Butterfli19

Right now I use "Magic" sizing. Sometimes it seems when after ironing the fabric stretches a little. I'm not sure if I'm ironing off-grain, if it doesn't lay flat enough on the ironing board, or if I'm rushing to get through the pile.

What do you use to give a little stiff to it, and is there some technique in the method of ironing?

Butterfli19

Seems to be quite a few topics on this already. I should have scrolled before posting!

Isn't it funny how that goes? So many people at the same point at the same time.

ckcowl

i use starch when i want a little stiffness (crispness) to my fabrics.
i use sizing when i just need a little more than what water provides to remove wrinkles.
mostly i just use water.
when pressing- pick the iron straight up- move to next location- lay it down- don't 'iron' back and forth on damp fabric= it can stretch and distort it.
sometimes if you have stretched your fabric you can re-wet it--hang it to dry (or toss it in the dryer) and re-press it.

gunny148

:thumbup: Starch, i heavy starch when i cut and re-press before i start to sew. the for me its eazier to pieceig

PaperPrincess

I also starch after pre washing. I mix StaFlo liquid starch 50/50 with water. I take my fabric out of the washer. It is still damp, and swish it in the starch solution, then wring and toss it in the dryer. Take it out just slighty damp and iron. Iactually iron at this point, starting from the center and working my way out.

blueangel

I usually use a light starch.

amma

If you iron damp fabric, it is easy to stretch it.
I prefer to starch my fabric, then let it completely dry before ironing. I never have trouble with stretching this way, and can use as much steam as I like too :D:D:D

You can however "press" damp fabric carefully, but it takes more time :wink: and I get impatient at the ironing board :lol:

MYWR

I'm a Mary Ellen's Best Pressed girl - the more piecing - the stiffer it gets but no residue !

Eileen

That's what my DGM used to do when she did her laundry,with a ringer washer. If she couldn't get to ironing right away, she would roll up her laundry & put it a plastic bag in put it into thr refrigerator until the next day. She loved to iron. She even ironed underware & bath towels.

Mariposa

I use Magic sizing! :)