I know there have been numerous threads on this topic, so I apologize if this is too much of a repeat. I saw a post recently where someone wrote of using liquid starch and I was reminded of my mother complaining when she used to starch my father's collars in that way. Then she started using spray starch, and though the results weren't as dramatic, she was happy with the change! lol

So, my question is: How do you starch? Liquid or spray starch? And whichever method you use, what is your favorite brand and why would you recommend it over another?

Thanks!

I use spray when I starch then iron. It's not often that I starch, when I make prairie points I starch.

I use Mary Ellen's Best Press. It works fantastic whether I am pressing whiling making a quilt or ironing a shirt. And the Linen Fresh scent is very nice too!

I use liquid Sta-Flo and dilute it with water. I usually mix it 1/2 and 1/2. I starch most of my fabric before cutting and after setting my seams, I spray them to press to one side. I have tried spray starch, but the liquid gives me more control over the stiffness and it doesn't flake like most sprays. I would suggest that you try both kinds on samples and then go with the one you like best.

The little I use it - I make my own. Here' a recipe. I do not add the fragrance.

http://www.pinkyhasabrain.com/homema...starch-recipe/

I also use liquid Sta Flo, mixing it 50/50. I wash the fabric, take it out of the washer, dip it into the starch mix, wring it out, then put it into the dryer until almost dry then iron. They say that starched fabric will attract insects. It's never happened to me, but I still only wash & starch just before I start a project to be on the safe side.

I read a topic on here where someone had turned in a quilt to be machine quilted and it was open seamed and flat as a pancake, so I have starched all my blocks stiff until I get them quilted then launder again and press. Not sure if it will make quilting any easier for me, but they sure look pretty!!

I use both liquid Sta Flo and various brands of spray. No matter which I use, I spray and let dry before pressing. I never get flaking this way, nor does it stick to my iron :wink: :D:D:D

Ahhhh, so it's not so much the brand as the method? That's good to know. Thanks!

I use magic sizing because I was informed that bugs like starch. I buy it at Wal-Mart in the laundry soap area. I think that it costs right around $.97.

I ♥ Niagra non-aerosol starch, easily available at my local grocery store. I like Best Press but it's too expensive.

I used a recipe on the board for the equivalent of Best Press and used Geranium oil. It works just like MEBP and instead of buying a bottle of Vodka my husband brought home a couple of the small bottles. You only use 1 oz. to blend the oil into the water. Works like a charm.

This is a good tip, I bought some starch and used it once and hated how it flaked and made my iron dirty. Thank You ;)

I've been using aerosol spray starch, but I just bought a bottle of the non-aerosol to try out. I also have some liquid starch but haven't gotten around to using it yet. I do like to use starch, but I hate over-spraying it.

If your talking about in quilting, I mix the big blue bottle with equal parts water, pour in a bucket add the yardage of fabric, wring out excess, put in the dryer, then iron. No flaking this way, preshrinks fabric. Sometimes if the wrinkles are bad I spray with water after they come out of dryer, still no flaking.

I also use magic sizing ~ Cheap (oops frugal) and gets the job done for me.

Does anyone line dry - do you think it would matter if you dried it without a tumble dryer?

line dry or machine dry either will work.