I buy Niagra too. If I run out and need it right away I mix & cook a spoonful(big) of flour and 2 cups of water, boil and let it cool. Then spray on fabric and roll it up for a bit before ironing to let it soak into the fabric good. It works as good as Niagra but is a bit more fuss.

I make my own starch using Linit liquid starch. You just add water to it, so you can make it as starchy as you like.

I also love Best Press but I hate the expense of it. I add 10 drops of essential oil to my starch and water, and have a lovely scent as well. I buy the essential oils at the health food store. My favorites are tangerine, frankincense, and of course the standard lavender.

Thanks for the great tip! I had no idea :thumbup:

Is Linit a premix and you are adding water to dilute it or is it made for you to mix your own?

I never thought of diluting the Niagara. Maybe I will try it.

I had heard that Sta Flow starch powder was good to use but I can't find it.

I do love Mary Ellen's but I use a lot of starch in my sewing and pressing and it is expensive. I would have to buy a gallon :)

I never thought of using cornstarch - I remember my Grandmother using it to starch doilies!

I do use Best Press. I used to buy the ittle bottles for 7.95, then I went online to her site and bought a gallon for around 45.00 and it was like getting 3 bottles free. Then while at my LQS they had the 14.95 bottles to refill with. I have to have it no matter what so I buy on sale when I can. Because it is a little high I use it for only quilting and use NIagra Sizing for regular. Doesn't gum up or leave flakes. You can also go in with a friend and buy direct from Mary Ellen and you both save money.

I bought a gallon of best press with 50% off coupon at Joann's. I cut it with water for alot of things.

Here is the starch recipe that Diane Gaudynski (http://www.dianegaudynski.net/tips-april.htm) uses on her quilts.

Try my recipe for spray starch for all your pressing/piecing needs. Remember, you can adjust any of these amounts to suit your own needs, and also don't keep this for more than two weeks max. I make up a batch when I need it, then dump it out when I'm finished. It produces a super flat stable quilt: Dissolve half a teaspoon (or one teaspoon for a stiffer starch) of regular Argo cornstarch (in your cupboard probably) in a few tablespoons of cold water in a heat proof 2-cup measuring pitcher like Pyrex. Add boiling water to make one cup, stirring constantly. Then add cold water to the 2 cup line. Let cool and use in a pump spray bottle. Shake it every time you spray. You may have to dilute it a little if it is too thick or builds up white flakes. Lasts a week or so as there are no preservatives, no chemicals, no nothing that harms us or the environment, and it’s practically free, except for the spray bottle! Don't starch fabrics for storage as it will attract critters such as centipedes, and mice.

Thanks BellaBoo

Hi ! That link came up as an error :(

I also use the best press. I like the unscented tho. I just bought 3 bottles on sale at Hancock last week for 50% off!