I also starch my fabrics before I cut them up. Then when the block is finished, I mist the block with water and press one more time. Seemed to make them nice and stiff before I start to put the blocks together. Plus it helps when I need to square/trim them up before I put them together.

I use the vodka starch recipe with added Sta-Flo starch to make it stiffer. I keep my leftover in the fridge if I'm not going to use it up.......keeps it from getting mildewy.