Storing starched quilt tops?
 

I'm going to be starting with the Quilters Academy books by Harriet Hargrave to learn machine piecing and quilting - I've been doing everything by hand so far. But the method in the first book (and probably also the others) are to make the center of the top, then do all the borders in one of the last chapters, and only then start quilting them all. This means I'll be storing the tops until I've worked my way through the book - which will take me a year or more, probably more. Since the fabrics will be starched, I'm worried about storing the tops for so long. <b>How can I best store them without damage by possible bugs attracted by the starch - and whatever else I have to worry about?</b>

I wonder if placing them in a rubbermaid container would work. I've had dear jane fabrics, some of which were starched (probably for a very long time since people sent me their scraps) and I've not had any issues with bugs.

If you use Best Press you won't have any bug problems. You can order it from JoAnn's with a 50% off coupon and that makes it more reasonable.

I've stored my starched fabric/blocks in Rubbermaid totes without problem.

I'm storing in a fold flat suitcase. First I saw was for a wedding dress, Amazon, with different sizes. It also included acid free tissue which is the sort for storing antique quilts in. I did find an other with stripes. When not in use fold flat under bed etc. when open they have plenty of room without pressing or creasing too much.

That won't work, as I'm not in the US. I have a spray can of starch already, but as I've never used starch before I have no idea if I'll have problems with it.

Actually, Best Press does contain starch. I was wondering about the effectiveness of moth balls. Are they even still available to purchase?

Another option might be to use sizing instead of starch.

are bugs a problem where you live, or are you just worried about something you've read?

I have had zero bug problems with stored starch fabric in MN and WI, whose climate is similar to that of the Netherlands. The only time bugs are really a problem, I think, is when you live in a very hot and humid climate (perhaps Florida, the Virgin Islands, etc.).

Honestly, unless you've actually seen bugs in your house, I would just store the starched tops in a covered plastic tub and not worry about bugs.

So, why can't you just quilt the tops as you finish them?