Quiltingboard Forums - What kind of starch/sizing do you like to use?

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link about the spray starch, scroll down to the bottom of the page

http://www.dianegaudynski.net/tips-april.htm

I use the cheap Niagara Spray or what ever is on sale. I find they will give the best results if I spray and let it really soak into the fabric ( let it sit/stand for at least 15 minutes) then iron/press. Let it realy soak into the fiber makes a huge difference , the flaking is gone, and the stiffness is improved since the starch is deeper into the fibers rather than just laying on the top. Plus there is less starch build up on the iron.
Some fabrics I will spray, saturate and let it soak in over night ... it gets really stiff , this works best on bias work.
I tried the expensive stuff , but it did not perform as well as I thought it should for the price.

Quote:

Originally Posted by costumegirl

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

Maybe you are looking for the wrong stuff. I buy Sta-Flo liquid starch at Walmart and in the laundry aisle of the grocery store. It is sold in a blue quart jug -- pretty easy to spot once you know what it looks like. I mix this with water to get the degree of starchiness I want (instructions on the label). I don't think Sta-Flo comes in powdered form.

Thanks! I didn't know it was a liquid and then you add water. I will look for it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellaBoo

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.

I wonder why she uses boiling water? I may have to try that to see if there is a difference. I use one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed in 2 cups of cold water. Then I pour it in a spray bottle. It dissolves fines, but I still have to shake it if I let it sit for awhile.

I usually use the Magic sizing. Doesn't flake,which is good. As an end result, its much easier to use.

I like Magic Sizing. However my store was out so I just purchased a can of Niagra to give it a try.

I use Best Press, exclusively, and recommend it in my classes at my lqs. JoAnn's recently had it online for $29.95 for a gallon. A couple of years ago, I got a gallon for $50.00 and thought it was a bargain.

What proportions do you use to mix the cornstarch and water?