I am still a newbie - but what is the benefit of using starch? Easier to work with? Sew better? I have never used it quilting. Appreciate the info.

I just make my own with cornstarch and water. That way you can make it as stiff as you want.

I've heard that story about spray starch and bugs, but it's never happened to me.

I've switched to Mary Ellen's Best. It comes in several fragrances (including a no fragrance) and doesn't clog or flake. The last several times I've bought regular spray starch thinking it would be cheaper it either clogs up and will only spray a thick stream or it falls and breaks the nozzle off. After four cans doing this I now stick with MEB.

Sabcoke - starching your fabric before working with it will supposedly make your cutting more precise, as you're working with a stiff rather than flimsy piece of fabric. I haven't been a starcher, but have bought some to try. Some quilters have said they starch it until it's like cardboard, then do their cutting. Try it both ways and see what you like best - sometimes it's all just personal preference.

I bought a bottle of Sta-Flo and that stuff is the bomb!!!! I put it in a squirt bottle mixing it 3/4 starch and 1/4 water and let me tell you once you squirt it on an let it dry then iron it I stood a 6" block on edge and that sucker didnt even want to fold over!!!!

I am digging the Sta-Flo and just a touch over $2 for a quart bottle your getting your moneys worth!!

Billy

I use starch when ever I am working with triangles, on the bias fabric. It helps stablize the edge so you dont get the stretching. I have been told that you should spray your fabric on the back side and do the spray two or three times. Works for me. Thanks for all the tips too!

A very kind and generous friend gave me a bottle of MaryEllen's. wonderful stuff. i just wish it wasn't so expensive. i can't find it anywhere for under $42 a gallon.

so, i am sticking with the liquid starch i can get at the grocery store for less than $3 per gallon. i can mix my own strength, and spend the savings on more fabric. i do get flakes if i spray on too much at one time but they brush off and i move on.

and the tip about spraying and pressing on the back of the fabric is right on target. it does make a big difference.

I use Sta-Flo also. I usually do a 50/50 mix. Starching fabric makes it much easier to cut and sew. With crisp fabric, the 1/4" seam is much nicer. Also, by having the fabric starched, your rotary cutter stays sharp longer. You don't have to use as much pressure to cut.

I buy the 1/2 gallon of liquid and mix it with water in a spray bottle, works just fine and a whole lot cheaper than the canned starch.

I like the new Niagara spray bottle starch, not the can spray. I have the Best Press and it's very nice but I have to order it online and I won't pay that much for starch to be mailed to me. I found a box of powdered starch but I haven't used it yet. I remember my mother using the powdered starch and boiling it until it was thick and then dipping clothes in it before hanging them out to dry. Then the next day she ironed all the starched clothes. Some she sprinkled with water and put in the refrigerator before she ironed them. I have no idea why that was done. I know the clothes were sprinkled with water while ironing. I have her sprinkle top! She used it with a RC Cola bottle.