need to stiffen needlework
 

What shall I use to make some crosses stif to use for bookmarks?
Sue in O

I remember people using watered down white glue to stiffen fabric to make shaped bows for decorating baskets, etc. Don't know how it held up over time but you might try that. Dip in mixture of equal amounts of glue and water, remove excess, flatten and shape, let dry. Someone else may chime in with better more current ideas.

http://www.ehow.com/how_12114734_make-lace-stiff.html
This site has several recipes for stiffening lace. Hope it helps.

I make xstitch bookmarks & use interfacing & a nice backing - I don't like the back of my work to show - I use the iron on interfacing then machine stitch a backing on

Can you buy liquid starch where you live? I put half starch and half water in a squirt bottle. It worked great on my crocheted bookmarks.

There are stiffening solutions out there. Been along time but I think I used white vinegar solution. If you use a solution that has a glue or starch base to it, I found it best to use wax paper to rest on. it won't stick to the wax paper. Or let it rest on a small screen. I use to stiffen witches hats and the lace I used. I use to make hat stands as center pieces or decorative pieces through out.

Made the witches hats out of felt. Felt stiffens easily and is pretty covered in lace. Makes great bookmarks.!

Liquid starch has worked for me.