Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • Using Starch >
  • Using Starch

  • Using Starch

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 08-22-2010, 06:50 AM
      #1  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Surfergirl's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Palm Coast, Florida
    Posts: 1,045
    Default

    I know this topic has been discussed recently, but I just found some info online concerning the use of starch when quilting. Everyone loves it, of course, but starch is a protein and attracts bugs, silverfish, in particular, and washing doesn't totally remove it as it is deep into the fibers after pressing. Also, over time, starch will "yellow" fabric. It has been suggested that using Magic Sizing spray instead of starch works well and it doesn't flake or build up on the iron. Any thoughts on this subject?
    Surfergirl is offline  
    Old 08-22-2010, 07:04 AM
      #2  
    Super Member
     
    MinnieKat's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jun 2010
    Location: northern Minnesota
    Posts: 4,392
    Default

    I've also heard that Magic Sizing is better to use than spray starch.
    MinnieKat is offline  
    Old 08-22-2010, 07:11 AM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Apr 2010
    Location: Illinois
    Posts: 9,312
    Default

    I really do not have a bug concern, living in a cold climate, and never found any evidence of silverfish. I have been starching for years and not had a yellowing issue. It will be interesting to see if others have had yellowing.
    Lori S is offline  
    Old 08-22-2010, 07:15 AM
      #4  
    Power Poster
     
    amma's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
    Posts: 58,856
    Default

    All of the quilts that I make are used often, frequently washed, so I am pretty sure that the starch isn't going to be a problem.
    I don't think it would linger in the fabrics after a couple of washings. I give mine an extra rinse to make sure that it is all out, and the quilts are nice and soft :D:D:D
    amma is offline  
    Old 08-22-2010, 07:19 AM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    BKrenning's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Mar 2010
    Location: Lake Wales, FL, USA
    Posts: 1,554
    Default

    I use both--Magic Sizing on light fabrics and starch on all others and have never had a bug problem since MIL moved out. Her junk food attracted bugs. They all seem to have followed her.

    I'm not patient enough to use starch on lights so end up scorching it--even the non-scorching type.

    Wool is a different story. It will be eaten very quickly if you don't keep up with the moth crystals or cedar shavings.
    BKrenning is offline  
    Old 08-22-2010, 07:27 AM
      #6  
    Junior Member
     
    scrappycats's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Central Texas
    Posts: 251
    Default

    I know we are supposed to be quilting for future generations, but really cannot find it within me to worry about it yellowing a few decades from now. I just can't see my quilts being in a museum or whatever 100 years from now and someone saying if only she had not used starch. LOL I will not give up my starch!

    When making quilts, I am making sure they are washable, even the hand quilted ones. The hand quilted ones have lots and lots of stitches closely spaced to make them washable. Surely any starch would come out eventually. Plus, now days all you gotta do is add those non-chlorine bleach additives that will take out the yellow.
    scrappycats is offline  
    Old 08-22-2010, 07:33 AM
      #7  
    Senior Member
     
    kapatt's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Aug 2008
    Location: Washington state
    Posts: 820
    Default

    I've always used Magic Sizing. It does a great job on my blocks. It makes them easier to handle and to sew together. I don't think I've ever used starch. I know that way-back-when, I deliberately made a decision against starch and for the sizing but for the life of me, I now can't remember why I chose sizing in the first place.
    kapatt is offline  
    Old 08-22-2010, 07:58 AM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    Moonpi's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Mar 2007
    Location: Central FL
    Posts: 4,829
    Default

    People have been using starch for centuries with no problems. In fact,old table linens that were heavily starched, are generally in better shape than clothing of the same vintage, which was not. I'm not really sure that your source is correct. Yellowing on old textiles is often from dust and smoke. Before electricity, homes relied on burning gas-oil-kerosene for light and wood and coal for heat. Add tobacco smoke, and even modern fabrics will yellow, regardless of starching.

    Starch DOES wash out, or else accumulated starch would have commercial linens stiff as boards! That is one strange theory!

    I starch on the wrong side of blocks, and keep the iron temperature appropriate to minimize flaking. No problems, and no problems with bugs, either. Can I blame starch on the tiny lizards getting in the house?
    Moonpi is offline  
    Old 08-22-2010, 08:08 AM
      #9  
    Super Member
     
    dglvr's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jan 2007
    Location: Eastern Washington
    Posts: 3,807
    Default

    I use starch all the time and never had a problem. I never noticed any left overs on my projects after washing it. I'm always hearing about bugs too but never had that problem either. I'll keep using starch.

    :thumbup:
    dglvr is offline  
    Old 08-22-2010, 08:08 AM
      #10  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Apr 2010
    Location: North Carolina
    Posts: 1,281
    Default

    I am a big fan of Magic Sizing, it works great for me and I was also told when I first started quilting that starch attracts bugs. I am in NC and we have lots of bugs here so better not to take chances.
    Juliebelle is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    seazteddy
    Main
    39
    04-20-2019 03:51 AM
    RJLinkletter
    Main
    19
    02-26-2019 01:48 AM
    Jackietellijohn60
    Main
    12
    04-28-2013 08:43 AM
    Threadbanger
    Main
    11
    02-02-2012 01:06 PM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter