Homemade starch... again
 

I know this topic has been addressed before but I was sure I would never make my own starch but now, well, I would like to give it a try so I can starch my fabric more often and thus sew more accurately. Which of the methods do you find makes the best starch for your quilting projects? And if homemade starch products are not the best, tell me that too. I am open to all suggestions. Thank you everyone!

Tartan, if you add a couple of tablespoons lemon juice, fresh or bottled, to the starch it will keep indefinitely. I make mine with cornstarch and water/add lemon juice. I make a bottle of light and a bottle of heavy. Been using this for about three years now. Still using the same box of cornstarch. How frugal is that?

I use the Sta-Flo and it is very reasonable. I can't remember exactly how much but was thinking it was under $5 for a jug(64 oz) and then you mix it so it is quite a bit of starch. I usually mix mine heavier half and half. Sorry I don't remember how much it was because when I go to get it I normally get several.

I would rather buy the Magic Sizing. It will put a nice feel to the fabric without the mess. I always have several cans
on the shelf. My local QS used it to teach us.

Vodka-A few years ago someone posted a mixture of vodka and water to use as a spray starch. I guess vodka is made from potatoes, which is starch. Don't remember the portions.

One heaping tablespoon of corn starch, one pint of distilled water and one or two drops of essential oil (optional) Use in spray bottle. I got this off the Fake it Frugal website. :cool:

My brother lives with me & he irons his own shirts, stiff! So I use a little liquid starch mixed with water in my little squirt bottle. Lasts a long, long time...

Sorry, but I really like this product called MAGIC SIZING. I am disable so I have to keep things simple so paying 99 cents for a can that last me a couple of months, I find it worth it. No flakes when pressing too soon. I can only get it at the Super Walmart. I don't particularly care for the major brand sold in the smaller store. I always end up getting cans that just don't work properly.

Thank you everyone. I don't keep Vodka around the house :), so I will try the cornstarch and also look for large container of Stay-Flo. You are all gems.

I also make mine. I find Corn Starch at my local dollar store sometimes. Put a couple of Tablespoons in water and boil till it becomes clear. Then I add some tap water to thin it out some. put in a mason jar and refrigerate. I don't add any oils or lemon juice, but I will pour some Febreez in the bottle when i make it to use. I've also went to the dollar tree and bought some of those nicer smelling body sprays ( mostly alcohol) to add to it. It gives the fabric a good smell. If I know Im' not going to use my mixer for awhile, I'll just put in fridge to keep it from smelling. A box of starch will last me a couple of years.

I made the Argo Corn starch, cooked, made it thick to stiffen doilies, it worked very well, just thin for clothing.