Photo provided by designer (Yarnovations).
Doilies can transform your home and life in a myriad of ways. Let’s explore 11 ideas for incorporating crochet doilies and vintage lace in our home décor, fashion and gift giving.
Firstly, consider how you will source doilies and lace. There are innumerable patterns online so crocheting them is an option. However, the most enjoyable part of upcycling is finding a piece of lace and puzzling out how to give it new life. Look for family heirloom lace, doilies at second hand shops, old clothing, table cloths or fabric that contains lace.
Secondly, consider whether the lace should be preserved or is appropriate for upcycling. For example, I recently received a bag of “heirloom” lace from my aunt, much of which she knew nothing about. I carefully examined each piece and decided that some should be preserved and framed as art. Some I decided to upcycle because they were stained or damaged. Others had curious little tags that said “Made in China,” so there was no question that they were upcycle-able.
Now, with the question about whether or not to use vintage lace out of the way, let’s discuss how to “re-lace”.
In the Home: Framed Art
Photo provided by designer (Yarnovations).
Perhaps the simplest way to upcycle a doily is to frame it as art. You can frame a single doily, create a collage of doilies or embroider a scene. This is also a great technique to use to display a trio of antimacassar you may have inherited (the doilies that were placed on arm rests and head rests of chairs).
In the Home: Lamp
The “holey” nature of doilies and lace makes them particularly well suited to creating lamps. This can be in the form of a lamp shade or in something like an orb. Doilies and lace can be an accent to a piece or make up the entire project.
In the Home: Towels
If you have a yard or two of lace that is straight, accenting a set of bath towels is the perfect project. Create a matching set of bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths if you have enough. This project also lends well to incorporating old ribbons and notions.
Clothes and Accessories: Jeans with Flair
Upcycling jeans is a great project for both small and large pieces of lace. These techniques turn worn-out jeans into walking works of art. Try filling holes in jeans with a piece of doily. Use larger pieces of lace to create stunning bell bottom jeans.
Clothes and Accessories: Sleeve Cuffs
Lace is particularly well suited for shirts. It can be added on the bodice, sleeves, cuffs and waistline. The simplest and easiest place to add lace is to the cuff of a sleeve. There are two popular styles for shirt sleeve cuffs: puffy layers or a single layer that’s form fitting. And although it’s not a hard and fast rule, most lace used in this upcycled fashion matches the color of the top.
Clothes and Accessories: Dress
If you’re feeling really ambitious, create an entire top, vest or dress with doilies and lace. To pull this off, I recommend using a dress form. Lace works well in places you want drape. Doilies are great for creating shape and form. Layer doilies and lace to create the look you like.
Holiday: Pumpkin
Doily decorated pumpkins can be simple or they can be elaborate. Create a monochrome squash with a white pumpkin and white doily or create a colorful fall accent piece with glitter, leaves, flowers and more. These upcycled beauties can be used year-after-year and customized for any room inside or outside your home.
Holiday: Ornaments
For doilies that are damaged beyond repair and hold sentimental value, consider creating holiday ornaments or miniature stuffed animals. These are thoughtful gifts that you can gift to your family and friends to remember loved ones.
Useful Pieces: Produce Bag
Small lace bags are useful for a surprising number of things. Create a cinch sack to use as a produce bag at a farmer’s market. Sew a zipper pouch to wash delicates in the washing machine. These flat bags can be customized to the size and shape you need to contain items like buttons, notions and more.
I had some lace from a shirt that I turned into a small produce bag. I used the bottom hem of the shirt for the drawstring.
Photo provided by designer (Yarnovations).
Useful Pieces: Journal
Handmade journals are more inspirational to write in than a store-bought journal. I’m not sure why that’s true, but I’ve experienced it myself. Whether you’re making lists, keeping a diary, writing a novel, or a creating an inspiration journal, I recommend that you make a journal or sew a journal cover.
Useful Pieces: Mini Pillow Pin Cushion
Little pillows are another quick and versatile project. Stuff a little pillow with rice and you’ve got a pin cushion. Add a bit of essential oil to a pillow and you’ve just created a scented sachet. Love to play corn hole with your besties? Fill a little pillow with beans to create cute little bean bags. This is a great project for upcycling sentimental and damaged doilies.
Photo provided by designer (Yarnovations).
And, go!
Your turn. I’ve shared 11 vastly different projects that can be made with old doilies and vintage lace, but what sewing projects do you have in mind? Not sure where to start? I recommend you create an inspiration board on Pinterest. I’ve created one called “upcycle doilies and lace”. Use generic terms for a broad list of ideas: doily upcycle, vintage doily, upcycle lace. Use more specific terms if you want project ideas: doily jeans, lace dress, doily pumpkin, etc.
Looking for a quick and simple project to get started? Check out my upcycled doily mug rug, which was made with old denim jeans, doilies and lace. You can find Dana’s upcycled mug rug pattern here in our April 2025 issue!