somewhere while perusing posts, i remember seeing that some of you use spray starch- maybe on the backing- when sandwiching & pinning your quilt. i am a self-taught quilter- had never seen this advice before. when do ya'll use spray starch?

I starch my fabrics before cutting and piecing. It helps keep the fabric stable, especially if you have any pieces with bias cuts.

I starch everything all the time. It makes my cuts better. It holds two pieces of cloth together and helps layer cuts. It seems to prevent puckering on my backings when I quilt.

i use spray starch when cutting/piecing fabrics that need a little more than just a spritz of water. or when i want it to be nice and 'crisp' for precise cutting

I used to use spray starch ... ALOT buying 6 cans at a time. Now I used the liquid concentrate and immerse my fabric, its much cheaper and I can adjust the amount. Immersing gives a more even application of starch. I mix my own "spray" from the concentrate and keep it on my ironing board for those quick needs. I will admit I rarely sew anything that is not starched. Once you use it ... you will not want to be without it.
Starch is making a good quilter even better!

I spray starch my entire piece of fabric before folding to cut. ☺

Inquiring minds want to know, Where do you buy the concentrate starch and what is the best brand?

You can make your own with cornstarch--google for the recipe--or StaFlo (I think it's called) at Walmart in the laundry aisle. An expensive alternative is Mary Ellen's Best Press that you can get on the internet, lots of quilt shops and possibly Joann's. I just buy spray starch in the cans from Walmart or the grocery store. I'm lazy. I like the idea of soaking the fabric in it so I might break down and buy one of the big jugs to try that method.

I watched Sharon Schamber You Tube videos a couple of days ago about putting binding on a quilt. She used spray starch quite extensively even in that so I'm going to try it in my next binding. Learn something new from this board all the time.

I prefer the Sta-flo liquid. You can adjust how soft or firm you want the fabric. I mostly use 1:1 ratio. I put it in a spray bottle and spray the fabric as I go. Some people get upset because it can flake BUT the flakes brush away and when you wash the quilt the starch is removed in the wash.

I especially like to starch the quilt top and back before loading on the longarm. They load easier and straighter and the quilting goes along without a hitch.

JoAnn's sells a product like that but it is not starch, I think it is called quilting spray. Not very expensive.

You can buy the Niagra starch in a spray bottle now. It works well and 1.97 a bottle at wal mart

I also use the StaFlo brand. I started using it on items that I'm going to machine embroider, especially on denim. It really makes it much easier. No stretching or puckering.

Thank you all for the info. I didn't even know that starch makes a big of a difference. I guess i will give it a try this week.

My questions is if i buy from any grocery store, do i buy light or heavy starch?

Thanks

I've been sewing for over 40 years and quilting for about 10. I never starched until recently. Wow, what a difference (for the better). I am a convert now, and loving it.

have you thought about sizing instead of starch or using a watered down liquid starch..
reason, starch attracts bugs...if you starch and then leave your fabric in bins, shelves, bags etc, you are inviting creepers to eat it....

I been to 3 different Walmart looking for StaFlo and was unable to find it. just went to the Walmart.com and was it was unavailble. I got a feeling that Walmart will not be carrying this item any more.

we have not had staflo around here for years...miss those good ole country grocers that used to carry those basic items...

I ditto this. It makes cutting a little easier and more actuate :thumbup:

thanks to you all!! knew i would get good info from ya'll!! will certainly give it a try!!

has anyone used the Niagra in the new spray mist bottle?