simplyme

I use liquid starch and mix with water. That way I can control if i want light or heavy starch. I like to starch all my fabric before cutting. It helps me with cutting and sewing. Also a must if you are doing anything on the bias.

csharp

Same here, but you can also find it at Dollar General, I'm thinking.

AngelinaMaria

Why is the non-aerosol products mentioned here as better?? I have a few of the aerosol spray cans from when I was starching my husbands collars. Are these not as good or cause flaking?

Old hen

I've always been told that Best Press is a starch alternative. Have you read the thread about making your own spray using water, essence oil, and vodka?

Mitch's mom

I first bought the Best Press for quilting, however I didn't think it did much in the way of stiffening the fabric. Perhaps it is more of a sizing. I use it when I press my work clothes because they don't wrinkle as badly from the seat belt in the car and I don't end the day looking like an un-made bed.

My clothes always smell great, which is a bonus! If you run across the blue colored Best Press in the fresh linen scent - treat yourself.

carolynjo

That's a neat tip! I use STA-Flo also, but never thought to get it really wet and when steam press it. I will try that next time.

muddlingabout

Having never used starch, but thinking about it for a OBW I might someday do - here's my question: Does the starch stabilizes during the piecing process, but then going to the quilting step, does the starch get rinsed out? Or the starch stays until the quilt is done, and in my case, given, then washed out after when recipient so decide? How does that work with charity quilts?

Farm Quilter

I wash all my yardage when I bring it home. I hang the yardage over the shower curtain rods since I don't have a clothes line. Right after I hang the material I spray it heavily with starch - Sta-Flo mixed with water - and let it dry. I fold it carefully and don't press the fabric until I am ready to use it. Works great. Easy to press and no white flakes.

connie_1936

starch your fabric before you cut. ironing while still damp will shrink the fabric. also trim off the selvage before starching.

Prism99

Starch stays in the fabric until the finished quilt is washed. However, with all the handling from piecing and quilting, the "starchiness" is pretty much broken down by the time the quilt is finished. I always wash my quilts before giving them away -- not only to get rid of the starch, but also to make sure that nothing is going to bleed (I do the first wash with Synthrapol).