Spray starch vs Magic Sizing?
 

I just spent over an hour ironing small, 5"x8" up to 1/2 yard pieces from my stash for a scrappy quilt. I used a full can of spray starch and when I ran out, I used Magic Sizing. Didn't notice a whole lot of difference in the hand of the material when I was done. Are there any advantages to using one over the other? I don't normally use products but since I dusted off the Accuquilt GO(which I haven't used for at least 3-4 years), I thought 2 1/2" squares might need a little starch before cutting. Wow! I forgot how quick and easy cutting was with this gadget! I could cut 54 squares in the time it would take me to cut 20 squares, even using my June Taylor! Thanks to everyone who talked about using their GO. I was ready to sell mine from lack of use, but this has changed my mind!

I have Magic Sizing but haven't used it yet. I am not sure about what it does compared to starch. Glad you said it wasn't much different. Now I know I can use it. Thanks.

I love Magic Sizing and have used it for years, mainly because I liked the scent. Lately however, since I've begun starching yardage before cutting pieces, diluted liquid starch in a pump bottle seems to be more economical.

I use Niagra starch in a pump bottle.

I have always used Magic Sizing, when I took my first quilt class the teacher told us that spray starch attracts bugs. I have been happy with it for over 12 years.

Any starch will attract bugs, but that's only when you use starch and then put it back in your stash. I've found this to be more true in humid climates than dry ones, e.g. when I lived in Wisconsin and Virginia, I couldn't leave starch in my fabric if it was going back to the stash, but out here in Nevada, I don't have a problem. I use the spray sizing on material that doesn't need a lot of extra "body" to it, and spray starch on fabrics that need more body, or when I'm cutting on the bias of the material for some reason, like with HST's.

I've heard that the sizing does not gum up your iron, which is the reason to avoid starch. (Don't know about that part.) I do like the sizing better because it's not so heavy.

I've used Best Press on my scraps and used almost 1/2 the bottle. Planning on using Magic Sizing unless I can find a cheaper alternative that I can make from home that won't ruin my new iron and attract bugs.

I took a Karen Kay Buckley class on applique - she recommends Magic Sizing for the following reasons - starch can produce white flakes on fabric while sizing does not, does not stain you ironing board cover and does not gum up your iron. I use it for applique - ironing on a small table ironing board and look the same as when I first got it. No stains.

I've been using niagara spray but I think I'll pick up some magic sizing today to try.

I have been using Niagra and mix my own. Magic Sizing is my favorite. Does it come in a mix your own solution so you can get the stiffness, light, medium or stiff as a board quality?

Don't starch before I use

I measure the amount of fabric I will be using, cut it from the piece
Example: If i need 5 strips @ 2"wide, I will cut an 11 or 12" piece, enough for squaring, and just starch this amount.

I lay an extra tight weave fabric on my ironing board and can throw it in the wash, like an extra cover.

I Pump spray on the back of the material until it is wet, let the starch soak in for a minute so all the fibers are starched. I let it get almost dry, then press it. Then repeat. Yes, repeat.

My piecing has improved by leaps and bounds!

I do wish I could find Magic Sizing in a mix it yourself jug.
peace

I had contacted the company that makes Magic Sizing to see if it had the properties of starch that would attract bugs. Here is their reply. I like it and find that it works well and is far less expensive than Best Press.
____________

Thank you for your recent email regarding your interest in our Magic Sizing fabric finish. We always appreciate consumer correspondence.

Some of our ironing aids DO contain natural corn starch and (when use on items stored over long periods) are more likely to attract insects and rodents. These products all contain natural corn starch: Faultless Regular Spray Starch, Faultless Heavy Spray Starch, Heavy Lemon, Magic Starch, and Faultless Sizing.

The Magic Sizing contains a synthetic film forming ingredient called CMC: Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose. This compound is derived from plant material, but the end product does not really physically or chemically resemble the original cellulose. Some critters can derive nutrition from almost ANYthing, but ironing aids without natural corn starch are less likely to attract pests. These ironing aids do NOT contain natural corn starch: Magic Sizing Light Body, Magic Sizing Extra Crisp, Magic and Faultless Premium Starches, and Faultless MAXX Starch.

Again, thank you for taking the time to email us. Should you have any other questions, we are always happy to help.

Sincerely,



-Renee-

Consumer Specialist

Thank you cmw0829 for contacting the company. I learned a lot about the products that I would like to use. Always great to get it straight from the horse's mouth!