Hi Guys,
I just read the post on how alot of you iron and starch. Soooo...would this be spray starch?? Any brand better than another??
You guys are the greatest!
Melinda

I spray but I know some folks on here actually paint it on with a brush. I've not worked my nerve up for that one yet.

I use Sta-Flow liquid starch. I like this better than the pre-mixed sprays because I can make it as weak or as strong as I want. I put it in a spray bottle. You can get both of these items at WalMart. I use a heavy mix when I'm working with bias edges.

I use Mary Ellen's Best Press and I buy it by the gallon. It's worth it.

I tried the Best Press for awhile. But what I found was that it ended up distorting my fabric, since I don't prewash. So the fabric was shrinking in certain areas and just not making me happy. I iron with steam, and haven't had any issues with shrinking/stretching/etc (as long as I'm not ironing, but pressing :lol: )

I only starch my pieces if I am going to embroider on them. Other than that I don't bother with it and I don't have a problem.

Sybil

I use a half and half ratio of Sta-Flo mix only what I will use that day. Put it in a spray bottle and spray the heck out of the fabric on the right side, fold it up and let it sit for a while , than I press on the back side so not to get to much starch on my iron. I also put beach towels under my ironing board to catch the overspray. When I'm finished my bindings can stand up is I shape into a S. This has made a huge difference in my bindings with control. Also with piecing for me it helps to keep everything a lot more sturdy. I also wash everything so I have to put something back in to replace what I lost in washing.

I love Mary Ellen's Best Press too, the Caribbean Breeze scent is my favorite!

I just found that Niagara makes a spray bottle starch with Fresh Linen scent. I got mine at Target. It is just as good as Mary Ellens and about 1/2 the cost.

Thanks for the Niagra info. Bought some today and love it. I've been using Sta-flo and mix it pretty thick, but I don't like the smell. I love the Niagra smell, this will be great for my clothes should make the closet smell fresh. Just hope it makes my fabric as crisp as I like it. If not maybe if I find the sta-flo I can mix them.

Sounds like a plan to me. It will not make the cloth stiff but it presses very nicely with the Niagara. I have also used the Mary Ellens and I think I like the Niagara just as well or better.

Worked very well on a shirt I pressed, and loved the smell. Never tried Mary Ellens did not want to spend that much money. So this is great, a big thank you again.

I have used liquid starch (half starch and half water) for a Ricky Tims convergence quilt - there were alot of 1 1/2 strips to be cut and then re - cut. The starch really helped to keep the edges stright and crisp.

Just picked up some more Niagara at Target, at $1.87 you can't beat it.

Stay Flo liquid starch and water. Half and half. I tend to use about 2/3rds starch and 1/3 water.....I like my fabric stiff!!!!!!!!!!!!! I use a spray bottle. That reminds me I need a BIGGER ONE.

I buy Mary Ellen's Spray Starch. I does starch well, especially if you use allot, and you don't get the flakey stuff like you do with other starches. You can use as little, or as much as you like.

How does all the starch effect your machine? I would think it would cause alot of build up in the bobbin case.

Where do you find your Sta-Flo? I haven't seen it in years.

I personally like magic sizing.

I wash all my fabric when I get it home unless it is strips, or a kit...
I even wash fat quarters...I learned that after a high priced fabric bled...
I use Niagra Spray starch...in a very nice scent.
I use a dry iron, spray the starch-as much as is needed to my liking.
I started using it primarily for Half square triangles and for my Accuquilt Go! cutter.
I had more accurate results that way.
However, I do not like the way the starch starts to make my hands feel. Can't describe it, just don't like it.
Also, I do not starch any fabric that will be put back onto the shelf for any great length of time due to the proteins in the starch...
Kirsten

I just made my own. 1 pt cold water 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch. works great just keep shaking sprayer, and good for 2 weeks

flippy-floppy fabric drives me crazy(er). :lol:

canned spray starch is much nicer and smells better. however, because i use so much, i switched to the "mix-yer-own" to save tons of money. i use half liquid starch, half water. no buildup in the bobbin case or on the needle.

it's true that it will get flakey if i spray on too much at one time, but that doesn't bother me. the flakes come off on their own as i work with the fabric. even if they didn't it wouldn't matter because everything i make goes into the wash as soon as it's done.

starched fabric is easier to cut. i had all but given up on strip piecing until i started starching my fabrics. i also find that my triangles - any kind - go together much more accurately when i use heavily starched fabrics.

niagara spray starch is the best for me and it smells soooo good also , have never had a problem with it.