Have you ever found a pile of old doilies tucked away in your drawers or found one at a thrift store, only to wonder, “What can I possibly do with this?” Doilies, once a staple of our grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ homes, are often relegated to being stored away, rarely seen. But what if I told you that these delicate, lacy creations could be turned into something new and useful again?

In this post, I’m going to take you through the process of upcycling doilies and transforming them into beautiful, functional pieces that fit modern decor and practical needs.

Whether you’re looking to create a charming new home accessory or even revamp your wardrobe, doilies can be repurposed in ways that bring both nostalgia and creativity into your life. So let’s dive in and get those doilies out of storage you’ll be amazed at what you can create!

Why Upcycling Doilies is Worth the Effort

Doilies have a rich history that reflects care, craftsmanship, and nostalgia. But just because they are often associated with outdated home decor doesn’t mean they have to stay in the past. There’s something incredibly rewarding about transforming old objects into something modern, functional, and even trendy.

Upcycling doilies offers several benefits:

• Sustainability: Instead of letting these pieces gather dust, you’re reusing them in creative ways, keeping them out of landfills.
• Uniqueness: Each upcycled doily project you create will be one-of-a-kind. You won’t find anything quite like it in stores!
• Creativity: Upcycling allows you to experiment with different materials, colors, and ideas, giving you an outlet for your creative expression.
• Sentimental value: If the doilies were passed down to you, repurposing them is a way to honor family history and preserve memories in a new form.

Now that you know why upcycling doilies is worth it, let’s explore the different projects you can try.

Creative Ways to Upcycle Doilies

A. Turn Doilies into Wall Art

Doilies don’t just belong on tables—they can make stunning pieces of wall art too. Imagine a beautiful vintage doily framed in a chic wooden frame or several doilies arranged in an intricate pattern for a gallery wall.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose a doily (or several) that have a nice pattern and are in good condition.
2. Gently wash and press the doily to remove any wrinkles or stains.
3. Find a frame that fits the size of the doily. For multiple doilies, consider using a large frame and arranging them in a pleasing pattern.
4. Attach the doily to the backing of the frame using a hot glue gun or fabric adhesive.
5. Hang the framed doily art in a place where it can be admired—on your living room wall, in a hallway, or even as part of a bedroom gallery.

Tip: You can enhance this project by painting the frame in a bold, modern color to contrast with the vintage feel of the doilies, creating a juxtaposition that adds interest.

B. Doily Coasters and Placemats

If you’re looking for a functional and beautiful project, why not turn your doilies into coasters or placemats? This simple upcycle adds charm to any table setting while also providing a functional use.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Select a sturdy doily, preferably one made from thicker cotton or linen.
2. If desired, reinforce the doily by backing it with a layer of felt or fabric to make it more durable.
3. If you want a more rustic look, you can use a small, round wooden disc or cork as a base and glue the doily onto it.
4. Finish with a fabric stiffener or spray starch to make the doily stiffer, which will help it hold its shape over time.

This project is an excellent way to create custom, eco-friendly coasters that add a vintage vibe to your home while keeping surfaces safe.

C. Embellishing Clothing and Accessories

Doilies can easily be sewn onto clothing items like shirts, skirts, or even jeans. Alternatively, they can be used to make accessories such as hairbands, bags, or scarves.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose a doily that is slightly larger than the area where you want to place it.
2. Cut the doily to fit the design of your piece, whether it’s a pocket, neckline, or strap.
3. Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to sew the doily onto your fabric, ensuring it’s securely attached.
4. If you’re making a bag, you can layer doilies together for a bohemian chic look.

This project is perfect for adding a vintage, handmade touch to your wardrobe.

D. Upcycled Doily Lamp Shade

A unique and boho-style lamp shade can be created with doilies, transforming an ordinary lamp into a stunning statement piece. This project gives a new twist to traditional lighting while still keeping things classy.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Take an old, plain lampshade and remove any fabric or material.
2. Measure the doilies to ensure they’ll fit around the lampshade.
3. Cut the doilies into strips or lace them around the shade, gluing them into place.
4. Add layers of doilies for a fuller effect, making sure they are securely attached.
5. When the glue has dried, reassemble your lamp, and enjoy the new look!

Step-by-Step Guide to the Doily Upcycling Process

For anyone unfamiliar with upcycling, the process can seem daunting, but I assure you, it’s much easier than it sounds. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you start your upcycling journey.

Step 1: Gather Materials
You’ll need the doilies you plan to upcycle, a few basic craft supplies like fabric glue, scissors, a sewing kit, or even a hot glue gun, depending on your chosen project.

Step 2: Clean and Prep
Before starting any project, clean your doilies. Wash them gently by hand in lukewarm water, then allow them to air dry completely. If necessary, lightly iron them to smooth out wrinkles.

Step 3: Choose Your Project
Select the project that excites you the most! Whether it’s a DIY wall art piece, coasters, or lamp shades, pick one that suits your style.

Step 4: Create the Design
Now it’s time to get creative! Draw inspiration from various sources or from the doily’s intricate patterns. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors or mix and match different doilies for a one-of-a-kind piece.

Step 5: Final Touches
Once your project is complete, give it a personal touch with extra details like ribbons, beads, or buttons to enhance its uniqueness.

Mistakes to Avoid When Upcycling Doilies

Upcycling doilies is a fun and rewarding activity, but there are a few mistakes you should avoid:

1. Overcomplicating the Project: Start with a simple project and build your way up. Trying to make a complex item like a quilt from doilies right away might not turn out as expected.
2. Using the Wrong Type of Doilies: Some doilies are made from delicate threads or fine materials that aren’t suitable for some projects. For example, some may be too fragile for lampshades or coasters. Be mindful of the material’s durability.
3. Skipping the Prep Work: Don’t skip the washing and pressing steps. If you try to work with a dusty, wrinkled doily, it could affect the final result.
4. Not Reinforcing the Doilies: For some projects, like coasters or bags, doilies need reinforcement to hold their shape. Don’t forget to add backing material if necessary.

FAQs About Upcycling Doilies

Q1: Can I use any doily for upcycling?

A1: Not all doilies are suitable for every project. If you’re upcycling for something that requires durability, like a bag or placemats, choose thicker cotton or linen doilies. Fine lace doilies are great for delicate wall art or embellishments.

Q2: How do I attach doilies to fabric without sewing?

A2: If you’re not into sewing, you can use fabric glue or hot glue to attach the doily to fabric, wood, or other surfaces. Just be sure to press the doily firmly into place and allow the glue to dry completely.

Q3: Can I wash upcycled doilies?

A3: Yes, you can wash upcycled doilies, but always check the type of fabric and use gentle washing methods. Handwashing or using a delicate cycle on your washing machine is often the best choice to preserve the integrity of the doily.

Q4: How do I get the doily to stay stiff for coasters or placemats?

A4: To keep your doily stiff, use fabric stiffener or spray starch. This will help the doily maintain its shape over time, making it more durable for everyday use.

Conclusion

Upcycling doilies is a fantastic way to breathe new life into these nostalgic, delicate pieces and transform them into something modern, functional, and creative. From wall art to home accessories, the possibilities are endless. Not only is this a great way to be eco-friendly, but it also adds a unique touch to your home decor and wardrobe.

I hope you’ve found inspiration in these ideas and felt encouraged to try your own DIY doily upcycle project. Don’t forget to share your creations with others, and remember that your creativity knows no bounds!

Now it’s your turn! Have you ever upcycled doilies before, or do you plan to try one of these projects? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Share this article with your friends who love crafting, and let’s get upcycling!