean any spills before they dry. It is best to cover your work surface before mixing.
If using spray bottles, clean them well with hot water to prevent clogging. Make certain that you clean the nozzle by filling the bottle or a container and spraying multiple times until there is no fabric stiffener left in the feed tube or nozzle.
For Brushes, clean well with hot, soapy water. When Ive cleaned my brushes, and they look good, I clean them once more to make sure there is no residue left in the bristles.
Can you wash out Fabric Stiffener?
The short answer is yes, most of the time. Having said that, it can be a lot of work, and it is difficult to get your item back to its original condition. Depending on the fabric, it can be very difficult to remove all of the glue. For items that are made with yarn, it is more challenging than fabric, and it may not all come out.
To remove fabric stiffener, place the item in very hot (not boiling) water.
Use tongs to fully soak the fabric. Dump and repeat with fresh water.
When the water runs clear, allow it to dry.
If it is still stiff, repeat the process.
Making your own fabric stiffener is easy, affordable, and customizable. Whether you’re crafting seasonal décor or everyday home accents, this DIY recipe gives you full control over stiffness and finish—without the cost of store-bought products.
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