Do you use starch?

[Margo]

You might want to try this alternative from Diane Gaudynski:

http://www.dianegaudynski.net/index.html


Try my recipe for spray starch for all your pressing/piecing needs. Remember, you can adjust any of these amounts to suit your own needs, and also don't keep this for more than two weeks max. I make up a batch when I need it, then dump it out when I'm finished. It produces a super flat stable quilt: Dissolve half a teaspoon (or one teaspoon for a stiffer starch) of regular Argo cornstarch (in your cupboard probably) in a few tablespoons of cold water in a heat proof 2-cup measuring pitcher like Pyrex. Add boiling water to make one cup, stirring constantly. Then add cold water to the 2 cup line. Let cool and use in a pump spray bottle. Shake it every time you spray. You may have to dilute it a little if it is too thick or builds up white flakes. Lasts a week or so as there are no preservatives, no chemicals, no nothing that harms us or the environment, and it’s practically free, except for the spray bottle! Don't starch fabrics for storage as it will attract critters such as centipedes, and mice.

[gynconnie]

Another Canadian chiming in here about unavailability. Can you believe I cannot find liquid starch to make my own for the spray bottle?. I have resorted to Mary Ellen's Best but it is pricey. Frustration station!

Diana in British Columbia

Diana,

You might want to check out Diane Gaudynski's blog for her homemade starch recipe (made with cornstarch). http://dianegaudynski.blogspot.com/2010/02/starch.html

[gynconnie]

Another Canadian that loves starch but can't get liquid starch!! I resort to cans of Spray Starch even though they are not environmently friendly. I keep forgetting to check when I go to Bellingham, but I will definitely write it down for my next trip. I really found that using the starch or Mary Ellen's best makes a huge difference in my quilts! Or maybe it's because I'm practicing more and getting better???

[gynconnie]

gynconnie, thanks for that link . I am going to try the cornstarch. What a great forum!

[JudyFN]

Eileen,

Have you tried a different needle? -- I like the John James Gold 'n Glide needles. I use the applique needle (same size as a sharp) in a 10 or 11 (depending on my applique thread) and I haven't had trouble hand sewing through a turned starch edge. Judy

[JudyFN]

Has anyone tried making their own spray starch from corn starch? I've seen it on the web in several places and was thinking of trying it.
linny t

[MAinMO]

If I want my fabric really stiff for machine applique I spray it lightly several times. More if the fabric is softer to begin with, Batik s need less starch. I also like the Stay Flo. I use a lot of it making my quilts and Art Quilts. I prewash all my fabrics for clothing and quilting. I hand dye also so am used to testing my fabrics before I spend time on them. I do not use Mary Ellen's Best Press till I block my art quilts. Then I only use the unscented. I also get headaches from scents. I usually put a sheet down on the rug. pin my quilted piece to it then use a steamer to block the wall hanging. When it is dry I spray the piece with Best Press and smooth it and let that dry. Then they hang straight. I have been using starch on my fabrics since I learned to Iron hankerchiefs and shirts for my father as a child. Remember, washing on Monday, ironing on Tuesday. My mother kept the ironing rolled up in the freeser so it would stay damp and wrinkle less. My Art Quilt students know that freezer paper and a can or spray bottle of starch is a good friend.

[Margo]

Has anyone tried making their own spray starch from corn starch? I've seen it on the web in several places and was thinking of trying it.
linny t

Linny, scroll up on this topic for a couple of links to Diane Gaudynski's web site for the cornstarch recipe. She uses it all the time.

I've never done that because it has a short shelf life due to the fact that it has no preservatives. I prefer Sta-Flo because I don't want to have to worry about it going bad, not to mention the fact that mixing it up sounds too much like cooking to me! :roll:

Some people report trouble with bugs because of starch. I have been using it for years, and have never had a problem. It may be that I don't store starched fabric (or UFOs) or it may be the climate here. If you know you are susceptible to bugs, just don't starch more fabric than you expect to use and be sure that you don't take a long time to finish a project!

[Margo]

If I want my fabric really stiff for machine applique I spray it lightly several times. More if the fabric is softer to begin with, Batik s need less starch. I also like the Stay Flo. I use a lot of it making my quilts and Art Quilts. I prewash all my fabrics for clothing and quilting. I hand dye also so am used to testing my fabrics before I spend time on them. I do not use Mary Ellen's Best Press till I block my art quilts. Then I only use the unscented. I also get headaches from scents. I usually put a sheet down on the rug. pin my quilted piece to it then use a steamer to block the wall hanging. When it is dry I spray the piece with Best Press and smooth it and let that dry. Then they hang straight. I have been using starch on my fabrics since I learned to Iron hankerchiefs and shirts for my father as a child. Remember, washing on Monday, ironing on Tuesday. My mother kept the ironing rolled up in the freeser so it would stay damp and wrinkle less. My Art Quilt students know that freezer paper and a can or spray bottle of starch is a good friend.

I like your methods!

[eileenkny]

Eileen,

Have you tried a different needle? -- I like the John James Gold 'n Glide needles. I use the applique needle (same size as a sharp) in a 10 or 11 (depending on my applique thread) and I haven't had trouble hand sewing through a turned starch edge. Judy

Thanks, Judy! I've been using size 11 milliners. ops: I was told that a longer needle would make a better stitch. I have packs and packs of applique needles-I'll get them out.

[JudyFN]

Eileen -- look to see if you have John James Gold 'n Glide. I've also used the new Colonial needles with a coating as well but John James are my favorites. If you like Milliners -- they have this style of needle as milliners, applique (sharps), and betweens. Judy

[JudyFN]

I ran out of starch and have been putting off getting more for about a week now, thinking I would make my own. Last night I just went out and bought some, thinking I would still try making it. Guess what. I've decided not to try making my own spray starch. Like you said, Margo, it's too much like cooking, lol. I've went out and got a bottle of Sta-Flow and a can of spray. Last night I used the spray I am lazy at heart, I guess.

I've never had a problem with bugs from using spray starch. Of course, I starch just before I cut and my quilts get washed after they're done.

linny t

[eileenkny]

Eileen -- look to see if you have John James Gold 'n Glide. I've also used the new Colonial needles with a coating as well but John James are my favorites. If you like Milliners -- they have this style of needle as milliners, applique (sharps), and betweens. Judy

I found some JJ Gold Glide needles in my applique bag. Size 10 and 11 applique and sharp. Thanks again, Judy.

[pam7040]

I hadn't used starch since my mum had used it when I was a child. Well about 3 years ago I decided to make a convergence quilt. Having heard and read about the benefits 0f starching your fabric, I bought a spray. Having cut my fabrics in half I pressed and starched the fabric I intended to use. I then set it aside to dry. Later when I came to use it I was surprised that the starch had worn off so quickly as the fabric was quite limp. I cut my fabrics and started piecing the quilt. Much later, possibly days, I was tidying up and found the starched fabrics all still nice and stiff. I had used the unstarched fabric. :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Margo]

I hadn't used starch since my mum had used it when I was a child. Well about 3 years ago I decided to make a convergence quilt. Having heard and read about the benefits 0f starching your fabric, I bought a spray. Having cut my fabrics in half I pressed and starched the fabric I intended to use. I then set it aside to dry. Later when I came to use it I was surprised that the starch had worn off so quickly as the fabric was quite limp. I cut my fabrics and started piecing the quilt. Much later, possibly days, I was tidying up and found the starched fabrics all still nice and stiff. I had used the unstarched fabric. :roll: :roll: :roll:

:lol: :lol: :lol: Pam, that sounds like something I would do!!