11 crocheted doily upcycles sure to surprise grandma
Got a big stack of nostalgic crocheted lace doilies lying around, or did you stumble upon some doily treasures at a flea market? Check out these upcyclers’ clever ideas! “I know Mamma would appreciate that her doily finally got some use,” Jaana says.
“A poor woman’s crystal chandelier”
“I found some lampshade frames at a flea market, along with large round and angular lace doilies. I placed the doilies in the middle of the frames and secured them with a few stitches around the edges. Then I simply attached the lamp and cord (remember the doily needs a hole big enough in the center), and ta-da—my poor woman’s crystal chandelier was done.” - Kirsi Tuomi, @wanhankoulunrauha and @wanhankoulunelamaa
An old—new light panel
“I came up with the idea to stretch a white lace doily over a round wreath ring. I sewed it by the doily’s points and added small LED lights around the frame. It looks especially amazing when the lights are turned on at night.” - Kirsi Adamsson, @villa_puuteri
Under a charming shade
“I began collecting doilies last summer. Some were given to me, but I bought most at flea markets. I found the umbrella’s wooden frame in a dumpster five summers ago. It’s about 3 m (≈10 ft) in diameter. I used the umbrella’s old fabric as a template and pinned the doilies in place. I only got around to sewing them this summer, entirely by hand at my kitchen table. Unfortunately, I realized too late that the doilies stretch with use, leaving the umbrella’s surface a bit loose. I’ll still treat it with a water-repellent finish. When it’s not on the terrace, I store it inside in a dry spot.” - Soile Björklund
Sweet dreams
“My daughter wanted something over her bed’s headboard, so I planned and made this piece for her. I got the idea on Pinterest and adapted it to my own style. I pick up doilies at flea markets, and the lace strips come from old curtains and tops, also thrift finds. I only purchased the macramé cord, wooden beads, and embroidery hoops. Planning it on the table was straightforward, but seeing it finished on the wall was so fun. A simple and enjoyable project.” - Tuula Hurtig
Country style for the cottage
“A small, angular lace doily sits atop my shoemaker’s lamp. I cut an opening in the center so I could thread the wiring through. Sometimes there’s already a little hole you can gently widen so you don’t have to cut the lace at all.” - Kirsi Adamsson, @villa_puuteri
An airy curtain
“I love old things, and lace doilies are one of them. I wanted to create a curtain out of old doilies for our porch. First, I arranged the doilies on the floor in the shape I wanted, stitched them in place here and there, and starched the curtain so it would hold its form. As you can see, our cat was beyond eager to help.” - Sari Stenberg, @sari_marja
Gifts from the forest
“It’s easy to turn a round lace doily into a mushroom cap—just fold it in half. I made this mushroom panel by gluing pretty branches onto a canvas and adding lichen and coarse felt. The lace doilies blend in nicely.” - Kirsi Adamsson, @villa_puuteri
Like a swaying salsa skirt
“I found a floor lamp with a fun shape at a flea market, but its old shade was falling apart. I had several lace doilies of different sizes in storage and decided to use this beautiful piece made by my grandmother—my Mamma. It’s hand-sewn onto the lamp frame, and while it doesn’t exactly shade anything, the lamp now feels far more meaningful. I know Mamma would appreciate that her doily finally got some use.” - Jaana Salonen @pihapiirissa
Against the sun’s reflection
“The large lace tablecloth decorating our garden pavilion was bought at a flea market. It rests gracefully on the pavilion’s framework. The pavilion itself was also salvaged. The silently spinning pinwheels crocheted from leftover yarn have been great for keeping birds away. I love using salvaged and reused items in my garden.” - Marja Pitkänen
For the captain’s sofa
“Our home decor is modern, but I went with a country-romantic style at the cottage. I sewed this sailing-themed throw pillow myself, and one of its sails is crocheted lace.” - Kirsi Adamsson, @villa_puuteri
Come, golden Christmas
“I made winter decorations for my window out of lace doilies and wanted to starch them so they’d keep a crisp shape. I used sugar starch by dissolving equal parts sugar and hot water, dipping the doilies, and letting them dry flat. Although these decorations are flat, you can do three-dimensional shapes as well. Sugar starch won’t hold up outdoors. I don’t crochet doilies myself—I buy them at flea markets.” - Anne Kärki
