Liquid starch v Spray Starch
 

I want to try the freezer paper and starch method for appliqué. I have already managed to get hold of some imported freezer paper (we don’t have it here in the U.K.) but now I’ve realised starch is also different! It seems I can’t get liquid starch here unless it is imported (and you can imagine the postage costs!).

However we can get spray starch easily enough - will this be ok if I use it as a liquid rather than spray it from the bottle do you think? The other option is to buy the powder and mix up a batch each time I want it but I know that will be wasteful as I will only want a tiny bit each time

I've never tried this, but Lakeland sell piqued starch. I don't know if there is a store near you but they do a good mail order.

Sorry, liquid starch. ( autocorrect. Grrrrrr)

I spray my Niagra spray starch into the lid and then I use a paint brush to apply the liquid starch to my appliqué pieces.

You just gave me a great idea which I will put into use .

I do the same as jmoore. I took a class and using freezer paper and starch and we sprayed starch into the lid.

In addition to the suggestion of spraying the spray starch into the lid until you have a little puddle of starch, you can also make your own liquid starch out of corn starch. Some people add vodka or alcohol to it but that is just to retard any mold growth when making with corn starch. Here is a recipe:

https://www.mybluprint.com/article/d...n-3-easy-steps

Thank you so much for starting this thread. I had not heard of this method (new to hand applique) and went to Mr. Google for more info. I found this very well written blog with many pictures that explained the procedure very clearly.
http://alamosaquilter.blogspot.com/2...que-photo.html
Hmmmm....I think need to get a cat! ;D

Vodka is made from grain or potato and so it contains starch. You can make homemade Best Press with just vodka and water. No need to boil or heat, just mix!

All the starch is removed during the process of making vodka so it doesn't matter if it is potato or grain. Use the cheapest vodka.

When I do Freezer paper applique I use a washable glue stick to turn the seam allowances under/over the FP.
Easy Peasy ~ IMO.

I put a piece of scrap paper (like a torn out magazine page underneath my work area and just smear a dab of glue on the SA and turn it. Sometimes I rolled/pinch with my fingers, and sometimes I use a toothpick or stiletto to smooth out the turned SA before it goes dry. I originally took a class on Invisible Machine Applique and the instructor recommended Uhu glue sticks and the above method.

I tried the starch method, but just preferred the glue stick. Hope you find a method you like. =)

Good Luck!!
Donna MC

I love Magic Spray Sizing!

Woah, :shock: This is an awesome tutuorial! I am so going to try that with my next applique project! Now can't wait to explore the rest of the blog. Thanks!

Thanks for all the tips everyone. I assumed spray starch was the same but wasn’t sure (I had intended to spray into the lid). I also had absolutely no idea about vodka so that is something worth bearing in mind.

I will consider the glue method as I use glue for EPP but wanted something a little ‘cleaner’

My experience with the canned spray starch is, 1, it's expensive and 2, it doesn't go nearly as far as the concentrated does.

Also you can change how 'starchy' the liquid is. Heavy, medium and light. I use medium starch for tricky piecing projects.

I do exactly the same thing. Works great!

Maybe you were too late when you caught that, but you have a few minutes to edit your posts. Just click on "edit", make your corrections and click on "save".

Just getting this, my computer has been down a few days. Do you know anyone in the US military? They used to use starch in the big jugs quite a bit, especially the Marines. You might be able to get one of them to purchase for you from the military PX.

Thankyou... I don't know who first came up with the idea that there is starch in vodka but clearly they weren't paying attention in Chemistry class when they studied distillation nor in Biology class when they studied fermentation!