Am I supposed to be using Sizing/Starch?
12-14-2010, 08:59 AM
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Calif (San Joaquin Valley)
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So, I'm following this thread: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-82540-3.htm and wondering, Why are they discussing the pros & cons of starch vs sizing?
As a new quilter, I'm wondering if this is something I am supposed to be doing. Does it matter that I haven't on the quilts I've already made & given away?
My Quilting 101 class did not cover this at all. Can anyone help explain? Thanks!
As a new quilter, I'm wondering if this is something I am supposed to be doing. Does it matter that I haven't on the quilts I've already made & given away?
My Quilting 101 class did not cover this at all. Can anyone help explain? Thanks!
12-14-2010, 09:01 AM
#2
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 5,142
It's sort of a personal preference. There's no law saying that you have to use starch or sizing and none saying that you can't.
Starch or sizing will really help if you're having problems sewing on a bias.
Starch or sizing will really help if you're having problems sewing on a bias.
12-14-2010, 09:04 AM
#3
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Idaho
Posts: 11,375
Some people wash and dry all of their fabric before using it. Starching/or sizing puts back some the stiffness in to the fabric and helps to control the fabric and prevent stretching/warping. Others just like the starch/sizing and do all of the fabric w/o washing. Others yet do not use it at all.
I do not starch everything, but I always starch my binding. This is another one of those topics where everyone is not going to agree.
I do not starch everything, but I always starch my binding. This is another one of those topics where everyone is not going to agree.
12-14-2010, 10:02 AM
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: The middle of an IL cornfield
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I starch everything. I cut better when the fabric is heavily starched. I also heavily starch my backings. It seems to give me fewer puckers when I quilt.
I think it's just one of those things you have to try out. If starch makes your life easier, use it. If not, don't.
I think it's just one of those things you have to try out. If starch makes your life easier, use it. If not, don't.
12-14-2010, 10:13 AM
#5
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Location: MN
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I only rarely use sizing/starch. I think washed fabric should be able to "stand on its own"
You will just have to experiment a bit and see what you prefer to do. Or not do.
The quilts you have made in the past are just fine the way they are. No need to fret about them at all.
You will just have to experiment a bit and see what you prefer to do. Or not do.
The quilts you have made in the past are just fine the way they are. No need to fret about them at all.
12-14-2010, 10:44 AM
#8
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Washington
Posts: 240
I don't wash, but I do use Mary Ellen's best press for anything that needs to be pressed, especially already-made blocks.
I've read that using Mary Ellen's before cutting the fabric in the first place is conducive to better cuts. I'm planning on using it with the new AccuQuilt cutter DH bought me for Christmas.
I've read that using Mary Ellen's before cutting the fabric in the first place is conducive to better cuts. I'm planning on using it with the new AccuQuilt cutter DH bought me for Christmas.
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