carol45

I understand that starch may attract insects. Is that true? If so, I guess I have to launder all fabric before making the quilt so that I can launder it after to get all the starch out. Sometimes there are fabrics I don't want to launder, for wall hangings. Any suggestions?
I use the Elmer's glue that Sharon Schambler suggests and it really makes binding the quilt smooth but, since this is also starch, I guess it needs to be laundered when the quilt is finished.
Does anyone have experience with insects getting into starched quilts?

Quilt4u

I use Beststarch Lavender. Lavender keeps the bugs away.

Minda

I've always heard that sizing is much less attractive to bugs than starch.

http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/087-rlm.jsp

Here are some links to make your own lavender ironing spray:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chic...n-spray-025739

http://www.ehow.com/how_4464245_make...ing-water.html

carol45

Thanks for the suggestions. I also was interested in using Elmer's School Glue for securing the binding the way Sharon Schambler does it--the glue is starch, but I guess I could just soak the edges of the quilt to get rid of that starch. Has anyone done anything like that?

Prism99

What kind of climate do you live in? I don't think you have to worry about insects if you are in a dry climate or a cold climate. I've always thought silverfish and the like were more of a problem in moist, warm climates. I personally wouldn't worry about it at all for wallhangings. All of my quilts get washed before use anyway, so that's not a problem for me either. I do not starch fabrics before I am ready to use them, but this out of my consideration for eliminating unnecessary labor rather than because insects might become interested in my fabrics.....

carol45

I'm in Nashville, TN, a warm humid climate. :(

Dingle

I live in the desert and believe me those silver fish are everywhere here :shock:

Scissor Queen

Yes, starch is food. It's made from corn or potatoes as a rule. I think Best Press starch alternative may not be the same type of starch though.

I don't store fabrics that have Best Press in them. I wash quilts as soon as they're done so the Best Press is washed out.

SharonC

Me too. I don't want to take any chances. :)