What kind of starch for flannel?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Maine
Posts: 293
What kind of starch for flannel?
Hello,
I recently asked a question about quilting with flannel. I was told to wash it and starch it. What kind of starch should I get? I thought I read somewhere it is possible to make your own starch mixture for quilting. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
I recently asked a question about quilting with flannel. I was told to wash it and starch it. What kind of starch should I get? I thought I read somewhere it is possible to make your own starch mixture for quilting. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
Flannel in the US is just made with cotton, so you can use whatever kind of starch or sizing that you prefer. I currently use Faultless Starch (I have a severe allergy to sizing, but it works just as well). I've also mixed my own with Sta-Flo. You want to use a decent amount of starch to help give the flannel a bit of stiffness. I usually spray a generous coating over the entire right side of my fabric, let it soak in for 3-5 minutes & then I iron on the wrong side of the fabric (keeps starch from building up on the sole plate of the iron). I repeat that process in reverse & then cut. If my fabric has been sitting for a while before I have a chance to piece it, I will just spray a light mist of starch on one side & steam press before sewing. The moisture will help "re-activate" the starch.
Note: If you live in an area with a warm, moist climate, you want to be cautious about using starch as it can attract silverfish & other pests. I know quilters down in Florida who switch to sizing if their project is going to sit out for a length of time before it gets finished & washed to remove starch. I've never had problems here in Illinois.
Note: If you live in an area with a warm, moist climate, you want to be cautious about using starch as it can attract silverfish & other pests. I know quilters down in Florida who switch to sizing if their project is going to sit out for a length of time before it gets finished & washed to remove starch. I've never had problems here in Illinois.
#4
First one: Mix together 2 ½ cups of tap water and 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch in a saucepan (make sure there are no lumps).
Bring the mixture to a boil for 1 minute then cool to room temperature.
Fill a spray bottle.
When you bring it to a boil, the starch stays suspended and works perfectly: no shaking, no clogging, and nicely starched fabric!
Second one: Mix one part vodka to two parts water in a spray bottle (I use 1/3 cup vodka and 2/3 cup water).
Shake to combine.
The first recipe gives you a cloudy starch, the second one gives you a clear starch.
Last edited by Christine-; 10-08-2016 at 06:51 PM.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,559
Vodka, water, and an essential oil such as lavender makes a "linen water".
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I just want to add my method for using this on yardage. Working on my kitchen island, I use a large wall painting brush to saturate the yardage with starch, wait a few minutes to allow the flannel fibers to absorb the starch, toss in the dryer, and then use an iron with steam to re-activate the starch and iron flat. Instead of steam, sometimes I use a spray bottle of water to moisten the starch. This method gives a good, heavy starching to flannel that makes it much easier to cut and piece accurately. Depending on your pattern, it can be a good idea to use 1/2" seams with flannel instead of the more traditional 1/4" since flannel does have more of a tendency to fray. However, if you prewash, that helps tighten up the weave and may make 1/2" seams unnecessary. I would use 1/2" seams if you are using flannel for backing.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Ridgefield WA
Posts: 7,765
Thanks, Christine! I used to use Sta-Flo and still do sometimes but I've switched to vodka and put a little Sta-Flo in it. My vodka recipe is much less vodka vs water. I will try yours next time! BTW I really like your avatar block!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
woohoowendy
Main
12
04-02-2011 02:02 AM