I like to starch before cutting, and when turning over seam allowances for applique, as well as for controlling bias cuts.
I make my own starch: I use a scant soup spoon of potato flour/starch in a cup (250 ml) of water, in a spritzing bottle. I shake it up each time before I spritz, as the potato starch does not dissolve in water. Corn starch has the same effect.