Bias binding for curved edges -- starched or not?
 

Being a fairly recent convert to starching my fabric, and almost always using straight of grain binding, I can't decide whether or not to wash out the starch before cutting bias strips to bind a curved edge (gradual). Would be very interested in experiences, or even just opinions.

I would keep the starch.

I don't use starch, ever. I would get binding on the bias or at least width of fabric - selvege to selvege. To go around curves you need some 'give'.

I only use bias binding even if my project has straight edges. I use Bounce Pressing Spray or Mary Ellen's Best Press. You don't need to worry about the starch in you binding strips. It won't hinder you getting the binding around your curved edges.

you do not have to wash out the starch- the bias binding will still 'bend' around the curves just fine- and you will be less apt to get any 'wobbles' in the binding- I pretty much always starch my binding fabric- regardless of using bias or straight.

I only use bias binding and I never starch my binding. But if I happened to starch the fabric before cutting it, I wouldn't worry about it. Normally I only starch quilt tops and backs before sandwiching, but if a length of fabric is particularly wrinkly, I will starch it.