I understand that starch may attract insects. Is that true? If so, I guess I have to launder all fabric before making the quilt so that I can launder it after to get all the starch out. Sometimes there are fabrics I don't want to launder, for wall hangings. Any suggestions?
I use the Elmer's glue that Sharon Schambler suggests and it really makes binding the quilt smooth but, since this is also starch, I guess it needs to be laundered when the quilt is finished. Does anyone have experience with insects getting into starched quilts? |
I use Beststarch Lavender. Lavender keeps the bugs away.
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I've always heard that sizing is much less attractive to bugs than starch.
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/087-rlm.jsp Here are some links to make your own lavender ironing spray: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chic...n-spray-025739 http://www.ehow.com/how_4464245_make...ing-water.html |
Thanks for the suggestions. I also was interested in using Elmer's School Glue for securing the binding the way Sharon Schambler does it--the glue is starch, but I guess I could just soak the edges of the quilt to get rid of that starch. Has anyone done anything like that?
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What kind of climate do you live in? I don't think you have to worry about insects if you are in a dry climate or a cold climate. I've always thought silverfish and the like were more of a problem in moist, warm climates. I personally wouldn't worry about it at all for wallhangings. All of my quilts get washed before use anyway, so that's not a problem for me either. I do not starch fabrics before I am ready to use them, but this out of my consideration for eliminating unnecessary labor rather than because insects might become interested in my fabrics.....
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I'm in Nashville, TN, a warm humid climate. :(
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Originally Posted by Prism99
What kind of climate do you live in? I don't think you have to worry about insects if you are in a dry climate or a cold climate. I've always thought silverfish and the like were more of a problem in moist, warm climates. I personally wouldn't worry about it at all for wallhangings. All of my quilts get washed before use anyway, so that's not a problem for me either. I do not starch fabrics before I am ready to use them, but this out of my consideration for eliminating unnecessary labor rather than because insects might become interested in my fabrics.....
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Yes, starch is food. It's made from corn or potatoes as a rule. I think Best Press starch alternative may not be the same type of starch though.
I don't store fabrics that have Best Press in them. I wash quilts as soon as they're done so the Best Press is washed out. |
Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
Yes, starch is food. It's made from corn or potatoes as a rule. I think Best Press starch alternative may not be the same type of starch though.
I don't store fabrics that have Best Press in them. I wash quilts as soon as they're done so the Best Press is washed out. |
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