liking quilting

Never have preached but always starch as I'm ready to use fabric. Always wash my finished quilt, so there is no starch left in the finished quilt. Works for me. The more you quilt, you'll find what works for you. No one correct way to do any of this! Do what makes you happy and works for you!

Kris P

I don't prewash or starch. If quilting starts with laundry, I would never get any done. I have enough laundry here. I press with steam, and occasionally use the homemade best press with vodka and water.

hobbykat1955

No to prewash, yes to starch

Iceblossom

I typically work in scrap quilts and prewash everything, I use an unscented soap. We have good water here, no additives and no softener. When I dry fabrics I don't use dryer sheets either, but the hubby loves the scent on his stuff. I iron the heck out of it but I don't use starch.

maminstl

I rarely prewash and starch as needed.

coopah

I used to wash with laundry soap and do two rinses due to asthma. I got a lot of strings, and yes, I do know how to prevent that, but it all takes time. So now, I just do a "rinse and spin." It seems to be enough to remove chemicals, shrink the fabric and have it ready to go.
No starch until ready to use...it will draw silverfish. Ugh!

mojo11

I pre-wash all my fabric. I don't want to breathe the chemicals, and I don't want any bleed or shrinkage surprises. I hand applique and buy a lot of pre-cuts because i don't use a lot of one fabric. I wash in a bowl by dunking up and down with soap in the water. I rinse the same way and lay on a towel to dry. If I'm in a hurry for one, I will press it dry.

Dolphyngyrl

Never prewash starch more often

quiltingcandy

I started washing all my fabrics due to the chemicals destroying my fingernails and making my finger tips sensitive. I even wash pre-cuts because of the chemicals. (I either put them in a salad spinner or a lingerie bag if washing clothes.) They dry quickly if you put them out of a towel or rack.
Used to steam iron only, but then started reading on here about the better results coming from use of Fabric Sizing, Best Press, or starch. So started one after the other finally settled on spray starch works the best for me. Thought about trying the heavy starch that you cook up but a lot of it would just go to waste.

Tothill

The homemade cooked starch is what I use. I do not worry about it going to waste, as I am only using a Tablespoon or so of cornstarch and a little electricity to make it, my cost is under 50 cents per batch. I use a refillable spray bottle for it.