Marsha333

This has probably already been covered but when do you use spray starch and why? I am fairly new and have never used starch but I know people do and wondered why? Do you spray before cutting or before piecing?

Mdegenhart

Before cutting.

picture trying to line up the edges of two playing cards as opposed to lining up edges on something floppy. This is why starching (or Magic Sizing) helps.

soccertxi

I don't usually use it..but I had a top I just pieced that had bias edges. After I pressed it, I gave it just a light spritz of sizing. OH! Nice and FLAT..and now that I have 2 straight of the grain borders on it, I can heave a sigh of relief! I am also planning on using starch when I prep pieces for applique. I have not started yet because I dont' want to get side tracked from a needle turn I am making for my SIL.

mawluv

Well said,Mdegenhart, I couldn't live without my spray starch or glue sticks!!!

maminstl

I use it before cutting - I think it really helps with precision - also if I'm working on something with lots of pieces, I will use a little sizing on almost every seam as I'm working on it - Then, I'll starch the you know what out of the top before I quilt it. My husband gets a kick out of my starch buying habit. I rarely make a trip through the grocery store without picking up a can as I hate to run out of anything. The top of my dresser is littered with all brands of starch & sizing.

Lori S

I use it prior to cutting . As mentioned in earlier posts it helps with precision cutting. It also helps when working with bias edges to keep them from stretching. It does reduce the amount of fraying at the edges.

judith ann

This is the brand and kind of starch I use. No aerosol. Smells wonderful. Lavender/vanilla. I could not find it any more in the local stores so we ordered 6 bottles on line. The cost $5.95. Cheaper than $8.00 for best press. I find that spraying and pressing makes about every step, in making a quilt, better. I ordered from here.judy j
http://www.agelong.com/Faultless-Max...dy-p/20302.htm
http://www.faultless.com/fs_7.php[ATTACH=CONFIG]465929[/ATTACH]

Donnamarie

I don't usually use starch but when making small blocks I do. I am in a class 'Aunt Lucy' which is made up of several civil war small blocks. Our instructor suggested that we starch the fabric before cutting and after sewing. I must admit the blocks do come out perfect. I believe the starch definitely helped with the blocks seeing as they are so small.

Donnamarie

I don't usually use starch but when making small blocks I do. I am in a class 'Aunt Lucy' which is made up of several civil war small blocks. Our instructor suggested that we starch the fabric before cutting and after sewing. I must admit the blocks do come out perfect. I believe the starch definitely helped with the blocks seeing as they are so small. By the way, we used Mary Ellen's spray starch.

Annie Pearl

I wash and starch all my fabric before cutting. Starch gives it that crisp feel it has coming right off the bolt. I use Niagra non-aeresol.....can't afford Best Press. I like it and it doesn't flake. I can't get it locally so I buy by the case of 6 bottles from Ebay.