Starch???

[tamsterg7]

While reading Mia's thread regarding mini irons I saw one comment indicating that the starch resided by the regular ironing board - which prompts my question.....am I supposed to be spray starching my pieces after they are together? Oh no.........I finished my first official quilt top (lap size) and I didn't starch anything!!!!

Ok - it's my first so boo-boos allowed, but going forward, please tell me when/why I starch. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.

Tami

[Patrice]

you don't have to use starch. it is a personal preference. some use it some don't. i will usually use it if I am working with cheaper fabric and I use it before i cut my fabric

[Leigh]

I like to use it when I am pressing over my edges. It makes a nice sharp crease and helps me piece more neatly. Especially if my fabric is a bit stretchy. But no one NEEDS to use it....... And actually I use Best Press not real starch.

[janluna]

You can starch but it's better if you use the Best press sizing. The starch has sugar in it and when you store your quilt it will call silver fish bugs which will eat your quilt. It doesn't seem to happen with the best press. Hugs, Jan L

[Loonwatcher]

I use it before i cut my fabric

Why? Does it help keep the fabric in place (no slipping)?

[Patrice]

no its just if you want a nice crisp feel before you start cutting or like leigh said if you have stretchy fabric it helps keep it in place. actually I probably use it more after my blocks are done and before I sew them together. I will starch them and then square them all up and make sure they are all the same size and then sew them together. Jan thanks for the tip about the silverfish. I will not be using it anymore. Gonna have to find this Best press i guess. Can you find it in the grocery store?

[tamsterg7]

Thanks to everybody! I saw the Best press (I think) at my Hancocks - so I will invest in some of that next time I am there!

[Mia]

Hi Patrice....... I've had a bit of a problem finding Best Press ( and I agree it's excellent......and comes in many fragrances too... yum). I finally found it at my LQS.

Hugs
Mia

[jrchapman]

It can really help if you're sewing seams on the bias to stop them distorting.

[chickiez]

FYI....Joann Fabrics sells it on line. Just ordered a gallon and used my 40% coupon. Great deal!