Learn all about fabric stiffener – and how to use Mod Podge Stiffy to achieve success every single time you want to harden fabric or ribbon.
Stiffening fabric has a bit of a sordid past. I’ll be honest – when I first discovered it was a thing, I figured it was a craft from long ago that needed to stay in the history books. Let me take you back a little bit to the late 80s when fabric stiffener last had a heyday:
Don’t tell me you’re not dying to try a Stiffy Stuffins project! But seriously, it was popular to decoupage napkins on painted baskets and then stick stiffened fabric bows to the handles in the late 80s. Amongst other unique ideas. I could show you more “bow dazzling” book covers. It was a different time!
Here’s the deal though . . . once I got to learn a little bit more about why you would want to harden fabric and some of the projects you can do with this technique, I got a little bit more interested. In fact, one of my first projects were these doily bowls.
I had so many questions when I made them. Like how hard would the doilies get, and could they really be used as bowls? The fact is, it works.
Then I was doing a bit of research, and found that there are a lot of cute projects you can make with fabric stiffener. Not just doily bowls!
A lot of the ideas are for holidays (think cheesecloth ghosts), but there are also other options like fabric bowls, gift toppers, bow pins, place cards, and more.
I did a lot more playing around with Mod Podge Stiffy (my stiffener of choice) and I wanted to share with you what I learned. I tried a few of the other methods and I want to answer some questions, plus I’ve got some project ideas for you at the bottom of this post.
If you’ve never tried fabric stiffener before, I’m excited to share with you. I’ve got my learnings in Q&A format. Scroll down to learn more!
Stiffening Fabric
Fabric stiffener makes fabric firm and rigid for craft projects. I’m going to answer your most frequently asked questions below.
Does it make the fabric stronger?
Stiffener makes fabric more rigid, or less flexible. It does make the fabric harder to tear, but not harder to cut. If you use it on 100% cotton (for example), you would be able to hold a piece straight up in front of you as opposed to just flopping over. But you could still bend it if you really wanted to.
Can you make your own fabric stiffener?
There are three methods/recipes people use that I’m aware of:
- Mod Podge or Elmer’s Glue with water
- Cornstarch Mixture – 1 T cornstarch, 1/4 cup cold water, and 1/4 cup boiling water
- Flour Mixture – 1 T flour, 1/2 cup cold water, and 1/2 cup boiling water
There were clumping issues with those recipes, and it didn’t apply evenly to my projects. That’s why I stick with Mod Podge Stiffy. It’s pre-mixed, ready to roll. It also stiffens way better than any diluted glue.
Can you use hairspray to stiffen fabric?
This was mentioned to me and it might work as a temporary fix, but it’s going to wear away. It will be on top of the fabric and not soaked throughout the fibers. Not only that, but if it gets wet, you’re going to have “un-stiffened” fabric.
Can you use regular Mod Podge as fabric stiffener?
You can! I’ve done bowls, eggs, etc. with just regular Mod Podge (like Gloss). Some people mix water with the Mod Podge to make it flow and dunk their pieces in it. And this is fine. However, Mod Podge Stiffy will make your projects even more stiff.
How shall I apply Stiffy to my project?
It is quick and easy to work with Mod Podge Stiffy. Pour a workable amount into a bowl and completely immerse fabric. Once completely saturated, begin squeezing out the excess. Position wet fabric either flat or over plastic wrap covered form.
How should I care for my project, can I wash it?
A crafted Mod Podge Stiffy project should be intended for decorative purposes only as it is not dishwasher or washing machine safe. To clean your project, wipe over using a damp soft cloth; do not fully immerse in water.
Are you ready to check out some projects? The best way to learn how to use it is to try a project. Scroll down through the list below!
If you enjoyed reading about fabric stiffener, I’d love for you to check out these other formula guides:
Brushstroke • Dishwasher Safe • Extreme Glitter • Fabric • Furniture • Glow in the Dark • Gloss • Hard Coat • Matte • Outdoor • Satin • Sparkle • Super Matte • Dimensional Magic • Photo Transfer Medium • Puzzle Saver • Ultra
Hello
I am making placemats from outdoor cushion fabric. Would hotmail.com.authe Mod Podge last for a specific time. Will have to clean fairly regularly but depends on use. Thank you
Hi,
I have a thin cotton bag that I have already affixed coins, paper money and paper napkin using gorilla glue. After doing that I thought how dumb should have thought of stiffening the bag first. I want to hang it on the wall as a momenta of my trip to Germany. Can I use Mod Podge stiffy and paint it on now or do you have any suggestions?
@Barbara Freeman, I have used a paint brush to apply mod.podge to fabric several times…works like a charm! That method is great for stiffening specific areas.
Will Stiffy work on a crochet ornament made out of acrylic wool. I have lots of wool from other projects that I could use . Or does the project has to be crochet using cotton yarn?
It should work with acrylic wool!
Hello. I want to apply this to the underside of a piece of vinyl upholstery fabric (kind of thick). Obviously I can’t immerse the whole thing, and it’s large anyway. Will this work if I apply it to the underside of the fabric?
Hi Nancy! Honestly I’m not sure how fabric stiffener will stiffen vinyl. I imagine if there is fabric on the back of the vinyl that it will stiffen that. If you try it – please let know, I’d love to know!
Do you think this would work to stiffen a mini backpack I made. The interface didn’t stiffen it as much as I wanted
It’s going to make it hard and crusty. If you use it for a backpack, it wouldn’t be usable.
@Amy,
Dang ok I will have to try something else. I really don’t want to have to take it apart. I waterproofed the outer fabric and that made it really hard to sew. May have to look into spray adhesives. Not sure. Thank you for responding
@Cheyenne eve Bailey, is there an iron on interfacing you can use post-sewing? That is stiffer? Maybe something for an existing garment they sell at JoAnn? I feel like there has to be something!
I would like to layer strips of fabric over a mold. I need the layers to stick to each other but not to the mold. How can that be done?
Will you please email the answer.
The mold will need to be silicone, or covered in plastic wrap or foil like this: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-stiffy-doily-bowl/
I make bowls all the time and I use plastic wrap . . . the Mod Podge won’t stick to it usually.
If I am making a crocheted summer tote bag which I would like to be stiff but not as stiff as a bowl. It needs to be somewhat flexible and waterproof. How would I do that?
Hi Bianca! Oh goodness I’m not sure. You could just use Mod Podge Hard Coat by itself. It’s not going to make it waterproof though. I’m wondering if you could use a cord that meets your needs (stiff and somewhat waterproof) as opposed to traditional yarn?
Just a couple of questions…
1) is Stiffy pet safe if your project is chewed on?
2) if I wanted to use yarn over plastic or wood, can Stiffy also bond then or would another product be needed for that?
3) is it possible to only stiffen a project (say yarn) one one side if brushed on?
Thanks!
Hi Sandy!
1) it is nontoxic and waterbased, but you wouldn’t want any animal to chew on it since it’s not food safe
2) Over plastic, I’m not sure. Depends on the plastic. I’d do a test. With wood, yes. Having said that, it depends on what you are making. You might need an additional glue to adhere it
3) yes technically. BUT it might soak through. Just apply sparingly
Sounds like you’re doing something a little more advanced . . . if you need more help join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftywithmodpodge
So glad I found this! I’m going to try to make a witch boot vase with muslin fabric using Stiffy then sealing with Krylon sealer. What are your thoughts on this being hard enough to hold an artificial flower arrangement? Thanks for your time & all the wonderful info in this blog!!
I think it would be fine to hold a fake flower arrangement! 😀
Would this work painted on the backs of feathers to make them stiffer
If you want to use Mod Podge on feathers you’d have to apply the stiffener and then brush out the barbs with a fine comb. Let dry on wax paper. I’m not sure how it would turn out. I have never stiffened feathers! My worry would be clumping.