After spending so much time working a piece of lace, it is worth the time and effort to give it a fitting finish.

Preparing the starch:

• Dissolve starch in cold water in the ratio of 1:2 – with ¼ cup of starch in ½ a cup of water you can starch about 4-5 large sized doilies.
• Boil this solution over a low flame.
• As the mixture thickens, gradually stir 1 ¼ cups of cold water. Continue stirring making sure there are no lumps. You get a gooey paste.

Starching your Lace:

• First dampen the doilies squeezing out the excess water.
• When the starch is sufficiently cool, dip the doilies into the mixture 1 by 1. Make sure the starch spreads thoroughly.
• Gently squeeze out excess starch. There should be no starch in the spaces.
• When the doilies are almost dry, carefully press with warm iron.

Over the years several other starching techniques have been developed.

1. Spray Starch
2. Liquid Starch
3. Sugar and water
4. Glue and Water
5. Shellac

1. Spray Starch – in this method, you can either first pin your damp lace to measurements and then lightly spray the starch solution – or first spray the doily and then pin it to measurements.
2. Liquid Starch – this is diluted with water unless you want a very stiff doily. Dip doily in solution and gently squeeze out excess starch. Pin damp doily to measurements. When almost dry, cover with another piece of material and press using a warm iron.
3. Sugar and water – mix sugar and water in the ratio of 1:2. Heat on a low flame and let the sugar dissolve but not caramelize. Dip your piece in this solution pin out to measurements and dry.
4. Glue and water –dip your doily in a solution made of equal parts of glue and water. Squeeze out excess solution. Shape carefully and pin to measurements – be especially careful as this method gives your piece a permanent finish. You cannot reshape your piece once it is dry.
5. Shellac – this again gives a permanent finish. First shape your piece. Do not dampen. Using a sponge or brush, apply a thin coat of clear Shellac. Apply 2-3 coats allowing the piece to dry completely between coats. Your piece becomes hard. This is a good method to finish baskets, and Christmas decorations.