Opinions Please

[maxwellthecat]

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.

[bubba]

I prefer Best Press, unscented, and I only use the mist. Let it set a ten seconds or so, then press it.

[Renate]

unfortunately both products are not available in Switzerland, but I heard a lot of it.

[Sylvia H]

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.

[Iris Girl]

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.

[Bubby]

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.

[yeeehawterri]

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.

[Meghan Plamondon]

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.

[Deegles]

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.

[buckeyequilter]

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.