granniebj

I've never used either. I plan to tho. I was wondering what kind everyone preferred since I have no clue!

Surfergirl

I live in Florida and was concerned about the "bug" issue. I'm not concerned that the starch might cause a yellowing of the fabric. I just read this info online this morning and thought I would get your opinions...thanks for responding. I'm rather new at quilting and have never used starch, but it would be a great help to make the fabric easier to work with. I think I'll try the Magic Sizing first.

mygirl66

I dont understand why starch will attract bugs but the chocolate stash I keep in my sewing room dosnt? Someone please let me know?

Scissor Queen

Starch attracts bugs because they like corn too. Starch is made from corn.

Mary Ellen's Best Press doesn't attract bugs since it's an alternative starch.

craftybear

ok, I'm coming to your house to raid the chocolate, lol lol

Surfergirl

I also read that sizing is made for synthetic fabrics, whereas starch is suitable for natural fabrics, i.e., cottons, etc. Silverfish love starch. I've seen them in our attic and garage...they eat the glue from the stored boxes, etc.

quiltinghere

ROFL - LOL

BKrenning

Every thing I have been reading that mentions silverfish eating starch is talking about paste which is made out of wheat flour not corn flour. The little buggers love wallpaper paste and the paste that holds layers of cardboard together. Also the glue that holds books together and the paper on some types of insulation seem to attract the buggers. I think corn starch might actually act as a dessicant (drying agent like talcum powder) and cause them severe discomfort. They like moisture and cornstarch absorbs moisture.

One article did talk about fabric but it was talking about a different kind of bug that eats rayon and may damage cotton in it's quest for rayon but can't digest cotton.

So, feel free to starch your fabrics but get rid of the ugly wallpaper!

Sadiemae

When my grandma was alive, she washed her sheets once a week and starched them every single time. They were so nice and cool to lay down in the summertime. Anyway, they did not turn yellow. If starch yellows fabric, these sheets should have been yellow with all of that starch.

SherriB

I couldn't imagine not using starch anymore!!! I starch all my fabric before I cut it. And after I get the thrift store shirts cut, I starch and iron all those pieces.

Someone mentioned checking small, hometown groceries for laundry starch. We have a small, hometown grocery store just a few minutes away. I checked for laundry starch and found
Argo Gloss Laundry Starch. It was $1.19 for the same size box as regular starch. I love it!!! I love how it leaves the fabric starch so nicely. And it goes a long, long way.