Margie

I also like to give my fabrics a good starching before I embroider on the machine. Even though I use stablizers, the extra starching seems to give me a nicer finished product.

Margie

boxerlady

I had never heard of statching either, but once I read about it from this forum, I tried it. It makes a big difference. Like others have stated earlier, seams line up easier. The fabric keeps its shape, the finished product looks so much nicer. Try it, you'll like it!

raynhamquilter

Starch! What a great idea--I am going to give this a try. I don't how I let this get past me before. I'm sure I must have heard this before but it just sunk in! I love this board==I look forward to it. Being a new quilter (3 baby size completed)I learn so much. Thanks!

SewExtremeSeams

I just started using Mary Ellen's for a class I was taking. I used half of a bottle just in class alone. It is a nice product but too expensive to use continually.

Here's a homemade starch recipe I found on about.com.

1 heaping tablespoon corn starch, 1 pint cold water, 1-2 drops essential oil (optional for scent of your choice). Mix til cornstarch is completely dissolved. Put in spray bottle.

Some have mentioned keeping this in the refrigerator and shaking it each time you use it.

I haven't used this recipe but I did see it recently posted on a Board question about starch.

What is sizing?

This Board is so beneficial to my quilting. Thanks everyone.

MadQuilter

I generally do not starch my fabric unless I work with bias pieces (they distort too easily). However, starch is my friend when I make circle appliques. I use the lavender-scented starch in the spritz bottle. (Mary Ellen's Best??)

lisalovesquilting

Sizing can be found with starch at stores. It's called Magic Sizing. On the can it says, gives body without stiffness.

SewExtremeSeams

Thanks Lisa

pieces

I have been quilting for 40 years and have never starched any of my fabric. If you buy good quality fabric, I see no reason to have to starch it. I have never read anything about starching in any of the quilt books I have read.
But I suppose there maybe certain techniques that may require starching. But for piecing I don't see why you would need to.
Pieces

penski

after washing my material i iron it with the spray Niagra starch it makes sewing on it so much easier also i will use starch on my seams when pressing them after sewing them

Carol W

Thanks for all the information on starching. Will it make my rotary blade sticky when cutting the fabric?