staceybard

I have a question about using Best Press Starch. I noticed that it is shrinking my 10" precut layer cake squares by 1/4" on one side. Am I doing something wrong? The squares are not shrinking evenly. Some more than others.

nanibi

They are shrinking in the direction that was lengthwise grain (because it's stretched more in manufacture). Same thing would happen if you washed them. I pre-wash everything, so I never get to use pre-cut squares as such :-( The varying shrinkage is probably because of difference in manufacture, or maybe because you inadvertently stretched the square in pressing.

Tartan

At least you haven’t used them so you will need to find a pattern you can use them with after you cut them. Precuts can shrink when washed or ironed as well as be cut wrong from the company.

staceybard

Thank you for your help. Would it still shrink if I used a hot iron but no starch?

PamelaOry

I’ve noticed mine shrink when the spray hits them, I use flatter though. I thought best press was a starch alternative with no starch in it?

tallchick

I have had that happen as well and this is why the only precuts I buy now are fat quarter bundles, since I’m a starcher and presser before I start any project, it was a expensive lesson learned, I feel your pain!

staceybard

The Best Press bottle says Starch and Sizing Alternative so I'm not sure what it actually is. How much shrinkage are you noticing with the Flatter? I'm losing 1/4" on a 10" square on one side.

quiltsRfun

I think it’s the steam that happens when the hot iron hits the liquid regardless if it’s starch or plain water.

staceybard

What if I used neither steam or starch? Would that prevent the shrinkage?

Onebyone

I don't like cutting fabric so I avoid it when I can. I starch and press the pre cut squares to use on my Go. Shrinkage doesn't matter.