Learn how to make the cutest doily crafts – using both paper and lace doilies! Get project ideas for gifts, decor, fashion, and more. These DIYs are great for beginners.

Want to know something funny? I started sewing when I was 10. I went to sewing camp and it was really then that my serious crafting career began. And I starting knitting at 15. Yep . . . been doing that for 30 years!
Even though I’ve sewn and knitted for that long, I never used doilies (or made one!) until I started crafting with Mod Podge. I put them on canvas and then I made some bowls – and so, the love affair began.
If you’ve never used doilies before because you think they are too girl-y or grandma-y, I think you should reconsider. Doilies make for beautiful decor, or gifts, or even jewelry. There are a lot more options for doily crafts than I ever realized.
Putting this collection together opened my eyes . . . and I’ve done a lot of projects with a doily front and center (both paper and fabric!).
Here are a bunch of crafts with doilies I’d love for you to check out. I made several of them, then I’ve added in some other ideas I think you will definitely want to see.
Where to Buy Doilies
My favorite places to look for fabric doilies are Dollar Tree, the cheapy bins of various stores (like the Target Dollar Spot), thrift stores, and eBay. Amazon is really good for colorful options.
For paper, I just buy them at the dollar store or Michaels. They are less expensive than the fabric, lace ones. It really depends on the craft whether or not I use paper or fabric.
Mediums to Use
You can use Mod Podge with doilies for sure – the basic formulas will work just fine. Decoupage medium will stiffen them to a certain extent. Craft glue works fine too if you are simply attaching the doily to something and not decoupaging.
However if you would really like to stiffen them (for a bowl, for example), you’ll want to use fabric stiffener. Stiffy is specifically made to harden fabrics just like the yarn and lace used to make doilies. It’s really easy to use, too.
Are you ready to get the ideas? Check out the following posts and let me know which is your favorite in the comments!
Doily Crafts
Learn how to make the cutest doily craft ideas with these tutorials! Get projects with both paper and lace doilies, from fashion to decor to gifts.
Doily Wall Art
Doilies aren't just for sitting on the table under a teacup - turn them into doily wall art using Mod Podge, scrapbook paper and canvases.
Applique Tote Bag
Make this DIY tote bag using scrap fabric, a doily and a reverse applique technique. This sweet heart is perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time of year!
Doily Table Runner
Learn how to make a doily table runner for your table from a selection of doilies and old linens on the Craft Warehouse blog.
DIY Vintage Doily Necklace
Learn how to make the cutest necklace out of a doily! One piece of advice I have for this project: it's best if you can stiffen the doily with Stiffy so that it doesn't fold up on your neck. You don't have to, but Stiffy makes it much easier to keep the necklace in place.
Doily Covered Lamp Shade
Have you ever found a perfect lamp with a damaged shade? If so, this DIY is for you! Kinsey dreamed up a way to recycle your damage vintage lamp with doilies.
Vintage Lace Doily Pillow
Make this pretty lace doily pillow by cutting doilies and hand sewing them to the fabric. Wouldn't it be fun to try this project using a variety of colors of doilies.
Doily Luminaries
Make gorgeous doily luminaries to dress up your home decor or to use as rustic wedding centerpieces. The light they shine is so pretty!
Doily Macrame Wall Hanging
Macrame is beautiful but can take a long time! If you want a similar look with a fraction of the effort, this large scale wall hanging is a great option.
DIY Doily Cocktail Stirrer
Looking to have a vintage themed party or wedding? Stiffening doilies is a great idea for cocktail stirrers, and also perfect for other decorations such as banners, table decor, and more.
Bulletin Board With Shabby Lace Pockets
I never thought of using doilies as pockets on a bulletin board! It's absolutely beautiful, don't you think? Perfect for vintage or shabby chic decor.
Make a Doily Envelope
You'll do a little bit of cutting - and a little bit of hand sewing or machine sewing to make this cute doily envelope. It's perfect for gift cards or other small items.
DIY Pocket Tee Refashioned from a Men's Tee
Does your boyfriend or husband have a leftover t-shirt? Refashion it into a DIY pocket tee with a doily, and and it’s so easy to do!
DIY Doily Clock
I'm always amazed by what you can turn into a clock! How about a doily on fabric in an embroidery hoop? Yes, you can make a clock out of those supplies too. And Jennifer will show you how to do it.
Doily Hanging Planters
It never occured to me to sew two doilies together and turn them into a hanging planter! This is a very budget friendly project that looks great in vintage or rustic farmhouse decor.
DIY Doily Valance
Create your own window treatments with these lace doily valances. This easy tutorial will add charm and beauty to any window in your home.
Vintage Lace Collar From a Doily
Even if you don't like the thought of decorating your home with doilies - how about the thought of decorating yourself? This cute color can be made for both kids and adults! Adds a beautiful touch to any outfit.
Make Dessert Cloche the Easy Way
Use Mod Podge Stiffy to create unique doily dessert cloche – perfect in place of glass cloches! These are so pretty and easy to make.
Make a Farmhouse Style Dreamcatcher from a Vintage Doily
A lovely vintage doily is the perfect backdrop to create a rustic farmhouse style dreamcatcher! Kristi will show you her method for making this doily craft the easiest way possible.
Floral Vintage Embroidered Doily Pillow
When I first saw this pillow, I thought it might be more complicated to make. Upon closer examination, it's actually a very simple, versatile pattern with some beautiful embroidery! Get Bev's free pattern and then customize it to your heart's desire.
Ombre Doily Onesie
Vanessa will show you how to applique a doily to a onesie - and her method so there's no sagging where there are no stitches. Perfect for baby shower gifts, but you can use this method with any piece of clothing.
DIY Notebook in a Matter of Minutes!
This adventure themed DIY notebook is the perfect gift idea for everyone from hostesses to teachers to kids! So simple to personalize with a paper doily.
Make a Doily Bowl with Mod Podge Stiffy
I used doilies from the dollar bins and Mod Podge Stiffy in this unique DIY bowl project! You can make one with any size doily.
Doily Wreath
Come learn how to make a simple doily wreath. Customize this paper wreath with different bows or decorations, and watch your wreath last all year long.
Framed Doilies as Shabby Chic Wall Decor
Upcycle some lace doilies and an old window frame into shabby chic wall decor or vintage decor with this unique upcycling idea! It's easy enough for beginners.
Painted Wooden Stool with a Doily Resist
Paint a wooden stool using a paper doily as a resist instead of a stencil! Incorporate your favorite paint colors, then seal with Mod Podge.
Spring Banner from a Chipboard Album
If you're looking for easy spring craft ideas, this simple doily banner is perfect. Make it for a pretty seasonal accent to your decor.
Doily Rose Tutorial
These beautiful doily roses are made from thrift store finds. These are so easy to make, and would look cool with dyed or colorful doilies.
Doily Pumpkins
Every pumpkin needs a doily! Okay maybe not every pumpkin. But if you want to do some farmhouse or vintage style pumpkin decorating, I think you're going to love this fall project.
Thanksgiving Banner Made with Doilies
This DIY Thanksgiving banner is REALLY easy to make - just use paper doilies from the dollar store, paint, and Mod Podge!
Homemade Christmas Ornaments from Grandma’s Doilies
Make these beautiful homemade Christmas ornaments out of grandma's old doilies to remember her at Christmas time. A wonderful gift for family members!
Decorate a Paper Mache Tree for Christmas
Decorate a paper mache tree for the holiday season! This Christmas tree was made with paper doilies, paint, and Mod Podge. It's REALLY easy!
If you enjoyed these crafts with doilies, I’d love for you to check out these other ideas:
- 25+ Cute Lace Crafts For Decor and Gifts
- Crafts with Tissue Paper: 50+ Ideas for Kids or Adults
- Fabric Crafts: 35+ No Sew Project Ideas
- Mason Jar Crafts: 60+ Unique Ideas You’ll Have to Try
Daniel
Tuesday 17th of May 2022
I love all of the ideas.
Barbara
Wednesday 26th of January 2022
Great ideas there are beautiful doilies ,Thank's
Gina
Wednesday 26th of January 2022
So many great ideas here! I used doilies all over my house - love the vintage ones. I used them for a runner one Thanksgiving: https://cannaryfamily.blogspot.com/2017/11/ready-for-tomorrow-almost.html
Yvonne
Wednesday 26th of January 2022
These are beautiful.
Rebecca Payne
Wednesday 26th of January 2022
I love all of the ideas. Thank you!