Which is better? Best Press or Starch? If your answer is Starch, what brand do I get? I don't know if it's just me but, Best Press makes the fabric really wet and I just use the spray. Maybe, I'm holding it in the same spot too long.
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Which is better? Best Press or Starch? If your answer is Starch, what brand do I get? I don't know if it's just me but, Best Press makes the fabric really wet and I just use the spray. Maybe, I'm holding it in the same spot too long.
I prefer Best Press, unscented, and I only use the mist. Let it set a ten seconds or so, then press it.
unfortunately both products are not available in Switzerland, but I heard a lot of it.
I have only used Best Press, as it was recommended by several instructors in various quilting classes. I know that if you use starch, it is absolutely necessary to wash your finished project. Starch will attract silverfish, as it is a food source for them. (Ugh!)
I did have one instructor who had us almost soak our material in Best Press before ironing. I don't do this, but I do agree that it makes the fabric very wet. If I need to "starch" the whole piece of fabric (instead of just using Best Press to get rid of some folds or wrinkles), I will spray the fabric and let it sit for 2 - 3 minutes before ironing. If I need more "starch", I will then spray the opposite side of the material, wait 2 - 3 minutes, and then iron again.
I have never used best press the cost is prohibitive for me. I use starch from a recipe our dear Blondie posted here. Works wonderful and I can scent however I like or not at all.
I usually use Best Press but sometimes I also use Bounce Ironing Spray or Faultless Maxx (non-aerosol) if I need to make something stiff. BP is my favorite and it's available locally.
I've used them all, and have been using Magic Sizing for about the last year or so. The Magic Sizing is about a dollar and change a can and goes a long way. If I run out of Magic Sizing, I just use liquid starch I mix up in a squirt bottle. They work just as well as Best Press at a fraction of the expense. I do prefer the Magic Sizing over the liquid starch.
Yeeehawterri, can you please tell me more about how you mix up your bottles of liquide starch? I had a women pick me up some because she uses it, and now I dont know the ratio of how to mix it right. On the bottles they mostly talk about using it full strength for making stiff ribbons and the like. Since I only see the woman who gave it to me at my guild meeting, it will be awhile before I can find out. Thanks.
I have used the cheapo aerosol spray starch that you get at the grocery store called Faultless. I make sure I turn down the steam on my iron. It costs less than 2 bucks. The can lasts me a long time.
I have used both. Best Press is nice and smells good but is pricey. I generally use Faultless starch, especially if I'm working with bias cuts. I haven't tried Magic Sizing on quilts but I have used it on clothing, will have to give it a try.
Ditto but never had mixed my own.Quote:
Originally Posted by yeeehawterri
I've been using Best Press for several years. I buy the large bottle to refill my spray bottle. Since I use it sparingly, it lasts a long time. I use it mostly on the folds of the fabric or for stubborn wrinkles. I've never used "starch" of any kind.
I mix about half and half, I'm lazy and just eyeball it. HUGE savings if you like to keep your fabric crisp for sewing. I also add a little lavender essential oil for fragrance, just because I like the scent.
I love BP and use it for those stubborn creases and folds that won't come out any other way. I also buy the large, gallon sized bottle and refill my smaller bottle. Use it sparingly and with a light hand, no soaking the fabric. It is helpful for those fussy, tiny blocks where the fabric just needs a little stiffness.
Thank you all, I started using the BP lavender but, it was too strong for my asthma so, I used unscented and I like it but, when the fabric gets wet, does it distort the fabric? What should I put my iron on. Wish me luck. :)
I'm a newbie without much experience, but I got Best Press Unscented and really like it. I only mist it, not the side im going to iron, and let it soak into the fibers for a minute before pressing. I've read about a similar one called Flatter, it sounds better but is pricier. I'm going to try it but will likely get the giant refill of BP after that because of the price.
I can't use starch as its all made from corn, and I'm allergic. I've thought about experimenting with rice starch making my own, but being a beginner I am using it infrequently and don't want to mix it on demand so I'll save that for when I'm going to press some yardage maybe. I've read of people using watered down vodka, I wonder how that works!