Irishrose2

Old idea, but I want to post for the new quilters. I ran out of StaFlo concentrate and only WalMart carries it here. I do not go to WalMart, so I tried making my own. After finding several recipes, I chose a cooked one. I couldn't wrap my mind around spraying uncooked cornstarch on dark fabric.
1 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 cups cold water.
Bring to a boil, cover and cool.
I added 5 drops of lavender essential oil - should help it last longer.
Put into a old Niagra spray bottle.
I had to use it last night to save some unstitched QSTs. It worked great, maybe a little stiffer than I use for piecing, but I'm going to leave it as I have a quilt to sandwich soon and I like the backing to have some body.

SusieQOH

Thanks for that easy recipe, Irishrose!

Notwendy

Adding vodka to the bottle will help it stay fresh longer - as will keeping it in the fridge. The vodka is clear so no staining and it evaporates.

I love homemade starch as I prefer it heavy. It makes piecing so much easier.

Onebyone

I tried homemade starch every recipe there is. I don't like it. It goes bad fast and I was constantly making new and I had terrible iron build up using it. I bought a case of Sta Flow last time I was in Wamart and that will last me for several years at today's prices. I think the case cost me about $18 for the 12 quart size bottles.

EasyPeezy

I don't get any build up on my iron using homemade starch.
Cooking the starch cause build up. I tried the cooking method which
didn't work for me so I went back to my old method. Dilute with a little
cold water then add boiling water. Of course you have to take a few
precautions like letting it soak then dry until slightly damp. I use
a silicone mat between the iron and the fabric to prevent scorching.
Once the fabric is pressed and cut I can use the dry iron.

Irishrose2

I'll keep an eye on it as I'm allergic to mold. The iron is spotless and the ironing board cover is soft. I did stacks last night and more this morning of triangles by just spraying them and pressing immediately.They had been sewn and ripped out and I didn't want the bias edges distorting. It worked well for me. I have more of two of the fabrics, but not the feature one so I couldn't just start over. I don't use anything on my freshly washed fabric - just press it.