Being a newbie, I'm confused. Which is better--sizing or spray starch? Also, do you use it befor or after cutting your pieces for the quilt?

I use spray starch. I make a 50/50 solution of Sta Flo and use it on my fabric prior to cutting. I sometimes even use it on a block that's giving me problems. :wink:

I always spray before I cut. It makes the fabric so much nicer and easier to cut through. Also, I started using Mary Ellen's which is nice,,,but,,,it costs a lot so I have been using Niagara without a problem. I think I will have to try Sta Flo...I am really into saving $$$ right now.

Neither. I use Mary Ellen's Best Press. I buy it from JoAnns.com with a 40 or 50% off coupon. I don't prewash and I spray before I cut. It makes the fabric almost papery.

Spraying after you cut your pieces may be a disaster. I spray and press before I do any cutting :D:D:D

If a block needs a little help, I spray very carefully and press even more carefully than usual. It is very easy to end up with a wonky block. Wet fabric can distort more easily than dry :wink:

I use Magic sizing, or the starch. If I have extra $, I buy Mary Ellen's Best Press.
I also wash all fabrics before they get to my sewing room!

Is there a difference whether you use sizing or spray starch? Which one is best and why? In using sizing, can you still get a distortion when pressing pieces that have already been cut?

Starch before cutting

I like to starch before cutting, and when turning over seam allowances for applique, as well as for controlling bias cuts.

I make my own starch: I use a scant soup spoon of potato flour/starch in a cup (250 ml) of water, in a spritzing bottle. I shake it up each time before I spritz, as the potato starch does not dissolve in water. Corn starch has the same effect.