Homemade starch
07-05-2018, 09:12 AM
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2015
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Homemade starch
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.
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.
07-05-2018, 11:13 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Milwaukee, WI from Columbia, SC
Posts: 450
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.
I love homemade starch as I prefer it heavy. It makes piecing so much easier.
07-05-2018, 11:24 AM
#4
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,165
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.
07-05-2018, 01:15 PM
#5
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 3,459
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.
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.
07-05-2018, 01:52 PM
#6
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,867
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.
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