What kind of starch/sizing do you like to use?
06-07-2010, 02:44 PM
#11
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Location: La Quinta, CA
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I buy Niagra too. If I run out and need it right away I mix & cook a spoonful(big) of flour and 2 cups of water, boil and let it cool. Then spray on fabric and roll it up for a bit before ironing to let it soak into the fabric good. It works as good as Niagra but is a bit more fuss.
06-07-2010, 02:56 PM
#12
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bucks County PA
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Originally Posted by costumegirl
I was wondering if any of you had a preferred brand of starch?
I like to use the non aerosol type to help with ironing to get out some of the wrinkles out after I have washed new fabric. I also use it when I am working with pattern pieces that have bias edges to keep them from stretching and also for some of the applique pieces so that they hold their shape while handling.
I have tried to find starch powder so that I can mix my own but after asking at a lot of different stores, I just can't find it. I do have a bottle of Mary Ellen's Best Press that I got from my LQS and it is one of the nicest I have used but since I use so much, the price is a little too high for me for the volume that I would need - I go through a lot. Right now I am trying Niagara and it seems to be ok.
What do you use?
I like to use the non aerosol type to help with ironing to get out some of the wrinkles out after I have washed new fabric. I also use it when I am working with pattern pieces that have bias edges to keep them from stretching and also for some of the applique pieces so that they hold their shape while handling.
I have tried to find starch powder so that I can mix my own but after asking at a lot of different stores, I just can't find it. I do have a bottle of Mary Ellen's Best Press that I got from my LQS and it is one of the nicest I have used but since I use so much, the price is a little too high for me for the volume that I would need - I go through a lot. Right now I am trying Niagara and it seems to be ok.
What do you use?
I also love Best Press but I hate the expense of it. I add 10 drops of essential oil to my starch and water, and have a lovely scent as well. I buy the essential oils at the health food store. My favorites are tangerine, frankincense, and of course the standard lavender.
06-07-2010, 03:07 PM
#13
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Location: Ohio
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Originally Posted by sewingladydi
You can make your own starch with cornstarch from the grocery store. Yep, the same stuff you use in the kitchen to thicken sauces or gravy. Just mix up and put in a spray bottle. The only downside is you have to store in frig (because you aren't putting any preservatives in it)and if I don't use up, I mix a new batch weekly.
But it is dirt cheap!!
But it is dirt cheap!!
06-07-2010, 03:11 PM
#14
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Location: Ontario, Canada
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Is Linit a premix and you are adding water to dilute it or is it made for you to mix your own?
I never thought of diluting the Niagara. Maybe I will try it.
I had heard that Sta Flow starch powder was good to use but I can't find it.
I do love Mary Ellen's but I use a lot of starch in my sewing and pressing and it is expensive. I would have to buy a gallon :)
I never thought of using cornstarch - I remember my Grandmother using it to starch doilies!
I never thought of diluting the Niagara. Maybe I will try it.
I had heard that Sta Flow starch powder was good to use but I can't find it.
I do love Mary Ellen's but I use a lot of starch in my sewing and pressing and it is expensive. I would have to buy a gallon :)
I never thought of using cornstarch - I remember my Grandmother using it to starch doilies!
06-07-2010, 03:35 PM
#15
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North Texas
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I do use Best Press. I used to buy the ittle bottles for 7.95, then I went online to her site and bought a gallon for around 45.00 and it was like getting 3 bottles free. Then while at my LQS they had the 14.95 bottles to refill with. I have to have it no matter what so I buy on sale when I can. Because it is a little high I use it for only quilting and use NIagra Sizing for regular. Doesn't gum up or leave flakes. You can also go in with a friend and buy direct from Mary Ellen and you both save money.
06-07-2010, 03:44 PM
#17
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Here is the starch recipe that Diane Gaudynski (http://www.dianegaudynski.net/tips-april.htm) uses on her quilts.
Try my recipe for spray starch for all your pressing/piecing needs. Remember, you can adjust any of these amounts to suit your own needs, and also don't keep this for more than two weeks max. I make up a batch when I need it, then dump it out when I'm finished. It produces a super flat stable quilt: Dissolve half a teaspoon (or one teaspoon for a stiffer starch) of regular Argo cornstarch (in your cupboard probably) in a few tablespoons of cold water in a heat proof 2-cup measuring pitcher like Pyrex. Add boiling water to make one cup, stirring constantly. Then add cold water to the 2 cup line. Let cool and use in a pump spray bottle. Shake it every time you spray. You may have to dilute it a little if it is too thick or builds up white flakes. Lasts a week or so as there are no preservatives, no chemicals, no nothing that harms us or the environment, and it’s practically free, except for the spray bottle! Don't starch fabrics for storage as it will attract critters such as centipedes, and mice.
Try my recipe for spray starch for all your pressing/piecing needs. Remember, you can adjust any of these amounts to suit your own needs, and also don't keep this for more than two weeks max. I make up a batch when I need it, then dump it out when I'm finished. It produces a super flat stable quilt: Dissolve half a teaspoon (or one teaspoon for a stiffer starch) of regular Argo cornstarch (in your cupboard probably) in a few tablespoons of cold water in a heat proof 2-cup measuring pitcher like Pyrex. Add boiling water to make one cup, stirring constantly. Then add cold water to the 2 cup line. Let cool and use in a pump spray bottle. Shake it every time you spray. You may have to dilute it a little if it is too thick or builds up white flakes. Lasts a week or so as there are no preservatives, no chemicals, no nothing that harms us or the environment, and it’s practically free, except for the spray bottle! Don't starch fabrics for storage as it will attract critters such as centipedes, and mice.
06-07-2010, 03:50 PM
#18
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Location: Central Indiana (USA)
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Thanks BellaBoo
Originally Posted by BellaBoo
Here is the starch recipe that Diane Gaudynski (http://www.dianegaudynski.net/tips-april.htm) uses on her quilts.
Try my recipe for spray starch for all your pressing/piecing needs. Remember, you can adjust any of these amounts to suit your own needs, and also don't keep this for more than two weeks max. I make up a batch when I need it, then dump it out when I'm finished. It produces a super flat stable quilt: Dissolve half a teaspoon (or one teaspoon for a stiffer starch) of regular Argo cornstarch (in your cupboard probably) in a few tablespoons of cold water in a heat proof 2-cup measuring pitcher like Pyrex. Add boiling water to make one cup, stirring constantly. Then add cold water to the 2 cup line. Let cool and use in a pump spray bottle. Shake it every time you spray. You may have to dilute it a little if it is too thick or builds up white flakes. Lasts a week or so as there are no preservatives, no chemicals, no nothing that harms us or the environment, and it’s practically free, except for the spray bottle! Don't starch fabrics for storage as it will attract critters such as centipedes, and mice.
Try my recipe for spray starch for all your pressing/piecing needs. Remember, you can adjust any of these amounts to suit your own needs, and also don't keep this for more than two weeks max. I make up a batch when I need it, then dump it out when I'm finished. It produces a super flat stable quilt: Dissolve half a teaspoon (or one teaspoon for a stiffer starch) of regular Argo cornstarch (in your cupboard probably) in a few tablespoons of cold water in a heat proof 2-cup measuring pitcher like Pyrex. Add boiling water to make one cup, stirring constantly. Then add cold water to the 2 cup line. Let cool and use in a pump spray bottle. Shake it every time you spray. You may have to dilute it a little if it is too thick or builds up white flakes. Lasts a week or so as there are no preservatives, no chemicals, no nothing that harms us or the environment, and it’s practically free, except for the spray bottle! Don't starch fabrics for storage as it will attract critters such as centipedes, and mice.
06-07-2010, 04:35 PM
#19
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 17,068
Originally Posted by BellaBoo
Here is the starch recipe that Diane Gaudynski (http://www.dianegaudynski.net/tips-april.htm) uses on her quilts.
Try my recipe for spray starch for all your pressing/piecing needs. Remember, you can adjust any of these amounts to suit your own needs, and also don't keep this for more than two weeks max. I make up a batch when I need it, then dump it out when I'm finished. It produces a super flat stable quilt: Dissolve half a teaspoon (or one teaspoon for a stiffer starch) of regular Argo cornstarch (in your cupboard probably) in a few tablespoons of cold water in a heat proof 2-cup measuring pitcher like Pyrex. Add boiling water to make one cup, stirring constantly. Then add cold water to the 2 cup line. Let cool and use in a pump spray bottle. Shake it every time you spray. You may have to dilute it a little if it is too thick or builds up white flakes. Lasts a week or so as there are no preservatives, no chemicals, no nothing that harms us or the environment, and it’s practically free, except for the spray bottle! Don't starch fabrics for storage as it will attract critters such as centipedes, and mice.
Try my recipe for spray starch for all your pressing/piecing needs. Remember, you can adjust any of these amounts to suit your own needs, and also don't keep this for more than two weeks max. I make up a batch when I need it, then dump it out when I'm finished. It produces a super flat stable quilt: Dissolve half a teaspoon (or one teaspoon for a stiffer starch) of regular Argo cornstarch (in your cupboard probably) in a few tablespoons of cold water in a heat proof 2-cup measuring pitcher like Pyrex. Add boiling water to make one cup, stirring constantly. Then add cold water to the 2 cup line. Let cool and use in a pump spray bottle. Shake it every time you spray. You may have to dilute it a little if it is too thick or builds up white flakes. Lasts a week or so as there are no preservatives, no chemicals, no nothing that harms us or the environment, and it’s practically free, except for the spray bottle! Don't starch fabrics for storage as it will attract critters such as centipedes, and mice.
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