Peckish

FYI, Best Press is actually in the starch family. Better move it to the other side.

I'm with you there. And my teenaged boys love the smell of the non-aerosol Niagra starch.

Windblown

Peckish, I guess what I was trying to describe is the feel and texture Best Press gives to fabric, not the chemical make up. Just trying to explain where I was coming from better.

Daisy Dew

Starch I think. I like Best Press but I've been making the QMBitty Blocks and was having a d.... of a time they were really wonky! So I googled how to piece small quilt blocks and found a wonderful note. So off to the store for some heavy starch MAGIC. I'm now having fun constructing my Bitty Basket (4" finished") blocks.

Vat

I also use Sta-Flo mixed half and half with water. I also starch and press all my fabrics before I do any cutting.
I do this with all my quilts, for several years now. It takes quite a bit of time but is well worth it.

Elaine433

I buy spray sizing at the supermarket. I do not prewash any of my fabrics. Before I cut any fabric, I spray them with the sizing then steam iron, then cut. The fabrics are not stiff but they have body and hold up to any cut including bias. I have not had any problems doing this.

Lafpeaches

I use Staflo half and half also. I spray all the fabric then iron it. It flakes less after sitting for a few minutes. I only use best press for stubborn wrinkles as is it expensive. I like the starch also because then I don't seem to have so many wispy threads along the edges and I like a little stiffness to the fabric when cutting.

Katn

I have been using 3 parts cheap vodka, 2 parts water and essential oils for a couple of months, I really like it, can't smell the vodka, and the lavender smells heavenly.

Peckish

Oh, okay - I misunderstood you. Sorry!

I've never tried sizing, I've been pretty happy with the non-aerosol starch.

Sallyflymi

I use starch. When I cut small pieces. I want them as stiff as a board. They can't move, shift, or change.

Latrinka

I also like the sta-flo, mixed about half and half, I also add a little bit of febreze fabric freshener just to make it smell nice!