I found a much needed crinoline the other day, but it isn't poofy enough. How can I restore its poofiness? Will starch do it? It's made of tulle as the underskirt and a shiny, nylon-like material on top.
If its the fine net kind, women used to wash them in sugar water and dry flat, creating a big circle on the floor, then when you pick it up, it stays stiff. Of course this isn't recommended by conservators, as the sugar attracts bugs and if it gets damp will rub off on whatever is near it. However, I have used that spray starch and a cool ironing and that has helped a lot.
My mother told me they used to use sugar water as well. I wonder if you could use the same method but substitute liquid laundry starch instead?
