NJ Quilter

I starch, let the starch absorb into the fabric for a few minutes and then, while it's still damp from the starch, press dry. I've evolved to using the liquid starch you can mix to varying strengths. If you have lighter-weight fabric, go heavy on the starch. Maybe even doing 2-3 passes if you're using pre-mix.

DebbieL

Thank You, I think that I was not using enough starch. I started using more and letting it set a couple minutes, then pressed - working much better.

DebbieL

Thank You. Working much better now.

GrannieAnnie

Dried starch will leave the fabric stiff. It will be smooth only if you press while damp (or wet!)

GrannieAnnie

A lot of times, I'll dampen (with starch) several pieces, stack them up, fold them up to a smaller size, lay something heavy over them----------cutting board or something similar. Go fix lunch or throw more laundry in the dryer or sew a bit more, then come back to press. The starch is better distributed over the fabric and not too wet in spots.

GrannieAnnie

Take it from someone who hates to iron-----------------next to forever. If you want, just roll up for a short time (10-15 minutes) or roll up, slip in a plastic bag and put in the fridge, if you don't intend to iron shortly.

Also from someone who hates to iron--------------the freezer is for long term storage. No real need if you intend to iron the same day.

alikat110

I spray my startch, then wad the fabric up in a tight ball. Then I straighten it out. Let set several minutes, then press. This allows startch to absorb well and evenly.

Lori S

I prefer to wet the fabric completely with starch and then let it dry completely, before ironing. I find I get the stiffest results , and no starch build up on the iron.

franc36

I am so glad to learn that I am not the only one who puts starched fabric in the freezer before pressing it. I really do think it presses easier when I freeze it first. I did that because I thought that was what my mother did; but actually, she probably just put it in the refrigerator. I leave mine in for an hour or two or overnight. Yes, I, too, have found a bag of frozen fabric in the freezer and wondered what it was.

Vat

I use Sta-Flo starch, you can get it in 1/2 gallons at Walmart. Bring it home and pour into a gallon container and fill with water. Dampen your fabric with water then spray solid with the starch. I like to put mine in the frig over night or all then iron until DRY ! ! ! All of this is before you cut any pieces. You will have less dust (fuzz), less raveling, better matched seams , etc., etc. A much better quilt top, that is my opinion. You cannot do this after pieces are cut because the starch will disstort the pieces.