Prism99

You may be right. The homemade recipes that mimic Mary Ellen's Best Press are basically vodka and water. Vodka is made from fermented grains, which means the base is organic. Technically that classifies it as a starch. However, if you compare the pressing characteristics of Best Press to sizing and starch, it much more closely resembles sizing.

The marketing of Best Press is ambiguous. I have a bottle here that says "The Clear Starch Alternative". That could mean different things -- for example (1) that it is a clear starch instead of a white starch, or (2) that it is clearly an alternative to starch (ergo, not starch), or (3) that it is an alternative to starch that happens to be clear. I never even thought of the first meaning until you brought it up.

Maybe it's in-between. An organically-based sizing.........

Edit: Should add that I have a bottle of Best Press here that was given to me about a year ago. I haven't used it, but it is more than half empty from evaporation. I think that is because of the alcohol in it. Spray starch, Sta-Flo, and starches mixed from powders do not typically contain alcohol and also don't evaporate. So, for me, it is difficult to classify Best Press as a starch; it acts much more like a sizing.

QultingaddictUK

I can understand what you are saying but when you are on a very tight budget, retired with a state pension only, every penny counts. Here in the UK it seems that anything to do with quilting is so expensive as it is not as popular hobby as over the pond

I have recently starting using Starch and love it, I am using "Faultless" as it a third of the price of Best Press for twice the amount! The difference with a couple of cans will buy me a cone of thread or maybe a FQ or two!

ManiacQuilter2

I have never tried Best Press because I am happy with a product called Magic Sizing that unfortunately seems to be available only at the super Walmart. It doesn't have any of the white flakes when pressing too soon and is light body without the stiffness.

quiltinglady-1

Wow! $12.00 for 8.4oz??? Can't afford that one.

Onebyone

I understand being on a budget. I buy the items I like and save elsewhere. I learned it doesn't matter what I pay for one thing if another is bought cheaper. The same amount of money is being spent.

dee1245

Sizing spray is available at the Dollar stores (Dollar Tree, It's a Dollar, etc.). It is not Magic Sizing brand, but it works the same. And, Magic Sizing can be found at Dollar General; it is the light body sizing.

IBQUILTIN

I always use Best Press before I cut a fabric. It cuts smoother and my lines are straighter and the machine loves it. Seems to add just enough and if not, I can always Best Press in layers till it suits me

madamekelly

I was told by a tailor that the preservatives in starch prevents it from attracting bugs, so I don't worry about it, and no bugs.

maggie_1936

I like to mix my own "argo" that way its the strength I need.

onaemtnest

Relevant indeed Anita thank-you for your insightful article! Love your classes, I've learned and improved because of your teaching skills, I'm an avid fan! :0)