cindyb

I use this in a spray bottle. The vodka has to be potato vodka and use a ratio of about 3 water to 1 vodka. This was a tip to me from Edyta Sitar. Good enough for her - great for me. Yes, much cheaper!!!

RedGarnet222

Oh dear, I don't use steam while piecing. It can distort your block very quickly. Just think about it, that is how they make hats and curves on sleeve caps. A wise teacher taught me no steam while sewing/pressing quilt blocks! And do not scrub around with the iron. Pressing is a straight down and up motion. I use a clapper when extra heat is needed too.

Barb2018

A wonderful lady taught me to finger press the seam before using the iron. So now I set the seam, finger press it gently (either to the side or open depending on the situation) and then press with the iron. I had a tendency to be too aggressive with the side of the iron if I used it to press the seam open. That helped me a lot.

Onebyone

The starch in potatoe vodka is processed out during the making of it. Any cheap vodka will work.

Jaiade

Finger pressing the pieces while making the block, THEN press the finished block. I find finger pressing makes a pretty good flat seam and it helps to keep distortion at a minimum.

yolajean

This is a tip I saw in a YouTube video for pre pressing fabric. Spray the fabric with water then use your hands (swiping across the fabric) to spread the water evenly over the fabric piece. I like this tip and try to use it whenever I need to. When fabric is dry, I then spray it with starch. Good tips. Thank you.

EasyPeezy

I wouldn't waste my money on Vodka or Best Press.
Cornstarch is so much cheaper and a lot more effective.

EasyPeezy

I use a damp muslin cloth. It's more even than using wet hands.

Teen

This reminded of a class I took where the instructor shared that you should wait about 10 seconds after spraying starch before pressing to allow it time to penetrate the threads in fabric. I thought the theory was interesting so I do this now on everything. Seems to stabilize fabric better but it could be wishful thinking...lol!

cathyvv

Get someone else to do it? Don't I wish!