starching question---how to

[LynnS]

I know this is a really dumb question but I have never starched any of my fabric before. I want to try it. How much do you put on? I bought a spray starch called Faultless Regular Starch. It says on the can to spray lightly and evenly. Should the fabric still feel dry, slightly damp or what? I don't want to use too much but enough so that it works. Is there a rule of thumb or something? When I'm done pieceing the top should I wash it again to get the starch out? Does the starch attract bugs if you leave it in? Thanks for reading.

[Cathy32078]

I just spray lightly all over. Then I rub my hand over it, or iron on the opposite side of fabric. If you see white flakes on your fabric after ironing, just flick them off. There is controvery over whether or not Starch attracts bugs. I have piecing done that I started in 1999 and haven't touched them since. They've been heavily starched and I look often to be sure no bugs are present. None so far.

[qltsbme]

The fabric should feel slightly damp after spraying. Starching the fabric so helps the accuracy of your piecing.

[cindyg]

I just lightly spray and then iron. It really does help with accuracy. It gives the fabric some body.

[quilterbee]

I use sizing instead of starch, starch turns to sugar over time and bugs can eat your quilts. Plus, it's much nicer to the ol' ironing board. Amie

[sewbug]

I use heavy starch, almost full strength liquid I put in a spray bottle. I want my fabric almost cardboard stiff for piecing so it does not shift at all. And I starch my quilt backing and quilt top before layering. I never have puckers or too much fullness when quilting.

[kadie]

Do you all use starch on your quilting fabric? I've never done this. Should I be?

[vagrandma]

Is there a specific brand of starch that should be used? Is spray better than liquid? And also when you use starch do you use steam or dry iron? Thanks for the help.

[Evie]

I like Mary Ellen's clear spray starch alternative. It really makes the fabric smell nice and feel new again.

[LynnS]

I'd like to know about the steam vs dry iron too.

I didn't know you could quilt through heavily starched fabric. I think I'll starch the backing piece I need to cut tonight. I'm working on that Xmas charms quilt.