tmg

I use Faultless MAXX. It has a nice lavender vanilla scent and it comes in a black spray bottle that I can reuse for my Sta-Flo starch that I mix 50/50. I also spray and let it sit for a few minutes to let it soak into my fabric.

LindaR

let it sit until the foam disappears and you won't get flakes...I use Mary Ellen on blocks and if I want really stiff I use the spray starch in spray cans.

Deborah12687

I use Niagara starch to in the big bottle and put it in a spray bottle with a bit of water. I don't get flaking.

jad1044

Maybe I've gotten lucky when quilting - but I am yet to spray starch a single piece when quilting - once my top is finished, I have been known to spray it with magic sizing to make it lay perfect for my quilter to quilt it - and she so appreciates that - but I never do it for me! I might have to try it and see if I maybe need to do it - but I've been lucky I guessl

newestnana

I had copied these recipes for homemade starch from previous posts:

Homemade spray starch recipe

This is a great money saver and it does an excellent job.

Dissolve 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon cornstarch (depending on amount of stiffness you want) in a few tablespoons of cold water in a heat proof 2-cup measuring container. Add boiling water to make one cup, stirring constantly. Then add cold water to the 2 cup line. Let cool and use in a 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.

Discard after a week or so and make a new batch. You can also refrigerate between using to keep it fresher.

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I heard of people making homemade spray starch and adding a small amount of clear vodka to help it last longer, i thnk about 2 oz of vodka to a recipe similar to this site:

http://tipnut.com/homemade-lavender-starch-recipe/
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Lavender Linen Starch
Dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 1 pint cold water. Add 6 drops of lavender essential oil. Place in a spray bottle. Shake before using.
Fresh pressed linens, nicely starched, and lavender fragrance wafting in the air. Nice!

sahm4605

I just buy the sta-flo at wally world and mix it up myself it is a little more economical. and when I go to iron I make sure that the fabric is 99% dry. Like I spray at night and in the morning all ready to iron and cut up. It only takes about 2 hours if it is hanging up but then again I get the fabric soooooo soaked that when it is ironed and dry it can walk away on its own. i think that it really helps keep the cutting and piecing from going every which way. you can also use any kinds of essential oils that you want the fabric to smell like. I have had a spray bottle with tea tree oil in it that I repurposed for starch and it smelled lovely.

nycquilter

I always allow the starch to sit a bit before ironing until it is dried and have never (yet!) had a flaking issue.

Laurie

Doreen

I use magic sizing. If I want it stiffer I just spray more than once.

Dae Kuczma

Okay, I'm new to quilting. What is the purpose of starch the pieces? Does it REALLY make a difference? Help......

stpatmom

There have been a couple of threads about starching. After reading them, I am now an avid starcher. For me, I seem to have more accurate cutting and sewing. I like the stiffness in the material and the final look. Once again, this thread has provided more to think about. Usually I use the Faultless or Niagra can of spray starch, but I might try the Stay Flo this weekend. Thanks for all your tips and suggestions!