Originally Posted by
Lisa_wanna_b_quilter
I agree. Starch or sizing -- your choice. If the fabric is seriously worn, you might use a light weight fusible interfacing to help it out. I did that on some pieces in a quilt my great grandma made in order to hold it together. It looks fine from the front.
Pellon makes a good fusible interfacing that comes in lightweight and featherweight. It gives the fabric a good hand and is easily quilted. (I do machine quilting so I wouldn't know about hand quilting these) IMHO, sizing or starch would make the fabric easy to work with, but the interfacing would be better than starch because it won't be washed out. I commend you on your service to these people.