Amazon also carries Best Press, non-Aerosol Niagara, and some others. Best Press (gallon) qualifies for free shipping.

Here are some recipes for Best Press Substitutes that I saved from the old Board. I have not as yet tried any of them as I live in a Dry County.

Starch Substitutes

1. 2 cups distilled water
2 ounces vodka
20 drops lavender essential oil


2. 24 oz distilled water
3 oz vodka
1 teaspoon scented oil(optional)

Use cheap vodka and shake before using.


3. Yes, it's 1/4 c. vodka
2 c. distilled water
essential oil of your choice (few drops)


4. The one I like ~
Best Press Substitute ~ Mix together:

1 tsp lavender essential oil (found in Wal-Mart/Michaels- candle making supplies or drug stores) Note: optional if allergic to scents.
3 oz. vodka
Then add to 24oz distilled water in large spray bottle and shake well.

Hint: Vodka is made from potatoes, a natural starch.


5. Here's my recipe:

2 cups distilled water
2 oz vodka
a few drops of essential fragrance oil

I also add a small amount of liquid starch when I want more body

When you put the lavender oil into the vodka and water, can you still drink it? Just kidding. Nothing compares to Best Press IMHO, but it makes me cough no matter what scent I use, so I use it sparingly. You can find it online or at your LQS.
Sue

I use best press for long term projects that wont be washed anytime soon. I use the cheap stuff for quilts that will be put together and washed soon. I did not know Joann's had best press by the gallon! Going to have to find that and use a coupon. Thanks for the tip Dolphyngyrl! :-)

If you make your own Best Press subsitute using Vodka, use a POTATO based Vodka. 2 cups water, 1/4 c vodka, and about 10 drops essesential oil of your liking, or leave out. Shake well before using. Works well.
QJ!

I've had a problem with the bottle leaking as well. I had it on a bookcase and I now have a ring. Regardless, I still like the product.

Landers, I bought Magic Sizing and then found that it has the same ingredients as the starch products. Can you tell me what you're using?

Thanks.

OK - read the whole thread and still have a question. I bought a container of Magic Sizing but then saw that the ingredients were the same as some of the starch products offered at Walmart. I was trying to avoid starch because I read that because it's made from corn, it will attract silverfish if stored for a long time. (I'm the queen of unfinished quilt tops so my fabrics would sit for a long time before being washed again.)

Have any of you heard this or had this experience? The thought of those critters makes me nauseous.

Thanks. I will be trying the vodka recipe. :) I've used the Best Press but it is expensive.

if I want a stiffer fabric from the at home recipe what kinda of liquid starch do I use??? Im assuming I can find it in the laundry isle.

Thanks everyone for your comments, recipes, and recommendations! Guess I will try the vodka recipe as I have some vodka and don't drink it - like gin better! :)