EagarBeez

I went out and purchased a bottle of starch to make my own mixture. Well, now I have been reading that some quilters say that the starch can draw silver fish, and may damage the fabric. Also mentioned is the fabric fading/color lightening??? I read this mornings article, which states if I planned to sew or wash the quilt, that this might help. I don't plan to wash it afterwards, as it will be to large.
I am making a large quilt queen/king. I tie all my quilts. Should I take the chance with the starch or use sizing???
What are the pros and cons?

erstan947

Personal choice. I use Niagara spay starch. Love it and have no bug, fading etc issues.

dellareya

I like the crispness of starch. Sizing doesn't add that.

virtualbernie

I use both--the overall look is the same but I do find that starching helps me cut and sew more accurately. I also don't have a problem with bugs or fading.

JulieTN

Since I make my own 'spray startch' from the gallon bottleo f liuid staertch (1/4 starch to 3/4 water in a spray bottle), I would vote for startch.

THAT SAID, always always wash oout your quilt after finsihing it. Bugs LOVE both sizing and starch. This is especially important if you give a baby quilt as a gift to a new Mom.
Julie

Sadiemae

I googled this quite awhile back and the humidity that you have will influene whether you want to use starch or not. I read that high humidity will atrach these bugs, we have such low humidity in Idaho that I really don't worry about it.

blueangel

I use spray starch and have had no problems.

justwannaquilt

I use Faultless spray starch. However I don't "stash" fabric, and even if I did I wouldn't starch it then stash it. This is where the bugs come into play is if you are storing starched fabric. So....if you starch your fabric and use it, its not a delima you have to worry about!

Oh I have never had a problem with fading either.

Great-great granny

I see a lot of talk about various “starch” to use. I’ve been out of the quilting world for over 20 years, I’m over 77 & I really hate to sound so ignorant (& old), but why/how is spray starch used in quilting. Years ago when I was active in a quilt guild & the quilting world, I never heard of it associated w/quilting - only in the laundry room!

Thankfully circumstances have changed so I am able to get back in it again, & I am ASTOUNDED at all the new ‘toys’ & techniques available to enhance making a quilt. All you modern day quilters amaze me w/your beautiful works of art.

Have a blessed day & may all your quilts be filled w/love.

ube quilting

In our modern world of cleanliness, I don't think there is much of a problem, if we store things properly. One thing you don't ever want to do is use moth balls for storing fabrics. Very poisonous and will discolor fabrics. I prefer sizing 'cause I like the fragrence of it.