Reb

So I've bought Niagara non-aerosol spray starch. What's the best way to use it? I see some posts recommend heavy starch. How is that achieved? Thanks for any tips.

DOTTYMO

Just spray and iron or as i do hang outside to dry. I don't use a spray mix in a bucket and dip in wring and hang up. If not stiff enough repeat. I always iron before sandwiching.

Sally J

I use that spray. I spray on the fabric (if I want heavy starch I just spray more). Always let it sit for a minute to soak in and then iron. It makes such a real difference on my blocks.

Suzette316

I achieve 'heavy', 'light', or 'medium' starch by making my own. To make a medium starch, dilute 1 teaspoon of corn starch in a tablespoon or two of cool water in a 2 cup Pyrex measuring cup. Add 1 cup boiling water and stir well then add 1 cup cool water and stir well. Pour into a spritzer bottle and there you go! Two cups of medium starch.

For light starch, make it with less corn starch, for heavy starch, add up to a tablespoon.

Spray the front of your fabric and let it sit for a minute or two or longer. Turn fabric over and press. (You don't have to turn, I just do so starch doesn't build up on my iron (and any starch can do this, not just home made).

If you do make your own, remember this will only last about a week since there are no preservatives or additives (a good thing for you and the planet!). So if you have a bit left at the end of the week, just toss it out and rinse out the spritzer bottle until you want to make your next batch. Since this only cost pennies to make per batch, it's no problem throwing a bit out if you have to.

mighty

I use it, I just spray let soak in and iron. The more you put on the stiffer it is.

Prism99

For heavy starching (say, for backing fabric or for fabric that will be cut into bias strips), I mix a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch, "paint" this solution on the fabric with a large wall painting brush (kitchen island works well for this), wait a couple of minutes to make sure the fibers have absorbed the starch, toss in dryer, then iron with steam. There is no way I can get fabric starched this heavily with spray starch. I do use spray starch on my pieced tops.

Peckish

I agree. If you don't wait, you will get white flaking. I use the non-aerosol Niagra also and love it.

Reb

I haven't gotten the flakes. But I think the trick is that I haven't waited for it to soak in. Thank you all!

LynnVT

I use Mary Ellen's from the quilt store for most things, but for heavier stuff I got a bottle of liquid laundry starch at grocery store and dilute it as needed in a spritzer bottle.

Sandra in Minnesota

I have heard of making your own spray starch with vodka. Had the recipe for many years, but have never tried it. Vodka is made from potatoes-hence starch?