Here's my easy-peasy method for starching yardage. I mix a solution of water and Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and "paint" the starch onto the fabric using a large wall painting brush. (My kitchen island is perfect for this task.) Once the fabric is saturated, I toss it in the dryer. Final step is to iron with steam. Sometimes I will mist with water to increase the amount of steam, but usually this is not necessary.
My favorite solution for backing fabrics and binding fabrics is a 1:1 ratio of water to starch. I don't prewash piecing fabrics, so usually don't bother to starch those.
It really helps to have the starch dry before ironing, as then you don't have to worry about accidentally scorching the fabric or the bottom of your iron. Steam reactivates the starch.