What is the difference between Starch and Perfect Sizing
 

I have heard of perfect sizing before. Found some at dollar tree and picked up a bottle. I was watching a youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmcdO...qE7N7YBEqycZ7Kabout basting and starching, linked for another thread here. Sharon Schambers mention NOT to use perfect sizing but starch. So, whats the difference? Thanks for your help.

Not sure about 'perfect sizing' but in general starch is for use on natural fibers and sizing is for use on synthetics.

IDK the technical answer, but I don't think sizing adds any stiffness like starch will.

sizing works to help get wrinkles out- with out adding stiffness-
starch is a stiffener---making the fabrics (crisp) easier to cut, handle with precision---sizing will add some body-but does not give you the stiff/crispness of starch
some people prefer sizing-
some of us have been using starch for generations- (my great grandmother had a can of Niagra Starch on her ironing board when i was little (50+ years ago) back then they starched their sheets and pillowcases---there wasn't (permenent press) :)

Thanks so much for the explanation, makes a lot of sense.

I have a friend that uses sizing over starch because she says starch attracts silverfish. I use starch and have never seen a silverfish.

Not sure what a silver fish is. :rolleyes:

I use sizing and learned this from an owner of a LQS. It gives a little body and stiffness and get the wrinkles out. works well for me. I really like the Mary Ellen Best press but it's a little pricey so i go to the dollar store and buy sizing.

I wash all fabrics as they come into the house, a quick press and then fold until ready to use. Then they get a good pressing with starch. The finished quilt gets washed, so all the starch is gone as are any worries about silverfish.

I love the Best Press, but I have been going thru it like crazy so I wanted something a less expensive for wall hangings and such.

QUOTE=Grace creates;4849819]I use sizing and learned this from an owner of a LQS. It gives a little body and stiffness and get the wrinkles out. works well for me. I really like the Mary Ellen Best press but it's a little pricey so i go to the dollar store and buy sizing.[/QUOTE]

I didn't use to use sizing but now I am beginning to prefer it. Seems like it does get the wrinkles out better and adds body to your fabric without making it stiff.

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I use the Best Press too! You can water it down and get the same results. I have done as much as 50% water, 50% Best Press. I am a pre-washer due to skin allergies. I use the diluted Best Press, spray it on the fabric, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then I press. My fabric still comes out wrinkly free and with some firmness to it that makes cutting so nice. I usually get mine at Hancock Fabrics and I use a 50% off coupon from Joann's. I have never seen it at Joann's.

silverfish is the larval stage of an earwig...with are not native to all parts of the country so may that is why...they do indeed resemble a small 1/2" thin fish shaped but and appear to be made from paper when you smack them, they just disappear into silver dust...

sizing gets a bad rap as many manufacturers use it to make the fabric feel better quality than it is...we've all washed fabrics that lost all their 'body' after wash/drying...what they really lost was all their sizing...it has its uses and starch over sizing is really just personal preference... just buy a can of both and try them...the starch will make it much stiffer and may be repeated for more body... the sizing gives body with the shine of starch... some people like one and some like the other... $5 will settle it for you....

Love Sta-Flo liquid starch, but the smell of Best Press is so lovely, I love it, too. It takes some of the pain out of ironing/pressing. Wafts of scented steam... Caribbean Beach or Cherry Blossom.... gorgeous scents! :)