Applique using Sta Flo Starch
 

I purchased a set of templates to use for round appliques....It recommends Stay Flo starch...my question is i am going to make an applique quilt project that will not be laundered....will the Stay flo starch cause a yellowing or discoloration (or any type of problem) on the fabric overtime?

I used the round templates on a quilt that had dozens of applique hand stitched circles and used the starch. The starch makes the whole process so much easier, and gave me such crisp lines. My circles were hand stitched to both dark and light colored fabric, and I have not experienced any kind of discoloration at all. I used the Niagaria brand.

I'm not sure what area of the country you're in.... I have heard of quilters who have issues with bugs getting to fabrics they have starched. I'm in the PNW and haven't had that issue, but I also eventually wash everything.

You might want to consider sizing instead of starch. Fabric manufacturers use it, which tells me it probably won't yellow or discolor the fabric, and it won't attract bugs.

Try making a fabric stiffener from equal parts Elmer's glue and water. Dries clear and no starch for bugs or mold to eat. You can experiment with the ratio to find the one that works best for you.

Roaches adore Elmer's Glue. Not sure about other bugs. When I was visiting an artist in NYC, the roaches would appear at night and head right for any spilled glue. Please don't try this.

charlotte

For as long as I have been appliquéing (since the mid 80's) it was recommended to use starch. I would think if there were a discoloring issue or a bug problem it would be well known. My DD is a teacher, and she found this great sports fabric that she wanted to put on the wall instead of paper background. The school has a silverfish problem with all the books and paper products around. That fabric is the only thing they don't bother. She never washed it, so I believe it is the chemicals the mfg used on it that keeps them away. So if you are not washing the fabric it may be the critters won't be attracted.