Well, I agree about drinking it if it doesn't work. :}

I tried Mary Ellen's Best Press. I loved the bottle. It is the right size, never clogged, and held enough for each project. I used the unscented because of allergies.

However, I did not care for the starch itself. Although it did not leave flakes, I didn't think it gave me the pressing crispness I was looking for.

I use Faultless Premium Professional Spray Starch from the grocery store. It is a 20 oz. can, no flaking, and comes in a Pure Cotton Scent that is fresh and clean.

I have never had the needle clog up, always wash the quilt prior to use and try to iron the top as best I can.

sounds like a great idea , have a big wash tub of it growing, thanks whipperwill

HI, I make my own starch also. I recorded serveral episodes of Simples Quilts. Any way the guy says to boil 1 qt of water add 4 tablespoons of starch mix. Add 2 cups of water. Mix. Add 2 mor cups of water. Fill your spray bottle. Extra store in fridge. Of course after it has cooled you could add your lavender essential oil to it.

I use magic sizing you can get at walmart. Its not a starch, it wont stiffen up the fabric but it does help to make the fabric crisp and clean and easy to manuever.

By starch mix, do you mean cornstarch powder? Or is it something else?

Doesn't the oil get on the fabric?

I also read that Niagara makes a non-aerosol spray starch but I haven't found it locally. Wondering how it compares to Best Press - function and price. Anyone used it?

I've heard the cheapest starch works best. I have used Mary Ellen's, Faultless, and a couple of others, but on the recommendation of a very good quilter, I picked up some Dollar Tree starch today.

I can get it at our Target. It is starch which is the main thing that is different about "Best Press"--I am told it is not starch. I don't know what makes it work so well (maybe the vodka, someone mentioned??? :>) It is much cheaper than Best Press--$2.00 for a quart compared to $6/7 for 8oz. of Best Press.

Sta Flo can be purchased in Wal Mart or most grocery stores. It is under $3 for a half gallon (?) container, comes in a blue bottle. I mix the starch and water in a 50/50 mix and put into the spray bottle from the garden center. I have tried old Windex bottles, etc but the hole isn't large enough and clogs.

I starch my fabric heavily. It is almost as stiff as paper. I went to a couple of classes with Barbara Barber and she is a big advocate of starch. This is when I first started the heavy starching.

All starching should be done BEFORE you do any cutting. Starch your fabric and then cut your strips. Your pressing will be nice and crisp when using this method.

I go ahead and quilt my quilts and then I wash and block the quilt to get all the starch out.

Hope this helps.

Barb