Crinolines: How to Fold, Fluff and Store Fishnet Petticoat Crinolines

What is a crinoline and how do you care for it? A crinoline, also called a petticoat or petticoat, is a women’s undergarment intended to fluff up a skirt and give it more of a bell shape. It can be made of fabric or net ruffles and is closely associated with the popular full-circle skirt style of the 1950s. Whether new or vintage, these crinolines require special help to keep them bright and vibrant.

Here are some ideas on how to properly fluff and shape your crinoline netting and how to remove wrinkles. Sometimes the wrinkles will disappear on their own if you hang the crinoline for a day or two. This is the first thing you should do with a crinoline. It is especially helpful to fluff and separate the layers of the net and gently shape the net. Give it a couple of shakes too. Note: It’s ok to hang it up for a day or two just to give it shape, but crinolines should be stored rolled up in a bag, otherwise they will lose their volume as they are dragged down by their own weight. You can also steam out stubborn wrinkles with the steam function on your handheld iron. Do this by first placing the crinoline on the ironing board so that only one layer of netting is exposed. Place a pressing cloth over the crinoline. Set your iron to the “delicate” setting and press the crinoline onto the pressing cloth so the mesh doesn’t burn. Remaining wrinkles can be fluffed out by hanging the crinoline and gently spraying it with steam from the iron’s steam function. Just remember: steam is very hot! Don’t touch the crinoline with the iron, or you will burn the netting. If you are lucky enough to have a real garment steamer, hang the crinoline and steam the crinoline from the inside, facing out. The net will swell instantly. Don’t have access to an iron or steamer? Hang the crinoline in your bathroom. Turn on the hot water in the shower all the way. Close the bathroom door and let it steam. Between every few minutes and smooth out the net. Or put it in the dryer on the fluff cycle and let it run for a few minutes, then hang it up and carefully separate the layers, shaping the crinoline as you go.

Hanging crinolines in a closet is useful, but only good for temporary storage. Store your crinoline rolled up in a plastic or travel or canvas bag. Actual “crinoline bags” can also be purchased at square dance costume and supply stores. You can roll your crinoline without creating new wrinkles like this: Stand holding the crinoline in front of you with the waistband at chin level and the crinoline hanging down. Tuck the waistband under your chin and use your arms to gently fold the crinoline from the sides to the center so that you end up with a long, vertical tube. Gently press the air in as you do this. Now start rolling from the bottom up, again gently press the air. Once you’ve rolled up to the top, you’ll have the waistband section to wrap the net around nicely. When you need it again, you’ll have the waistband to hold onto as you unroll the crinoline. Don’t let your pet find its way to your precious crinoline and turn it into her personal throne! Pets love to nest in crinolines, and not only is it hard to remove their hair, but they will flatten your crinoline as well.

Tired of colour? Crinolines can be dyed. Here’s how to lighten or change the color of a crinoline. Be sure to use a dye that works for nylon fabric. One crinoline needs two bundles. Most people use the “Rit” dye. Rit dye and general clothing dye can be found at your local craft store or a variety store chain. Fill the washing machine with hot water, then mix the dye according to the package directions. Just be sure to run the washing machine through an extra cycle after you finish dyeing the crinoline. This will ensure that no extra dye is left in your washing machine! Yellowed crinolines can be bleached. Just soak a cup of washing powder in enough hot water to cover the crinoline. Soak for 30 minutes, rinse and hang dry. To easily “freshen up” your crinoline, simply place it in a dryer on the fluff cycle a few minutes before wearing.

The crinolines give vitality to your circular skirt. They are so much fun when you are dancing and can add a pop of color and sass. A good one will last with proper care and storage to give you years of frilly fashion.

Fun fact: Did you know that in the 1950s they used to make their crinolines rigid by soaking them in a sugar water bath? This is called “starch sugar.” That’s how they used to do it. Mix a couple cups of sugar in a large bucket of warm water. Once the sugar is dissolved, submerge the crinoline and allow it to soak for a couple of minutes. Take out the crinoline, let it drip, and then find a place to hold the crinoline to dry in the right shape. Some women would place wet crinolines over a large bush in the garden so that they would be full and fluffy.