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 cheap-y 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!
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Doily Wall Art
Doilies aren't just for sitting on the table under a teacup – turn them into doily art using Mod Podge, scrapbook paper and canvases.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It never occurred 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I love all of the ideas. Thank you!
These are beautiful.
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
Great ideas there are beautiful doilies ,Thank’s
I love all of the ideas.
Some really great ideas here. Love them all! Thanks a bunch.