How do you starch fabric?
03-04-2014, 06:09 AM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Richmond, VA.
Posts: 348
I had to check out this thread because what I do is so easy and works, I was wondering. When I started out, I didn't starch at all. As I've been trying to learn and present my best work, I like the starch look. I use Best Press starch.
I'm one of those pre wash people unless it's Northcott, Benartex or Marcus Bros fabric. I spray it on before I cut so the fabric is crisp and ready to be cut. Also I spray when I set the seam and press open the block. I had never heard of flaking nor have I ever had a problem with it. Never had a problem with Best Press building up on my iron.
I'm one of those pre wash people unless it's Northcott, Benartex or Marcus Bros fabric. I spray it on before I cut so the fabric is crisp and ready to be cut. Also I spray when I set the seam and press open the block. I had never heard of flaking nor have I ever had a problem with it. Never had a problem with Best Press building up on my iron.
03-04-2014, 06:28 AM
#34
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
Now don't laugh at me, but this is how I starch my fabrics from half yds to larger pieces to smaller pieces. First I put down an old bed sheet on the floor or outside on my back deck, then I make up a 50/50 starch solution, I use Sta Flo from a jug. I put my mixture into this wonderful hand sprayer, adjust the spray mist nozzle and just spray my fabrics. If it is a nice day outside, I will hang my pieces on the clothesline to dry up a bit because sometimes if I do a heavy starch it may be a little drippy. If the weather is not good outside then I take my starched pieces and toss them into the dryer on air only and dry them for a few minutes. This does not harm your dryer. You can find these great little sprayers in the garden area of your favorite store. Mine came from WM. [ATTACH=CONFIG]465417[/ATTACH]
I use 50/50 Stay Flo and water, and don't wait long enough to iron it. But I try to spray from one side to the other, then start ironing at the side I started on. Gives it a little time to soak in. Works beautifully. No flakes. But I have to be sure to shake up the bottle each time. The starch sinks to the bottom and comes out first.
03-04-2014, 07:19 AM
#35
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Southern California & New Mexico
Posts: 153
Now don't laugh at me, but this is how I starch my fabrics from half yds to larger pieces to smaller pieces. First I put down an old bed sheet on the floor or outside on my back deck, then I make up a 50/50 starch solution, I use Sta Flo from a jug. I put my mixture into this wonderful hand sprayer, adjust the spray mist nozzle and just spray my fabrics. If it is a nice day outside, I will hang my pieces on the clothesline to dry up a bit because sometimes if I do a heavy starch it may be a little drippy. If the weather is not good outside then I take my starched pieces and toss them into the dryer on air only and dry them for a few minutes. This does not harm your dryer. You can find these great little sprayers in the garden area of your favorite store. Mine came from WM. [ATTACH=CONFIG]465417[/ATTACH]
03-04-2014, 08:03 AM
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,416
I'm fortunate to have a sink down in my sewing room so I hang my fabrics up over the sink and spray away, let dry and then iron. I spray on the wrong side and iron on the right side so no flakes. If I'm in a hurry like yesterday I will spray right there on my ironing board but I try to overlap my fabrics so not as much will fall on the ironing board itself. Still spray on the wrong side, let it set 5-10 minutes and then come back to iron.
I try to estimate how much of each fabric I'll need with a little overlap in case of miss cuts, then spray everything at one time and let it hang over the sink to drip if that's the case. I make my own starch mixture using the vodka method with added liquid starch as I like a crisp texture.
I try to estimate how much of each fabric I'll need with a little overlap in case of miss cuts, then spray everything at one time and let it hang over the sink to drip if that's the case. I make my own starch mixture using the vodka method with added liquid starch as I like a crisp texture.
03-04-2014, 08:12 AM
#38
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Desert Hot Springs Ca
Posts: 2,633
I like best press too, it leaves no residue. Always iron the fabric first as the heat helps the starch to penetrate the fabric better. Spray on the back side of the fabric to avoid any flakes (altho you won't get any with best press)
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