If this question has reared it's ugly head again please just don't answer me thank you. My question do you startch your fabric before cuttin are after? Thank you in advance

There are many people who starch before cutting, especially if the fabric is prewashed and dried. It is really just a personal preference.

I starch heavily before I cut. Then if a block doesn't do what I tell it to do, I starch it again. I pretty much sew cardboard!

I starch my applique sometimes. I can get it to cooperate much better that way.

I put my fabric in a bucket and dump in the starch mixture (half starch half water). Squeeze out the excess and throw in the dryer, iron and cut. paper stiff! no shifting or stretching.

Leatheflea, I like your way. Lol and love your avartar

Before and often, during the piecing, too.

I prefer to starch before I cut :D:D:D Dry and then iron the yardage.
I will occasionally starch during piecing, but anytime you dampen the fabric you run the risk of stretching/distortion. Sometimes this will work in your favor while piecing, but it will usually go back to the original shape once it is laundered :wink:

wow. still learning, that's a new piece of information for my how to book!!

Anytime I have to prewash fabric (this removes the sizing) I wash, dry and iron with Magic Sizing (comes in a blue can with a blue lid. About a $1.00 at WalMart). If I'm doing fabric that has a bias edge (stretchy edge) I use starch. Sometimes I spray it twice. It adds stability where there is little. Welcome from Ohio.

Okay Girlfriend are you really writing a book? :thumbup:

I am working on publishing patterns.

I usually don't starch at all, but when I do - then before.
If a block isn't behaving, I sometimes hit it with Best Press and beat it into submission.

hmmm....I never starch!!! Seriously!! I think in all the years I've been quiting - about 10 - I've used starch only if I'm worried about a bias cut. I have used Best press as MadQuilter says with a thorough beating into submission. They soon learn who's boss!!!

WOW!! I am learning a lot. Thanks ladies. Monie

I only starch when I'm working with pieces that will be cut on the bias.

If bugs might be an issue where you live (here in Florida, bugs are always an issue :thumbdown: ) just be sure you're not putting starched fabric back in your stash. OR store it in airtight plastic containers.

In my opinion it's a personal preference thing, like whether or not to wash your fabric first. I only starch if absolutely necessary in order to get wrinkles out, or once a block is finished.

I starch before only if I feel the fabric needs it. I do not wash my fabric when so many quilters do. Knock on wood, I have never had a problem. I do test suspicious fabrics. GOOD LUCK !!! :)

before!

I prewash all my fabrics to get rid of all the chemicals, then fold and add to my stash. I do not starch and iron until I am ready to cut. Cutting is so much easier with starched fabric. It lays nice and flat and doesn't shift. And starched pieces don't change shape between cutting and sewing. It's also easier to sew and press seams.

Yep this is how I do it too, but I wash it, take it out of the washer then proceed with the bucket method. I mix the starch a bit higher than 50/50.

I starch before cutting. It seems that I cut straighter using starch.

I never starch.

I never starch and my quilts work out fine. I don't even press fabric let alone starch.
A good friend, and fabulous quilter, starches before cutting, while piecing, and the finally the completed block.

I starch before I cut.

After you've finished your project, do you wash the starch out or have a stiff quilt?

I starch every thing . keeps your cuts straighter.

If it's really wrinkly and I'm trying to iron it then yes or if I'm doing triangles or cutting on the stretchy part of the grain then I starch it alot. I spray it then let it settle into the fabric for a few seconds so that when I iron it I dont get the white residue on the fabric.

I have a question also-Do you know what our Grandmothers did, starch, before or after or at all?

it is a personal preference as to whether or not to starch at all, but most who do starch do it BEFORE cutting!

I been quilting for many of years and never starched. I guess I'm behind the times. I always presize my material so it doesn't shrink and I make sure it won't fade on the other material. What am I missing with the starching?

I'm wondering that, too. I've never starched. Not being able to put starched fabric back with the stash for fear of bugs sounds like a pain. But having fabric shift less while cutting would be a bonus. Does it make enough of a difference that it's worth it?

Also, I hand quilt- would it make it so stiff that it would affect hand quilting?

I starch my fabric before I sew, (especially if I've prewashed) I starch while making the block and then when block is finished. I love how my blocks look so crisp and flat when I'm done. I love BEST PRESS, but it is expensive. I found another brand called NIAGARA, (non-aerosol spray starch). It is almost as good and much less expensive. I like to dilute it - 2/3 starch, 1 part water. It works great with no flaking on my fabric. It is a little hard to find. I buy mine at Fred Meyers.

Starch does not make your quilts stiff. Just more quiltable and enhances the beauty of your piece work....

I starch my binding. It does not make it stiff.

I like the sound of this, Doyou get starch buildup in your dryer?

I used to starch a great deal when I first started quilting. Then I read that bugs are attracted to starch (as food) and will be attracted to your quilt. I've lighted up on the starch since. Having the whole peice starched as leatheflea suggests sounds like an easy way to get it deep in the fibers and not flake on the top.

I do the bucket method in starching and I find that it works well. I "line" dry the fabric. I just drape it over a dowel rod system like for sweaters and such. as for not able to put it back in the stash. I do it. but then again it doesn't hang around my house for long. I am either shipping scraps out or using it all up myself for various projects.
I have done quilts without starch when I first started quilting and I have done them with starch since getting on here and let me tell you, there is a huge difference in my quilts.

before cutting , that way i get crisp fabric and i think it is easier and more accurate cutting pieces

I've never starched before either. I just make things work and wouldn't hand quilting be a lot harder if you starch?

I don't use starch, I am bug phobic, so I use spray sizing. I use it before, during, and after piecing. I have very few corner match problems if I cut well. My LAQ says I did a nice pressing job on the one I sent her, if that helps any.

Thanks for the new info everyone and yes i do starch sometimes as i find it stops the fraying ...