These instructions are taken from The American Thread Co. 1948:

STARCH: Dissolve 1\4 cup starch in 1\2 cup of cold water. Boil slowly over a low flame, as it thickens stir in gradually about 1 1\4 cups of cold water. Boil, stirring constantly until starch clears. This makes a thick pasty mixture. As soon as starch is cool enough to handle, dip doily and squeeze starch through it thoroughly. Wring out extra starch. The doily should be wet with starch but there should be none in the spaces. Pin center of doily in position according to size and leave until thoroughly dry. If steam iron is used iron ruffle after it is dry. If regular iron is used dampen ruffle slightly before pressing. Pin folds of ruffle in position and leave until thoroughly dry.

More recent starching techniques are:

SPRAY STARCH: Lightly spray your piece then use one of these two methods: Press using a warm iron, on the wrong side and covered with another piece of material. Or, spray, then shape and pin your piece to a Styrofoam board, cardboard or ironing board. Use only rust proof pins! Spray starch is great for doilies, tablecloths, edgings or anything that you want just a little stiff. They will keep their shape beautifully. It isn't permanent and you will have to repeat this process every time you wash the item.

LIQUID STARCH: Dilute with water unless you want it really stiff. The more water you add, the less stiff your piece will be. Dip your piece into the starch, let it sit in the starch for a few seconds, then squeeze out excess (do not twist). Lay it flat on a hard surface, pin into shape. Use rust proof pins. Or, dip your piece into starch, roll it up in a towel (like a jelly roll) until it's almost dry. Then using a warm iron and covered with another piece of material, press until dry. Your piece will be very stiff or just a little, depending on how much water you added. This is not permanent and will have to be repeated every time you wash the item. I recommend this process for ruffled doilies. Just dip and shape on a hard surface using small bottles or anything hard and the right size, to hold up the ruffles.

SUGAR & WATER: Use equal portions of sugar and water. Bring sugar and water to a rapid boil, remove from heat and cool slightly. Dip your piece in, then squeeze the excess out. Shape according to your pattern instructions. I don't care much for this process. The sugar mixture can get grainy if not boiled to the correct temperature. Sometimes yellowing occurs to your piece :(

GLUE & WATER: Mix equal parts water and white glue together. Dip your piece in and squeeze out the excess. Lay on a hard surface and shape according to your pattern directions. This is a permanent finish.

STIFF STUFF: This is available at Walmart and craft stores. You just spray your item and pin or shape according to the pattern directions. Let it dry or you can use a blow dryer to speed the process. It makes your piece very stiff! It's not permanent and will wash out.

ALEENES: The same as the above. I found no difference between the two.

SHELLAC: Shape your piece according to the pattern directions then coat, using a small sponge or brush, with a thin layer of clear shellac (follow directions on the label of shellac). Allow to dry completely between coats. I recommend 2-3 coats. This is permanent and very hard. It would be good for baskets, angels or anything you want permanently shaped.

I have not had any problems using the above methods. But, I can not be responsible for any damage that might occur to your pieces. Use these techniques at your own risk. Thank you.