Do You Ever Starch/Best Press Jelly Roll Strips or Charm Square? Will it mishape them
 

I have a few jelly rolls I would like to use but the fabric is very flimsy and has been handled quite a bit as the edges are very worn and frayed (they are Moda and I purchased them on line). They need to have a bit more "structure" before I start working with them so I thought about misting them with Best Press then very gently pressing (no moving the iron on the fabric--just press and lift). Will this shrink them too much to still be 2.5 inches? Do people normally do this and I just don't know??

I have used Best Press to gently press jelly rolls before cutting or sewing them. I haven't had any problems with stretching or shrinkage. Just be careful to press and not iron!!

FYI - this might be helpful (regardless if you starch or not) for sewing jelly roll strips (or any other, for that matter) that are aren't exactly the same width.

http://www.bearpawproductions.com/us...May%20Vary.pdf

I don't use jelly rolls, but I do starch everything (heavily) before I sew it.
Personal preference.

you might try starching on a small swatch. measure it before and after to see if there is any shrinkage.

Don't press while the fabric is wet and be gentle. I have stretched fabric before. Be careful.

I use the Best Press so the material won't stretch or get out of alignment. Esp if I have to make HSTs.

ali

MTS, thank you, that link was very interesting and informative.

Sunnye, I have not been sewing very long and am completely self taught. I use Best Press and was always wondering if you are suppose to let the fabric dry before pressing or press while still damp. I've been pressing while still damp about 1 to 3 minutes after misting.

MTS thanks for the link to bear paw i have seen her do this before and forgotten about this bookmarked it this time

I starch precuts.. but let them dry before ironing. Its easy to distort any cut piece if you try to press/or iron while there is moisture in the fabric.

Yes, you can press the strips/charm squares before using.....be careful to press...not iron...the ironing can stretch and make the strips especially distorted.