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

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???

kwiltnutt wrote:
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

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.

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

Thanks, I was afraid you'd say that. lol

eileenkny wrote:
Eileen, like I said in the very first post here, starch will make your quilt really STIFF! I use both starch and glue for my turned edge machine appliqué, but when I do hand applique, I usually just do needle-turn with prewashed (SOFT!) fabric. Even so, I do use the starch when I make the berries that all of Sue's projects seem to have! When I sew them on by hand, I just take my time and use a really good thimble to push the needle through the fabric.

You might want to try diluting your starch with water so that it's not quite so concentrated. That's why I really like the Sta-Flo brand, because I can mix it as heavy (or light) as I need it for the project at hand.

Margo,
I have another question. I tried using the starch method on some appliques I'm doing. Now the turned edges are so hard I can barely get my needle through them. What am I doing wrong?

I like the Stay-Flo. I like to be able to mix it to the strength I need. I never have good luck with the cans of spray starch. They gum up or something. I just recently tried sizing and did not like it as well. I really don't like the Aunt Becky's. I can do without the fragrances. I recently was putting the blocks together on a group quilt and I could tell when others had used the perfumed sprays. It gives me a headache.

I will stick with Stay Flo. The price is right.

Joann

I have tried sta-flow, sizing, and heavy spray starch. I seem to go back to Mary Ellen's Best Press. No sheen on the fabric, no white "dandruff" , and heavy enough to make my fabric stiff. I buy it by the gallon and it lasts me approximately 8-9 months. Some large grocery stores in the Milwaukee area have stopped stocking sizing. Terrina

I've tried sizing...not stiff enough. I've been using sta-flo. I can make it my own strength and it doesn't cost a fortune like some of the others do. I like that. Rather spend my money on fabric! Sandi

I, too, mostly prefer Magic Sizing to starch. I LOVE the smell of that stuff!

I do use a lot of spray starch on especially troublesome pieces.

I can't imagine not being able to buy sizing or freezer paper! What is this world coming to??

BethMI

Me too, Becky! Sta-Flo is my favorite and I also use it half-and-half. Look for it on the bottom shelf or the very top shelf at Wal-Mart. I've never seen it at eye level where non-quilters would look!

starch is my friend. my fabric must stand at attention before i'll use it. i buy stay flo by the gallon and only dilute it half and half with water. cheap cheap cheap. my husband thinks i should practice on his shirts. silly man.

becky