grammynan

I'm new to this board and relatively new to quilting so I'm sorry if this is a repeat topic...

Could you all explain the subject of starching?

Thank you!
Nancy

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

In my case, the answer is everything because it makes it easier to sew.

I starch things super stiff before I cut. It makes it easier to cut. If you do anything cut on the bias, it helps eliminate pulling.

When sewing, fabric edges seem easier to align if they are starched heavily.

When doing applique, I starch the background into cardboard and don't have to use any stabilizer.

grammynan

Oh, and what method of starching to you use? Spray or what?

QBeth

Good questions!

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

I spray but there are other folks on the board who do it in other ways. I buy the big jug of starch and mix it myself in a spray bottle.

Some people seldom if ever starch. Like most things in quilting, I think you just have to try a few things and see what works for you.

thismomquilts

I agree - it's a personal preference. I buy the jugs of starch also and mix my own (the other was just getting too expensive!). I don't spray it so much that it's stiff as much as to get it unwrninkled and neat enough to cut correctly. Sometimes I don't mix just right - and it's stiffer than I like but normally just enough to get the wrinkles out.

QBeth

I took a paper piecing class once and one of the ladies had starched her fat quarters so much, she could hold them straight out and level using only two fingers! Now, that's dedication!

LindaR

I use Mary Ellen's spray startch and always spray when I finish a block...if I have bias edges its good to starch also...sure helps

annmarie

Lisa - doesn't all that starch make the quilt stiff or do you wash it out after? I can see using it for wall quilts but for bed quilts too???????

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

Starch washes right out. You can starch it stiff as a board and even have flakes if you get carried away, but once you wash it everything is nice and soft again.

At least it is so far, I'm no expert.