When I was a kid, Mom made starch -
I think it was Argo - blue and white box - put some in the "bread bowl" - added some cold water to dissolve it - then added hot water - it changed from cloudy to "not cloudy" - and then stirred in a little rectangle of some blue stuff (Satina, I think)
Then she'd dip the whole garment to be starched in the solution and then wring it out by hand. The stuff to be stiffest was done first, and then what needed only a little body was done last.
I do not miss all that ironing!