I learned to starch first. After I learned about starching, I used it when I was ironing the blocks, bad idea. I screwed up the blocks and as dense as I am, it didn't dawn on me why until after I had remade several of them. Also I learned sizing was better because it will not attract insects and such. I wash my fabric as I get it, take it out of the dryer and smooth it and fold it, if I am not going to use it right away. When I get ready to use it, I iron and starch it then.