How to Stiffen Crochet Flowers for a Table Runner

1. Fabric stiffener (best)

Dip the finished piece, squeeze out the extra, pin it on a blocking mat in shape and let it dry for 24 hours. It stays flexible and doesn't yellow.

2. PVA glue and water

Mix 1 part white glue with 1 part water. Cheaper, slightly harder finish. Test on a swatch first.

3. Sugar water

The vintage method: 1 part sugar, 1 part water, heated until clear. Pretty, but it attracts humidity and bugs, so skip it for anything that lives on a dining table.

Tips

• Pin each petal tip, not just the centre
• Use rust-proof pins
• Dry flat, away from the radiator

Try it on our Poinsettia Table Runner.