Once found draped over every armchair, dresser, or side table, hand-crocheted doilies were a staple in Grandma’s house. More than just decoration, they were symbols of patience, craftsmanship, and homemaking pride. Today, many are tucked in drawers or stashed in boxes, but collectors and crafters are rediscovering their charm.
Let’s unravel the history of doilies, why they’ve lasted through generations, and how much those delicate lace pieces could be worth now.
What Are Doilies?
Doilies are ornamental mats—typically crocheted, knitted, or tatted—used to protect furniture surfaces and add a decorative flair. Popular throughout the late 1800s through the 1950s, they were often handmade with cotton thread and featured floral or geometric patterns. Some were round or oval, while others were shaped like snowflakes or stars. Learn more at Collectors Weekly.
Why Grandma Made (and Kept) Them
For many women, especially in rural America, making doilies was a relaxing hobby and a mark of homemaking skill. They were often made as gifts, bridal dowries, or passed down through generations. Because they took hours—sometimes days—to make, throwing one away felt unthinkable. Each doily carried pride, love, and a bit of personal flair.
What They’re Worth Today
Individual doilies typically sell for $5–$25 depending on size, condition, and detail. Rare patterns, unusual colors, or extra-large pieces can fetch $30–$100. Sets or framed doilies can be even more valuable to decorators or crafters. Those made with fine thread and intricate lacework tend to command the highest prices. Check Etsy listings for current market trends.
Popular Types Collectors Look For
- Tatted lace doilies: Made with a shuttle, these have intricate loops and knots—more rare than crocheted types.
- Pineapple pattern: A classic motif seen in many mid-century crochet books.
- Colored thread: Pink, blue, or variegated thread is more unusual and often more collectible.
- Sets with matching runners: Full sets used for bedroom or parlor decor are harder to find.
- Framed or stiffened doilies: Turned into wall art, these hold extra value with the right presentation.
How To Identify Handmade vs. Store-Bought
Handmade doilies usually have slight imperfections or unique patterns not found in mass-produced pieces. Examine the thread tension—uniformity suggests machine production, while slight inconsistencies hint at handwork. Store-bought versions often have tags, hemmed edges, or perfectly symmetrical designs. Many vintage craft books can help identify classic patterns and styles.
Where To Find or Sell Doilies
Estate sales and antique stores are common sources for vintage doilies, often bundled with linens. Etsy and eBay have thriving markets for handmade lace items. Crafters on social media and in Facebook groups often buy them to repurpose into table runners, dreamcatchers, or wall hangings. If selling, photograph them flat and describe any tears, stains, or yellowing honestly.
Caring for Vintage Doilies
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap—never bleach. Lay flat to dry on a towel, reshaping gently. Iron with a damp cloth for best results. For display, consider framing them in shadowboxes or using them in creative decor projects like layered wall art or sewn into pillows and quilts.
Should You Sell or Keep Them?
If they don’t hold personal value, there’s a steady resale market, especially for crafters and retro decorators. But many people choose to keep at least a few doilies for sentimental reasons. They’re light, easy to store, and can become beautiful heirlooms or charming accents in modern homes.
The Future of Doily Collecting
As interest in fiber arts, slow living, and vintage aesthetics grows, doilies are finding a new fanbase. Whether used in farmhouse décor or incorporated into boho-chic designs, these delicate pieces continue to inspire creativity and nostalgia. Their handmade nature gives them lasting appeal in a digital world.
Doilies may seem like a thing of the past, but they’re soft-spoken storytellers of generations who valued beauty, patience, and craft. Whether you repurpose, resell, or simply admire them, these little laceworks are far more than just decoration—they’re heirlooms woven from time and care.