craftychick

Has anyone ever used Mary Ellen's starch alternative? I usually use Niagara but after hearing that sometimes bugs like to eat it, I was thinking of changing starches. I can't seem to find the ingredients of Mary Ellen's starch online to see if there is any food in it. Any suggestions and comments will be helpful. Thanks

Nanaquilts44

I use the Mary Ellen's Best Press all the time. It really helps get the wrinkles out of fabric easily. I really like the way it makes the fabric a little stiffer.

ckcowl

i've been using Niagra starch for 50 years- and have never had a bug eat my fabric!
personally i can not stand the smell of the Mary ellen's stuff---so i don't use it. i will stick with the niagra which has been around for a long-long time and is much less expensive since it doesn't say (quilting) on it- which seems to add a few bucks- and it doesn't have perfume added to it...which i find horrible.

Cybrarian

I love Mary Ellen's Best Press but can't afford to use it for everything. So I buy the Niagra that is for dark clothes that doesn't leave flakes. It does work well. Then read on here that many buy the concentrate and make their own. What a flaky mess! So back to using the the 2- Best Press as often as possible. It is Slightly cheaper buying the larger refill but not much. Hope someone has a solution for all of us stretching the budget. I wash mine, but wall hangings and table toppers need the starch to get the look I like them to have.

BellaBoo

Niagara and Faultless in the big non aerosol spray bottle for $1.89 is budget friendly and do a great job. I have never had a bug problem using plain starch, even with clothing that has been starched and pressed for several years in storage. I live in the South where bugs seem to be everywhere. I think years ago the homes may not be as sealed off from the elements as they are now and bugs were easier to be attracted to the inside.

Lori S

I heard the "bugs like starch" but in my decades of using it .. I have never had an issue nor have I ever heard of anyone with this issue. Mary Ellens is a bigger $$ than I want to spend .... and when I what it stiff .... I want starch!
If you are really concerned , use spray sizing . Niagara make both starch and sizing.

lfstamper

I LOVE ME starch - so clean smelling and works wonderfully.

DogHouseMom

I use Mary Ellens - love it. I buy it by the gallon and dilute it 50% in my little spray bottle.

I can't comment on "starch attracts bugs" because I only starch what I'm going to use. Although I'm sure my scraps are all starched, and I keep my scraps in a cotton tote bag on the floor. No bugs in or around it so ... I guess I'm good.

sharon b

Here is another thread on this topic- with a recipe to make your own starch/ Best press

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...s-t169267.html

lisalovesquilting

I heard on Alex Anderson's show Simply Quilts that starch will attract bugs but that it depends on what part of the country you live in if it will be a problem. I think it had something to do with humidity. I like spray sizing because it makes the fabric stiffer but not too much. I also like Mary Ellen's but don't want to spend so much.