Thank you Sewmary, gran of 6 and Deborahlees for your very quick responses. I'm afraid though that Starch is Not My friend. I have COPD including Severe Multiple Chemical Sensitivities which cause negative reactions to anything aerosol or with any kind of odor. I have tried the homemade type using cornstarch and got lots of flaking without much stiffness.
I think I will use MIJul's suggestion of using squares and rectangles and stick with cotton for my star blocks.
All of you have a great day.:)