Starch the Backing
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 124
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I wanted to thank all the fellow quilters that suggested starching the backing to lesson wrinkles when quilting! :thumbup:
I used Mary Ellen's spray starch, because it smells good, and I just can't believe all the difference it really makes. I had been on a war path to find out ways to lesson the wrinkles in the backing when I quilt. I don't mind the ones that I had to squint real close-up to see. But when I can see them from across the room without my glasses on, I knew there was a problem. I had already done all that was suggested and still to no avail. I figured, why not try the starch. I didn't at first because the spray and steam from the iron aggrevates my asthma. If it solves my problem I am willing to endure holding my breath when I squirt the starch and I turn the steam off on my iron.
I did this on a little baby quilt. Will the starch give me the same results on the bigger size quilts too?
I used Mary Ellen's spray starch, because it smells good, and I just can't believe all the difference it really makes. I had been on a war path to find out ways to lesson the wrinkles in the backing when I quilt. I don't mind the ones that I had to squint real close-up to see. But when I can see them from across the room without my glasses on, I knew there was a problem. I had already done all that was suggested and still to no avail. I figured, why not try the starch. I didn't at first because the spray and steam from the iron aggrevates my asthma. If it solves my problem I am willing to endure holding my breath when I squirt the starch and I turn the steam off on my iron.
I did this on a little baby quilt. Will the starch give me the same results on the bigger size quilts too?
#7
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
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I use a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water for backing fabric, "painting" it onto the fabric with a large wall painting brush. When the fabric is saturated, I toss it in the dryer and then iron with steam. This method would likely be less aggravating than using a sprayer. (The 1:1 solution makes the fabric very stiff. If you prefer less stiffness, just dilute with more water.)
#8
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 157
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I have been reading the starch topics. If you soak a lot of pieces at once and then put them in the dryer do they have to be ironed when hot or can you just fold them and iron as needed? I had also read about putting them in the refrig and iron within a week or put them in the freezer to keep from mildew. So I was thinking what if they are all dry and when I get in an ironing mood they are ready.
Does the starch mess up the dryer like spraying does to the floor?
Does the starch mess up the dryer like spraying does to the floor?
#9
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I am a starch convert. After avoiding ironing for most of my life, quilting has turned that around. Now I starch everything except the batting before I cut anything. I wash all my quilts before gifting, so it all "comes out in the wash." Then they are soft and cuddly - and no unexpected wrinkles!
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woohoowendy
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04-02-2011 02:02 AM