this is probably a really dumb question but when you starch do you also use steam?

also, why does some fabric seem to take to the starch (get stiffer) than other fabric? I had one fabric that didn't seem to feel any different and another that got really stiff.

I usually don't use steam when I'm pressing my quilt fabric wether I use starch or not. It just depends on what I'm making. I think it's more a personal preference than anything else. Steam will stretch the fabric, so you want to be careful when working with bias edges.

I don't have a clue why some fabric won't get stiffer when using starch and others do... but I have noticed it myself. I usuallky just put more starch on that fabric, until it is as stiff as I want it to be. I would rather use more starch since it's so cheap, than to try and sew with fabric that isn't startched, and ruin something because it stretches.

I don't use steam ever when quilting either. I have noticed that some fabric get stiffer with starch too, I don't pre-wash, so I just figured that that fabric had more stiffener on it from the manufacturer. Not really sure though.

Rachel

My rules are not so rigid. If there is water in the iron and the iron is set to steam, I use steam. If the water runs out, I don't use steam anymore. It hasn't adversely affected by fabric or blocks in any way.

If a fabric isn't getting stiff enough from starch, I just starch it again!

Hehe oh yeah I should add that actually the only reason I don't use steam is because my iron never has water in it and I am way too lazy to refill. :) :)

Rachel

I use Sizing instead of starch. It is less stiff and what most fabric makers use to stiffen(sp?) their fabric. I don't use steam.

ditto :!:

I like to use starch to cut down on the stretching when sewing. Also it helps on the ironing to get the all the wrinkles out. I mix my own starch and put a few drops of essential oil in it (lemongrass for me) so it really smells nice and gives me a good feeling when ironing.

i always wondered this too but when i looked up homemade starch this morning it said to make sure u use steam.

I have found that some of the sizing prevents the starch from soaking in very well.
Some I have to spray once, others 2-3 times to get it stiffer when needed.

I use steam only if the fabric has completely dried, and the fabric is fairly stiff.
If you are actually "ironing" with steam on non/lightly starched fabric, and not "pressing" it, you can cause the grain to distort. :wink: