I use Sta-Flo also. One 64 oz. bottle cost me $3.12 and makes 2 1/2 gallons of spray starch. It would take a long time to spray on that much starch. The amount of starch in a spray bottle costs me about $.04.

That seems like a lot of starch and I am wondering about the ironing board cover too. Is that cover getting destroyed with so much starch?

I lay another piece of [scrap] fabric on the board when i'm using a lot of starch. then that fabric can just go in the wash when it gets bad enough.

I use Sta Flo a lot but my hand cramps if I use a hand spray bottle too long so I like the spray can for lots of starching at one time.

I never felt I could get an even layer of starch by spraying so I dunk mine into a dishpan of home-made starch....vodka and StaFlo. Then I run it thru my makeshift wringer I have set up at the double sink and then hang to dry over the sink in case it drips. Then I mist it with a solution of water with white vinegar and press. Then I cut into the yardage.

Best Press is available at Menard's for those of you in the Midwest, for under $5 for a 16.9 oz bottle, scented or non.

I'm a Best Press convert. I buy refill gallons when it's on sale for 50% off. Usually go in with a friend, buying 2 gallons we also get free shipping. A gallon lasts over a year. It depends on what I'm doing and what I'm using if or how much I use. Pieces 1-1/2" and under definitely benefit from a good spray! Pieces that are over 2" rarely need it.

I pre-wash my project fabrics and use either Sta-Flo in spray bottle or canned spray starch depending on the amount of fabric in my projects. Once I have the starch on the fabric, I roll it up and put in a plastic bag for several hours. Then I iron all the pieces. This way the starch soaks into the fabric and makes the fabric really nice for cutting and sewing. I have been doing this for over 40 years while I worked and never had a problem with my fabric. I usually use one weekend for this process and do up to three projects at a time. I would then use another weekend to cut out the fabrics for each project; allowing me to sew only for two months. I found every time I skipped these steps, my project became a disaster.

I like to use starch, but agree with Jordan: that looks like overkill to me as well. One even pass of heavy starch has always been plenty for my liking.

It's interesting to see everyone's personal take on how much is enough.

I like Best Press but made the mistake of buying 2 gallons of the lavender scented. It's a very cheap lavender scent. Ugh! I'm using it up though.