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Crochet doilies, with their intricate patterns and timeless charm, are more than just vintage keepsakes—they are versatile pieces waiting to be reimagined. Whether inherited or discovered, these delicate creations can be transformed into modern, functional, and decorative items that blend nostalgia with creativity and will surely make your Grandma proud.
30 Repurposing Ideas for Crochet Doilies
This guide offers unique ideas to repurpose crochet doilies, from home decor to fashion accents. Whether you’re a crafter or simply seeking to preserve their beauty, these ideas will inspire you to give these heirlooms a new purpose, honoring their craftsmanship while adding a touch of elegance to your everyday life.
What are crochet doilies?
Crochet doilies are beautiful, handmade decorative pieces crafted from cotton or linen thread using crochet techniques. Known for their intricate patterns, they were traditionally used to protect furniture or add a touch of elegance to homes. Today, they’re cherished as vintage treasures or family heirlooms.
You can search for old crochet doilies in thrift stores, antique shops, or flea markets. Estate sales and garage sales are also great spots to find them. If you prefer online shopping, check out platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace. Don’t forget to ask older family members—they might have a stash tucked away!
Practical uses for old crochet doilies
Crochet doilies can be decorative and functional, here are some practical ways to use them:
Household Uses:
- Turn old doilies into coasters, placemats, or table runners for a functional yet elegant touch.
- Use thick or layered doilies as trivets or hot pads to protect surfaces from hot dishes
- Make curtain tiebacks for a vintage vibe.
- Sturdy cotton doilies are good as dish scrubbers for gentle washing.
- Use them as dust covers over electronic devices, bookshelves, or furniture like old times.
- Smaller doilies make charming bookmarks.
- Doilies make great bread or pastry covering and keep them fresh.
Organization:
- Use them as drawer liners, or gift wraps.
- Soak in essential oils and place in drawers or closets as a natural air freshener.
- Create doily fragrant sachets for drawers or fresh laundry. Fill them with dried lavenders or potpourri.
Related: 50 Never Tried Fall Simmer Pots
With a little creativity, these timeless pieces can find a new purpose in your everyday life.
Creative Uses For Crochet Doilies
There are many creative ways to upcycle crochet doilies into DIY projects:
Home decor:
- Transform doilies into dream catchers, wall art, or lampshade covers for a boho chic look.
- Sew them onto pillows or use them to embellish mirrors and photo frames.
- Stiffen them into decorative bowls or baskets.
- Wrap them around glass jars to make lace-lit candle holders.
- Layer them under vases as placemats or coasters for a romantic centerpiece.
- Sew multiple doilies into quilts, window coverings, or use them as holiday ornaments for a unique twist.
- Make elegant gift wrapping or gift tags with doilies.
- Use them as eco-friendly washable napkins for special occasions.
Furniture and Upholstery:
- Sew doilies onto fabric chair seat covers
- Arrange above the bed for a soft and romantic look as headboard decoration or bed canopy.
Accessories:
- Sew them onto jackets, jeans, or tops for applique vintage look or lace patches.
- Attach doilies to handbags for shabby-chic style tote or purse.
- Stiffen small doily patterns to make jewelry like earrings and pendants, brooch, or attach them to hair clips, headbands.
- Stitch several doilies to make decorative scarves or shawls.
Let these delicate treasures add a touch of vintage charm to your modern home!
Doilies Pattern Books
1. Just Little Doilies by Tara Cousins
27 small crochet patterns inspired by 1930s and 1940s vintage doilies, perfect for beginner and intermediate level crocheters.
2. Crocheting Doilies For Beginners by Borish Joesph
A complete guide with step-by-step pictures for beginners for crocheting simple doilies.
3. Old fashioned Doilies to Crochet by Reita Weiss
A complete guide to recreating those old-school doilies.
30 Creative Ways to Repurpose Crochet Doilies
Before you use old crochet doilies to make creative projects it is important to clean them.
How to clean and remove stains from old crochet doilies?
Cleaning old doilies requires a gentle touch. Start by hand-washing them in lukewarm water with a mild detergent or gentle soap. For stubborn stains, soak them in a mix of water and oxygen-based bleach (never chlorine bleach). Rinse thoroughly in cool water, then lay them flat on a towel to air dry. Reshape them as they dry, and avoid wringing to keep them intact.
Now that our crochet doilies are clean, it’s time to get crafting:
Grandma’s Crochet Doilies Ideas
Home Decor
1. Wall Art
Crochet Doilies make gorgeous wall art! Arrange them in a pattern or frame/hang them individually to create a stunning display. Their intricate designs add a vintage charm to any space.
Find the tutorial by Crafts by Fatma
Crochet doilies can also make stunning wall art by attaching them to o hula hoops and displaying them this way.
Doily Wall Art
2. Dreamcatchers
Turn doilies into vision weaver for a boho chic vibe. Add beads, feathers, and ribbons to make them uniquely yours.
Another beautiful way to turn doilies into vibrant and chic dream trap. They are surely going to catch your dreams.
Doily Dreamcatcher
3. Lampshade Cover
Give plain lampshades a delicate upgrade by attaching doilies. The lace-like effect softens the light and adds a cozy, romantic feel.
Doily Lampshade
4. Table Runner and Placemats
Sew doilies together to create a one-of-a-kind table runner. It’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your dining table.
Doily Table Runner
5. Coasters
Stiffen small doilies (optional) and use them as coasters. They’re not only functional but also a beautiful way to protect your surfaces.
Doily Coasters
6. Doily tray cover
Cover a basic tray with doily to make a statement and display your things on a dresser. You can also decoupage it so it stays intact.
Doily Tray
How to permanently stiffen crochet doilies?
If you want to preserve your grandma’s doilies for display, there are a few methods:
- Sugar Starch: Mix 1 part sugar with 2 parts water, heat until dissolved, soak the doily, and shape it while damp. A little tricky with sugar attracting bugs.
- Commercial Starch: Use spray or liquid starch for a lighter hold.
- Glue Mixture: Dilute white liquid school glue with water, soak the doily, and shape it with cling wrap to be removed when it stiffens.
- Cornstarch Paste: Mix cornstarch with water, heat until thickened, and apply to the doily.
7. Candle Holders
Wrap doilies around glass candle holders or jars to stiffen them into a desired shape. Use them as tea light holders for a soft, romantic glow. We recommend battery-operated candles for safety. They’re perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere.
Doily Votives
8. Photo Frame Accents
Glue small doilies on a photo frame to create a vintage-inspired wall art. It’s a simple way to add charm to your memories.
Doily Frame
9. Small Vintage Doilies Cushion Covers
Sew small doilies onto plain cushion covers for a textured, vintage look. They’ll instantly elevate your living room or bedroom decor.
Doily Cushion Cover
Sew or stick a larger doily onto a cushion cover to get this amazing look.
Doily Pillow
25 Easy decorative pillow tutorials
10. Crocheted Doily Bedspread
Combine multiple doilies into a large bedspread for a cozy, nostalgic vibe. It’s like wrapping yourself in a piece of history.
Doily Bedspread
11. Crochet Doily Curtain Coverings
Attach doilies to sheer curtains for a delicate, layered effect. It’s a simple way to add a vintage touch to your window
Doily Curtain
You can also sew doilies together to create entire curtains. They’re perfect for a vintage-inspired room or a bohemian look.
Doily Window Shade
Cover your windows by attaching doilies together and hang them this way for a sophisticated look.
Doily Window Covering
12. Crochet Doily Tablecloth
Sew doilies together to form a stunning tablecloth or get a larger doily. It’s ideal for special occasions or adding elegance to everyday meals.
Doily Tablecloth
You can also sew them on a dining table cover.
13. Crochet Doily Vintage Buntings
String doilies together to create buntings for parties or home decor. They’re a charming way to celebrate any occasion.
Doily Garland
Get this from A Little Vintage Dream
14. DIY Doily Vases
Stiffen doilies around glass vases using any method, then remove the glass to create decorative vases. They’re perfect for holding dried or silk flowers.
Doily Vases
15. DIY Doily Pendant Lamp
Use balloons and glue to stick doilies in the pendant shape. Insert LED lights to create the magical touch your roofs need badly!
Doily Lamp Shade
16. Crochet Doily Wreaths
Create a warm and inviting wreath with a vintage twist! Use crochet doilies, embroidery hoops, and string lights to craft a stunning, illuminated masterpiece for your home.
Doily Wreath
Did you know crochet doilies and lace doilies are different?
Crochet doilies and lace doilies differ primarily in their construction and texture. Crochet doilies are made using a crochet hook and yarn or thread, resulting in textured, raised patterns. Lace doilies, on the other hand, are often created using techniques like needle lace or bobbin lace, which produce finer, flatter designs. Both are decorative and elegant, but their methods of creation and final appearance set them apart.
Jewelry and Accessories
17. Necklaces
Turn small doilies into pendants for necklaces. Pair them with chains for a unique, vintage-inspired accessory.
Doily Jewelry
18. Handbags
You can handsew vintage doilies onto plain totes or create cute purses. They’re perfect for adding a country living touch to your outfit.
Doily Handbag
Get this handbag from Stellar Dreams.
Elevate your ordinary tote bags to retro chic masterpieces by adding a vintage touch – simply tie on doilies as decorative laces for a unique, eye-catching look!
Doily Tote Bag
19. Tiny Doilies used as Earrings
Miniature doilies can be transformed into delicate, one-of-a-kind earrings. They’re a subtle way to add vintage charm to your look.
Doily Earrings
20. Crochet Doily Brooch
Stiffen small doilies and attach a pin backing to create elegant brooches. They’re perfect for adding a vintage touch to jackets or bags.
Doily Brooch
Functional Items
21. Doily Clocks
Use a large doily as the face of a clock and install clock mechanism for a functional yet decorative piece.
Doily Clock
Transform a delicate doily into a unique timepiece! Attach it to a fabric stretched over an embroidery hoop, add a clock mechanism, and voilà! You’ll have a one-of-a-kind clock to showcase.
Doily Embroidery Hoop Clock
22. Doily Luminaries
Use adhesive spray like Elmer’s craft bond to stick doilies around jars or molds to create luminary holders. They’re perfect for candles or fairy lights. Add twines or ribbons for a decorative touch.
Doily Luminaries
Crafts by Amanda
23. Crochet doily Napkin holders
Fold doilies into napkin holders or insert them in the napkin holder for a vintage touch at dinner parties. They’re both functional and beautiful.
Doily Napkin Holder
Get this vintage find from Bayou Renoux
24. Doily Dust Cover
Use doilies as decorative covers for jugs, glasses, or pitchers. They’re a charming way to add elegance to your kitchen or dining table.
Doily Dust Cover
Get the crochet pattern from: Snail House Craft
25. Crochet Doily Baskets
Stiffen doilies,s and shape them into baskets. They’re perfect for storing vegetables, fruits, jewelry, and other accessories.
Doily Basket
26. Crochet Doily Bowls
Stiffen doilies into decorative bowls. They’re great for holding keys, jewelry, or even potpourri.
Doily Bowls
27. Crochet Doily Bouquet Wrap
Wrap doilies around flower bouquets for a romantic, vintage-inspired presentation. They’re perfect for weddings or special occasions.
Doily Bouquet
28. Hanging Heart Doily a Window Ornament
Shape doilies into hearts and hang them in windows as delicate ornaments. They’re a lovely way to add charm to your home.
Doily Ornament
Get these handmade from: Nowlin Yarn Creations
29. Crochet Doily Stamped Ceramic Plate
Use doilies as stencils to create lace-like patterns on ceramic plates. It’s a creative way to personalize your tableware.
Doily Crafts
Creative Uses of Crochet Doily
30. Crochet Doily Used as Bread Decorating Stencil
Place doilies on bread dough before dusting with flour. The result? Beautiful, intricate patterns on your homemade bread.
Doily Food Art
Related: Focaccia Bread Art
31. Crochet Doily Ensemble
Combine doilies of various sizes and patterns into a single piece of dress. It’s a great way to showcase their versatility and beauty
Doily Country Dress
32. Crochet Doily as a Decorative Element for Envelopes
Use small doilies to decorate your envelopes. A warm gesture to make the recipient feel your love.
Doily Embellishments
33. Posy of Flowers from Repurposed Doilies
Turn vintage crochet doilies into a stunning floral masterpiece! Repurpose them into delicate petals, arrange into a posy on canvas, you can also add some paint for a whimsical, textured art piece
Doily Art
Repurposing crochet doilies isn’t just crafting—it’s a love letter to the past, a celebration of the present, and a gift to the future. These delicate heirlooms, once tucked away in drawers, can become stunning wall art, cozy pillow accents, or even quirky jewelry. Every snip and stitch adds your own chapter to their story, weaving their legacy into your modern life. These projects aren’t just about creating something beautiful; they’re about connecting generations, sparking conversations, and inspiring tomorrow’s creators. So go ahead—dig out those doilies and let their vintage charm collide with your creativity. Who knew grandma’s linens could be this cool and timeless?
Written by: Sabah Waqas
Reviewed by: Hani Shabbir
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