Sassy08

I haven't thought of it in a long time, but I remember my mom and grandmothers boiling starch. As a matter of fact, I remember having to wash the pot Mom cooked it in!.

Sassy08

So, thank all of you SO much for your input! I received a lot of information. I can use liquid or aerosole or boil my own or use none at all, I can paint the starch on or I can spray it on, and I can choose from several different brands. I really do appreciate you taking time to reply and I learned that having several options probably means I can try one at a time and decide what works best for me without being afraid I'm messing up! And I did know the importance of letting it dry completely to avoid the "dandruff", but glad for the reminder.


Linda

Karenowc

For normal cutting, I use Mary Ellen's Best Press. If I am doing an appliqué then I spray some regular starch in a small container and use a small paint brush on the edges.

Vera39760

I use BP. I thought I was using a lot and decided to get something cheaper. DH was using the BP on his shirts. He asked me to keep getting the BP. He likes it better than any other starch in his shirts. I told him I didn't get it for laundry and he said it still works for it. So that is the only starch I get now for everything.

Sassy08

Well, it may be a little pricey, but at least he's doing his own shirts and it's probably less expensive than sending them out!
Thanks,
Linda

ILoveToQuilt

I only use sizing. As mentioned before, starch is flour based and insects (especially carpet beetles [they're the bugs that leave the little brown striped tubes behind]) and rodents absolutely love starch. Try a heavy dose of sizing. Let it penetrate the fabric (wait a few seconds after spraying), then press. Magic Sizing is the brand I use and is very inexpensive, around $1 per can and readily available in grocery stores and the big box discount stores. Have never had problems with pests using sizing, have had problems with starch. JMHO...good luck whichever method you choose.

Anita