I've decided to try using starch while piecing a block. Fine so far. I just realized that I don't know exactly when to apply the starch! (Yeah, I know, but that's how I am.) Do you pre-wash with it? Do you spray the cut pieces with it?

I'm piecing an LOQ pattern for a baby Basketweave quilt from 2007. The instructions are pitiful! There was a TV show of it, but I missed the part about setting in the last rectangle! They don't sell it as a DVD. It'll be nice as an all blue twin size, but I think starching the pieces will make it a tad easier! Here's a pic....

I usually starch right before I cut.

I saw Fons and Porter do that quilt, it looked like a real pain! I starch my fabs pretty heavy after I've washed, starch, iron, cut, sew, starch, iron, quilt. good luck with it

I spray starch the dry fabric, let it dry, press, cut, sew and then starch again before I start quilting.
If there are any bias cuts, I spray the fabric til it is soaked... cardboard like texture does not stretch LOL

It's really not and it's the only one that looks like a lattice with the small squares in it. The very important thing that is not even mentioned is which way to press the "turtle" legs (toward the rectangle after sewing the partial seam). That would make all the difference. They send me a copy of the patter and nowhere did it even describe or show how to set in that last rectangle! But I figured it out. Kinda do like it.

This is just a trial so I know there are crooked seams... Folding over (you can see the creases in the lower part) before insetting the last piece helps, too.

I use Mary Ellen's Best press, it is wonderful and easy to use. Doesn't get stiff or flaky.

I use Mary Ellen's Best press, it is wonderful and easy to use. Doesn't get stiff or flaky.

I've just started using starch before I cut, after I piece.... I don't know why I didn't do it before! I'm kind of a sloppy quilter.... mostly 1/4 in seam... mostly square blocks...etc. the starch makes a world of difference! I mixed it in a spray bottle, applied to the fabric & pressed before cutting, then again after it's pieced, My cutting has actually gotten straighter, same with my seams.... maybe it wasn't me after all.......hmmmmm

I've been starching my strips lately, sometimes using sizing too. I've found that it helps my accuracy alot.

That quilt turned out beautifully and I just love the colors! Great job! :thumbup:

I've never used starch. Maybe that is my problem.

I have that Fons & Porter show recorded on the dvr. Does any one know if I could record it onto a VCR tape??

I usually try to starch at least a couple hours before I use the planned fabric, then either take it out of the starch bag and either lay it out to dry or stick it in the drier for a few minutes. Then I iron and cut.

Not by the look of your quilt, Anna! Whatever you're doing is just great!

Mary Ellens spray. Takes even the tiniest wrinkles out and stays pressed. But not stiff. This spray has gotten very popular....

The DVR is set up for that but they(cable co.)dosen't allow it.

Well, thank you all for trying to help! I still think something is missing about the instructions that may be in another part of that mag: LOQ Jan/Feb 2007. They sent me pages 50 - 53, but (as with another pattern I ordered) the important technique was in another place in the mag! Has anyone got a copy of that old LOQ that could copy anything from it? F&P doesn't have it to buy. Thank you all!

Amen, sister! Starch is the key!

I do not starch as much as I used to, but every time I picked up the iron, I used starch. Let me tell you, those blocks were standing at attention!

The show is Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting
Basketweave Baby Quilt

Episode 1005 -

The video is on their website. You have to pay to join but it is worth it. You can watch all their shows anytime for $19.97. Less then a magazine subscription.

Thanks BellaBoo! I have tried to get their "On Demand" program so that I can do just that. I certainly don't want to break their copyright! They don't have it on DVD or anything and that's why they sent the printed pattern. When I try to sign on to F&P it keeps saying my user and p'word are wrong even tho I have purchased from them before! I'll try a phone call again.

I have lots of their magazines. I'll look for that issue for you. Be back later.......................

Found it. It refers to a special technique in Diagram 1 on page 96. There is not a diagram 1 on that page. Nothing on page 96 is about setting in a partial seam. It's the last steps in how to make a Quillow. I think it is referring to diagram 1 on page 52. It's the only thing that makes sense. I think the pattern Weaver Fever is the same thing but less complicated.