New or vintage, paper or crocheted — doilies are endlessly versatile for DIY crafts. These 30 DIY Doily Crafts showcase how the many shapes and patterns of doilies can be used in beautiful and unexpected ways.
Like repurposed neckties, doilies are ideal for upcycling and crafting projects that add a touch of charm and nostalgia to your space.
Doilies work especially well with vintage-style decor, but they’re also perfect for modern projects. Toward the end of this collection there are a few artful ideas that demonstrate just how creative you can get with a simple doily.
If these projects inspire you to try something new, I’d love to hear about your doily creations in the comments.
Doily Paper Crafts
One of the simplest ways to achieve a delicate, lace-like look is to make faux doilies from paper. Paper doilies offer the same intricate patterns at a fraction of the cost and with far less time and skill required than crochet or lace-making.
Paper doily crafts are easy and adaptable: you can layer, fold, cut, stencil, or stiffen them to create countless designs. They’re ideal for party decor, seasonal accents, and small home accents that add a handmade touch.
What Is A Doily?
A doily is a small ornamental mat made of lace or paper, traditionally placed under dishes or desserts. Typically six to ten inches across, doilies can be ornamental or functional.
Beyond their traditional use as a table accent, doilies can be transformed into lanterns, napkin holders, envelopes, and more, as shown in the projects below.
What To Do With Old Doilies
If you have old doilies tucked away, there are many great ways to give them new life. If they’re in good condition, sewing several together makes a boho scarf. Use a doily as a stencil to add lace designs to furniture or curtains. You can also repurpose doilies as cupcake liners, fall decor wrap for pumpkins, or embellishments on gift wrap.
Scroll through the ideas below and click through to any project you want to try.
More Upcycled Ideas
Here are a few other creative upcycling projects you might enjoy.
- Repurposed Necktie Ideas
- Upcycled Ceramic Pots Craft
- Wine Cork Angel
- Vintage Chair Drink Stand
- Mason Jar Terrariums
30 DIY Doily Craft Projects
Below are thirty imaginative ways to use paper and lace doilies. From luminaries to wearable art, these projects demonstrate the variety of doily crafts you can make at home.
Explore the ideas and let your creativity guide you.
DIY Doily Crafts
Doily crafts offer endless possibilities, whether you’re upcycling vintage lace or using paper doilies for quick projects. These ideas range from delicate mobiles and lanterns to wreaths and home accents that bring vintage elegance to any room.
DIY Doily Lantern
Create elegant lanterns by stiffening doilies over a round form with Mod Podge or fabric stiffener, then join pieces with ribbon for a soft glowing effect.
Doily Luminaries
Cover glass jars with doilies and seal them with glue or Mod Podge, then place tealights or batteries inside for charming centerpieces.
DIY Leaf Thanksgiving Napkin Ring
Turn doilies into delicate napkin rings for fall gatherings.
Easy Clothespin Doily Angel Crafts For Kids
Use clothespins and small doilies to make angel ornaments that are simple and kid-friendly.
Lacy Luminarias
Glue doilies to paper bags and add battery-operated lights for instant outdoor or indoor ambiance.
Crochet Doily Rug
Create a durable rug inspired by doily patterns with crochet techniques for a timeless accent.
Doily Rub-on Canvas
Use doilies as stencils for painted art on canvas, book covers, or furniture for a custom, lacy pattern.
Painted Wooden Stool with a Doily Resist
Draw a doily pattern on a stool top using a doily as a resist, then paint for a charming makeover.
Paper Doily Shower Curtain
Attach larger paper doilies to a clear shower curtain for a delicate, textured look.
Paper-Doily Wreath
Create a classic wreath by layering paper doilies and finishing with fairy lights for seasonal decor.
Doily Envelopes
Make delicate stationery envelopes by folding and layering doilies—ideal for gift cards or special notes.
Shabby Chic Gift Wrapping
Glue a doily over solid wrapping paper and finish with ribbon for an elegant, handmade gift wrap.
Crochet Doily Soap Savers
Sew a smaller doily into a pouch to create pretty, reusable soap savers that are both functional and attractive.
Make a Pretty Scarf out of Doilies
Sew multiple fabric doilies together to make a lightweight, bohemian scarf.
Dainty Doily Angels
Combine small doilies and wooden beads for charming angel ornaments—perfect for holidays.
Easy Doily Roses
Roll small doilies into roses for quick floral decor or bouquet accents.
Cupcake Wrappers Made from Doilies
Cut doilies into wrappers to dress up desserts for showers and weddings.
Accessorize with Vintage Doilies
Wrap small doilies around bangles or other accessories to create a vintage-inspired look.
Paper Doily Folded Christmas Tree Ornament
Form cones from doilies to make small, snowy trees—decorate with paper stars for holiday displays.
Doily Lantern (Stiffened)
Harden doilies around inflated forms using fabric stiffener to create sculptural lanterns for events and weddings.
Vintage Doily Pumpkins
Cover faux pumpkins with doilies for a chic fall centerpiece with a vintage touch.
DIY Vintage Doily Necklace
Reinforce a doily piece with sewing glue and attach jump rings and a chain for a delicate vintage necklace.
Doily Boho Earrings
Create matching earrings by reinforcing small doily sections and attaching earring hardware.
Crochet Doily Pillows
Sew doilies onto pillow covers or cut centers to frame a printed image for shabby-chic pillows.
Doily Dreamcatcher
Attach cut doily pieces to an embroidery hoop and finish with ribbons and beads for a wedding or nursery mobile.
Paper Doily Christmas Trees
Fold doilies into cones to craft delicate tabletop trees for holiday displays.
Hanging Fabric Doilies
Attach fabric pieces to doily centers and hang layered doilies for lightweight wall hangings.
Doily-Embellished Notebook
Adorn a plain journal cover with a painted or glued doily for a personalized notebook.
Macramé Doily Wall Hanging
Combine a small doily with macramé cord to build a larger boho wall hanging.
Bulletin Board Lace Pockets
Turn doilies into pockets for a bulletin board to hold notes and small pieces of mail.
Vintage Doily Hangers
Cover wire hangers with doily pieces to create a pretty display piece for delicate garments.
Doily Appliqué Tote Bag
Apply a whole doily to the center of a tote bag using a reverse-appliqué technique for a unique accessory.
Upcycling doilies is an easy way to add texture, pattern, and vintage charm to everyday objects. Whether you repurpose old lace or craft with paper doilies, these projects make it simple to transform small pieces of lace into stylish, handmade accents.
Gather your doilies, pick a project, and enjoy turning simple materials into something special.
