I use spray starch. It's the only aerosol can in the house!

Craftygirl, I buy 'Pearsons' concentrated laundry starch, only some Coles supermarkets. Dilute approx. 1/2 and 1/2 or stronger if required. Comes in an orange litre bottle.

I use Niagara in the pump spray all the time. Depending on how stiff I need it, I will sometimes dilute with water. I use it undiluted for bias edges. It is inexpensive and easy to use. I like the way it helps the pieces hold their shape and it makes the seams lay flatter.

A lot of new methods of piecing are calling for the painting on of spray starch as a sort of glue before stitching. A lot of American videos that I have seen demonstrate the use of freezer paper and then the starch is sprayed into a container, (or lid) so that it can be painted onto the paper, and the material is then temporarily stuck to it. I think that is about the only time I would bother to use the starch (at least for now) as I don't wash my fabric and it has enough sizing in it to keep it OK.

Using spray starch will stiffen your fabric so it doesn't stretch and go out of shape for you during piecing. A lot of shapes you end up sewing on the bias and it'll stretch and get wonky on you. So it assists you in reaching a better block without, if any, squaring up.

Its a good thing!!
:D

Spray starch, but try it on the fabric first - I had a friend who used it on some 30's fabrica and it changed the color. I use Best Press not starch. Good luck

Thank you all so much. I will definitely try it out.

Am new to quilting--only on my 2nd. What is the purpose of starching before piecing, etc.

If you spray on one side and press on the other side you will not get any flaking. Heavy starch is for bias strips--spray and press twice before cutting.
I have not made my own starch yet but intend to when I run out of what I have. Last purchase was a spray bottle that I can reuse for making my own--didn't have any empty spray bottles in the house!

I use a 50/50 solution of Sta-Flo like others here. I don't see a need for the febreeze, but I guess it would be nice if it smelled nice.

I have no problems with flaking. I saturate it with the spray and toss in the dryer for a few minutes. I LOVE the effect. My points were pointy, my seam connection perfectly match, my bias edge triangle things don't warp or stretch. I cannot preach enough about it.

I was a beginner when I started using it. I started to dabble in more triangles and funky shaped pieces. While I'm more of an advanced beginner, I wouldn't have been able to piece so accurately without the starch. Sta-Flo is great and so much cheaper than the sprays at the store.