I use the majic sizing and it works well for me. I was told not to use starch because it is grain based (isn't starch made from wheat flour?) and will attract rodents. I don't have a mouse problem where I live but I sure don't want to attract them and have them eat up my stash. Come to think of it, cotton is cellulose based so that might attract them too. I guess I need to sew faster to use up my stash....!!

Here's the recipe: 2 cups distilled water, 1/3 cut liquid starch (found at grocery stores in non-aerosol spray bottles), 2 ounces cheap Vodka (remember, the more potatoes, the more starch!) and as an option, 25 drops of lavender, if you so choose. That's all to it! When the mixture is left alone, it will separate. Just shake vigorously before using.

niagara has always made "sizing" as a spray, as well. it's lighter than starch, and i always loved it for the hubster's work shirts--kept him looking pressed and "official" without chafing his neck. i've used it on quilts, and there was no build up. it gave the fabric enough body to be worked with without leaving it looking like a board. i haven't shopped for it for quite a while, but i suspect it's still out there. my stash of it is about gone, so i'll have to begin the hunt, again. i've never used best press, but niagara has served well--both the sizing and the spray starch.

annie123.. Doghousemom is diluting the BP not the Niagara. In essence she is saying that buying BP by the gallon and diluting is 50/50 she gets 2 gallons for $40. 00(cost of the 1gallon BP). which is an $8.86 per gallon savings over Niagara.. I just love my BP and I always dilute it.

I use Niagara when I can find it. Wal-Mart here quit carrying and now just has Faultless. Why is it called Faultless when it is full of fault. Flakes, flakes, and more flakes. I have found Niagara at a Dollar General and I buy what they have. I use a lot of starch as I iron all my DH shirts.

I have always used Niagra (more out of price than anything else) and have loved it all along .. Works great for me !

I make my own and have for years. At about 3 cents a quart...The price is right and it does not flake or leave any residue. I use Sta-Flo starch and it is the cheapest and best thing I have used to date....Just my opinion.

Starch is basically just a carbohydrate: so wheat, corn, rice, potatoes. Any of those things.

I wouldn't store fabric that has been starched, but I don't see an issue with using it short term for projects. (But if you don't quilt your tops for years between making them- I'd rinse them for sure.) Lots of bugs, not just rodents, like to nibble on starchy things.

Thank you. I appreciate the info. Will have to try it!

That's what I mix also. I make up a gallon at a time. No flaking, nice finish to the fabric.