Originally Posted by Prism99

Mary Ellen's is not starch; it is advertised as a "starch alternative". It is similar to fabric sizing (which is available in spray cans), which is typically used to add just a little stiffening to collars and cuffs. Fabric sizing is man-made from chemicals.

Starch is made from organic sources -- corn, rice, potatoes, etc., usually with a small amount of chemicals added to keep it from getting moldy. Starch varies in strength. Spray starch in cans is on the light side of what you can do with starch. You can mix water with a commercial liquid starch such as Sta-Flo and create different strengths. I like a 1:1 solution for stiffening quilt backings before layering (a strength that would make a shirt unwearable for many people!).

For getting wrinkles out and adding just a hint of stiffening, fabric sizing (including Mary Ellen's) is good. For stabilizing fabric so it does not stretch or distort from handling, starch is much better.

Edit: There are many homemade recipes for starch online. It is inexpensive to make, but I find it is also cost-effective to use Sta-Flo diluted with water. There are also homemade recipes online for Mary Ellen's Best Press.