Pre-Starched my Fabric, now what?
 

First time I have heavily starched my backing fabric using the Sta-flo 1:2 formula. I used the dunk in a bucket method and it's very wrinkled. Do I iron it with dry iron or steam? I'm thinking maybe the steam moisture will make the starch less stiff? TIA

You can use either a dry iron or steam.
I usually iron it with a dry iron, but I like my fabric to be stiff. The iron will take all the wrinkles out no problem.

rob

I usually just let it get damp-dry, then use a regular iron. If it does get fully dry, I use steam.
The steam doesn't lessen the effect of the starch.

"Back in the day" (1950's) - the starched clothes were line dried, then sprinkled and rolled up until "evenly slightly damp" - and then ironed with a dry iron.

The starch used then was Argo - cold water was added to the starch, and then boiling water was added to the mixture - along with a rectangle of some blue waxy stuff. Don't remember what that was called.

It was Satina.

I have a couple friends who heavily starch their fabric, they stick it to the shower wall to dry. Very little ironing, just rinse down the shower wall.

I always try to flatten my starched fabric. yardage/backing is hard to find space. Sticking it to the shower wall is genius. Thanks

Since I don't have a shower wall to stick fabric too...I starch it in a plastic tub, then toss it in the dryer until almost dry. Then I park my ironing board in front of the TV & steam iron away.

I don't dip starch but rather spray starch. I use liquid starch and mix it 50:50 with water and put it in a sprayer that I got at a beauty supply place that is more of a fine mist. I use a large tub (favorite is the laundry basket with no holes from IKEA) to contain the over spray. Once sprayed I roll the fabric and put it in a plastic bag to mellow just like was done back in the day when you sprinkled clothes. Once the starch has had a chance to absorb into the fibers I iron it with a dry iron. By allowing it to absorb into the fibers you don't get flakes or residue on your iron.
Putting dipped fabric to dry on the shower wall is genius.

I spray starch with Niagara heavy duty and it works fine. I remember the '50's and making the starch and dipping the clothes in it and rolling them to soak evenly and then ironing them. I remember that wonderful clean smell. I loved to iron the clothes and linens; and, I still like to iron and do it every week.