Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • Using Starch >
  • Using Starch

  • Using Starch

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 08-23-2010, 04:36 AM
      #21  
    Senior Member
     
    fancifrock's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jun 2010
    Location: south florida
    Posts: 314
    Default

    I was recently introduced to Magic Sizing and would never go back to starch. Starch leaves a "snowy" residue which sizing does not. I love working with it
    fancifrock is offline  
    Old 08-23-2010, 05:06 AM
      #22  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Apr 2007
    Location: Alturas, CA
    Posts: 9,393
    Default

    I prefer using the concentrated starch, one, because I pay less than $5 for a gallon versus the spray can and it makes at least 10 times more which is also why I don't use sizing spray, it's too costly for the amount you get. If it came in a concentrated bottle, then I might switch but until then, I'm using starch.
    pocoellie is offline  
    Old 08-23-2010, 05:14 AM
      #23  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Aug 2010
    Location: Kansas City, Missouri
    Posts: 1,040
    Default

    Originally Posted by Surfergirl
    I know this topic has been discussed recently, but I just found some info online concerning the use of starch when quilting. Everyone loves it, of course, but starch is a protein and attracts bugs, silverfish, in particular, and washing doesn't totally remove it as it is deep into the fibers after pressing. Also, over time, starch will "yellow" fabric. It has been suggested that using Magic Sizing spray instead of starch works well and it doesn't flake or build up on the iron. Any thoughts on this subject?
    I am new to quilting and so far I have only made 4 or 9 patch blocks and quilted them SID. Why do you use starch at all. What is the purpose
    Blackberry is offline  
    Old 08-23-2010, 06:30 AM
      #24  
    Bev
    Super Member
     
    Bev's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Nov 2006
    Location: Florida
    Posts: 1,162
    Default

    Originally Posted by Surfergirl
    I know this topic has been discussed recently, but I just found some info online concerning the use of starch when quilting. Everyone loves it, of course, but starch is a protein and attracts bugs, silverfish, in particular, and washing doesn't totally remove it as it is deep into the fibers after pressing. Also, over time, starch will "yellow" fabric. It has been suggested that using Magic Sizing spray instead of starch works well and it doesn't flake or build up on the iron. Any thoughts on this subject?
    But how can it be true about the yellowing?
    My mom starched my dad's work shirts to a faretheewell, and believe me he wore them til they fell apart and they never, NEVER yellowed. And they were white shirts, not blue or any other color. 8-)
    Bev is offline  
    Old 08-23-2010, 07:34 AM
      #25  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Glenmoore, PA
    Posts: 7,941
    Default

    Originally Posted by 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?
    Well, I just found some Peppermint Patties that I keep here for my grandson, and all the chocolate had been eaten off them, and nicely unwrapped too. The next day I caught 2 mice on that shelf in my basement. I don't use starch except on my crocheted doilies.
    grann of 6 is offline  
    Old 08-23-2010, 07:42 AM
      #26  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Eastern Washington
    Posts: 29,525
    Default

    I have always used Magic Sizing, and it works well. It is also inexpensive. About a dollar a can at Wal-Mart. Have never had a yellowing problem.
    If you want to spend more $$, Mary Ellen's Best Press is nice. Comes in several scents too. :)
    Mariposa is offline  
    Old 08-23-2010, 07:49 AM
      #27  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Newberg, OR
    Posts: 1,911
    Default

    Originally Posted by Moonpi
    People have been using starch for centuries with no problems. In fact,old table linens that were heavily starched, are generally in better shape than clothing of the same vintage, which was not.
    I would have to agree with this. I have tons and tons of doilies in my cedar chest, made by my grandmother. She had a heart condition and had to lie down most of the day. She was never without some kind of handwork, mostly crocheting doilies. I have HUNDREDS of doilies. Someday I'm going to incorporate them into quilts, but for now, there they sit. And they look as good a the day she made them some 70 years ago.
    catrancher is offline  
    Old 08-23-2010, 08:50 AM
      #28  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Apr 2010
    Location: Oregon
    Posts: 3,369
    Default

    Originally Posted by Blackberry
    Originally Posted by Surfergirl
    I know this topic has been discussed recently, but I just found some info online concerning the use of starch when quilting. Everyone loves it, of course, but starch is a protein and attracts bugs, silverfish, in particular, and washing doesn't totally remove it as it is deep into the fibers after pressing. Also, over time, starch will "yellow" fabric. It has been suggested that using Magic Sizing spray instead of starch works well and it doesn't flake or build up on the iron. Any thoughts on this subject?
    I am new to quilting and so far I have only made 4 or 9 patch blocks and quilted them SID. Why do you use starch at all. What is the purpose
    I've never used starch before reading about it here. I read that it helps decrease the amount of stretching or distortion when cutting and the stiffness it creates makes cutting accurately much easier. I tried it on my most recent quilt, a flannel one, and found that it worked very well. It is my most accurate quilt so far (despite many seams to match), and I plan to keep using starch or sizing from here on out. I'm sending the quilt to Illinois, where it is hot and humid and there are plenty of bugs, but I'll wash it first to remove the starch - so it's soft for the baby, and in case the starch would attract any critters.
    greaterexp is offline  
    Old 08-23-2010, 08:59 AM
      #29  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Newberg, OR
    Posts: 1,911
    Default

    Originally Posted by greaterexp

    I've never used starch before reading about it here. I read that it helps decrease the amount of stretching or distortion when cutting
    Be careful though. If you iron while it's still damp, it can create distortion.
    catrancher is offline  
    Old 08-23-2010, 09:08 AM
      #30  
    Power Poster
     
    amma's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
    Posts: 58,856
    Default

    I agree, for clothing it is not an issue, but for fabric it can be.
    If you distort your fabric initially and then cut and sew, when the fabric is washed and dryed it will go back to it's original form and your quilt can distort.
    I spray my fabric and let it dry, then iron to get the wrinkles out. You can use steam if the fabric is stiff, and it shouldn't distort the fabric, unless you get really aggressive with it.
    amma is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    seazteddy
    Main
    39
    04-20-2019 03:51 AM
    RJLinkletter
    Main
    19
    02-26-2019 01:48 AM
    Jackietellijohn60
    Main
    12
    04-28-2013 08:43 AM
    Threadbanger
    Main
    11
    02-02-2012 01:06 PM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter