Quilt in a Day Forums

Hi,
I started ironing my fabric and using spray starch that way it stays stiff. Does anyone use starch you put in the washer or is there such a thing? I have no experience with starch.
Thanks
Kathy

I have never heard of such a thing I know that you can get liquid startch but I don't know that it goes in the washer.

I like Mary Ellen's clear spray starch alternative. It's sold at QIAD and you might want to check your local quilt store.

I don't like starch unless absolutely necessary. I thing it distorts the fabric. I never heard about starch you put in the washing machine.

Oh my! I must be really old. Before there was spray starch, there was starch that went into the washer with the last rinse. I use the spray starch now.

I use sizing .......on every piece of cotton that I work with. I do not use steam...ever. Starch is a bit too much for me, messy and sticky. I ought to own stock in Magic Sizing, LOL Amie )

I remember on tv they had someone say oh no she starched my boxers so I figured that they could put it in the laundry.
I was making a runner and it just kept shifting so I finally ironed the fabric with starch and it seems to have helped.

There is liquid starch still around. I see it at my grocery store. However, it is recommended not to use starch in quilts because starch is organic and bugs will eat the fabric it is on. Sizing is preferred because it is not organic and bugs won't eat it. You might want to reconsider using starch on quilts.

Where do you get sizing? I imagine it is at the grocery store but what is the name?
THanks
Kathy

I have used and liked this tip from a quilters' forum (it could have been this one)on using liquid starch. Pour liquid starch into a Downey favric softener ball and use as one would with fabric softener. It gives the fabric body enough to make for easy ironing. I have been making my own spray starch from liquid starch for several years with good results. Since the quilts I make goes on the grandchildrens beds, I haven't worried about bugs, but that is a consideration if storing quilts.
Love this forum - Mary