This is the way I starch my fabric.
#11
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
I use Sta-flo in the blue bottle like QuiltNana or I use Magic Spray Sizing. Pam Buda taught a group of us about the Sta-flo method when we started her Circa1800 quilt. It was great with all the small pieces and especially the bias pieces. It made the cutting so much easier too. It was a lot of extra work but well worth it. I am going to use it when I make a homespun quilt.
#13
I lay another piece of [scrap] fabric on the board when i'm using a lot of starch. then that fabric can just go in the wash when it gets bad enough.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,431
I never felt I could get an even layer of starch by spraying so I dunk mine into a dishpan of home-made starch....vodka and StaFlo. Then I run it thru my makeshift wringer I have set up at the double sink and then hang to dry over the sink in case it drips. Then I mist it with a solution of water with white vinegar and press. Then I cut into the yardage.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,492
I'm a Best Press convert. I buy refill gallons when it's on sale for 50% off. Usually go in with a friend, buying 2 gallons we also get free shipping. A gallon lasts over a year. It depends on what I'm doing and what I'm using if or how much I use. Pieces 1-1/2" and under definitely benefit from a good spray! Pieces that are over 2" rarely need it.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,732
I pre-wash my project fabrics and use either Sta-Flo in spray bottle or canned spray starch depending on the amount of fabric in my projects. Once I have the starch on the fabric, I roll it up and put in a plastic bag for several hours. Then I iron all the pieces. This way the starch soaks into the fabric and makes the fabric really nice for cutting and sewing. I have been doing this for over 40 years while I worked and never had a problem with my fabric. I usually use one weekend for this process and do up to three projects at a time. I would then use another weekend to cut out the fabrics for each project; allowing me to sew only for two months. I found every time I skipped these steps, my project became a disaster.
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,299
I like to use starch, but agree with Jordan: that looks like overkill to me as well. One even pass of heavy starch has always been plenty for my liking.
It's interesting to see everyone's personal take on how much is enough.
It's interesting to see everyone's personal take on how much is enough.
Last edited by zozee; 08-12-2019 at 04:03 PM. Reason: punctuation
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04-02-2011 02:02 AM