rvsfan

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

rryder

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

PaperPrincess

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.

bearisgray

"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.

bearisgray

It was Satina.

DACO48

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.

Jane Quilter

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

Feather3

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.

citruscountyquilter

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.

quilterpurpledog

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.