I'm embarassed to admit this, but, I've been sewing since I was little (a looong time ago!) and quilting for many years and have never used spray starch or sizing and I have a few questions. I know that starch can attract little critters and sizing does not. But what is the difference between the two? Do they yield the same results - crisp fabric? Which is better to use? And, lastly, should I spray and let dry then press, or spray and iron dry?

Thank you, oh wise ones! Love this group!

I have used Magic Spray Sizing for the past many many years with WONDEFUL results!! Crisp clean pressing with NO flakes like I would get with spary startches....maybe becaused I would spray and then iron!! Can't do that with starch but you can with sizing.

I use sizing to press my fabric before cutting ( I do not prewash ), and use it each time I press seams and then again when the top is finished before layering the batting and backing. For a King size quilt, I might use an entire can. $.97 cents at Walmart, I buy 10 cans everytime i go shoppping!!

jodi

I don't iron much since I retired, but I used to use spray sizing when ironing shirts. I don't think it is makes the material stiff like starch would. I think it kind of replaced the bottle with the metal cap with holes in it that I used as a kid when ironing cotton. I don't use either when I quilt.

The little critters are worse in high humidity areas, so I don't really have to worry about that. Starch makes fabric stiffer depending on the kind and amount you use. Sizing gives it more body, but does not stiffen it. Best Press is really a great sizing, but can get quite expensive.

I love Mary Ellens Best Press and Ive diluted it half and half with water to strech it out.... great stuff!!

I love the Best Press, too. Caribbean Beach and Cherry Blossom are just heavenly. But the new Fresh Linen scent reminds me of Comet, so I won't buy that one again. Not the Lavender, either.

No flakes, no sticking to your iron - it's great stuff. I also like Magic Sizing, and Faultless Heavy Starch. :)

We buy it bulk in the gallons and get a discount and then share the cost tween all us quilters.

ali