Originally Posted by Blackberry
Originally Posted by Surfergirl
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?
I am new to quilting and so far I have only made 4 or 9 patch blocks and quilted them SID. Why do you use starch at all. What is the purpose
I've never used starch before reading about it here. I read that it helps decrease the amount of stretching or distortion when cutting and the stiffness it creates makes cutting accurately much easier. I tried it on my most recent quilt, a flannel one, and found that it worked very well. It is my most accurate quilt so far (despite many seams to match), and I plan to keep using starch or sizing from here on out. I'm sending the quilt to Illinois, where it is hot and humid and there are plenty of bugs, but I'll wash it first to remove the starch - so it's soft for the baby, and in case the starch would attract any critters.