Thank you for this awesome video. I have watched it several times to reinforce my process. Yes, it is time consuming to prep all the fabric for a project; but it is well worth it. I first wash and dry the fabrics, on cold gentle & low heat. I wash similar colors together and use a Color Catcher to be sure colors don't bleed. Then I use your liquid starch process. Since I wash fabric first, I generally don't have a bleed problem. In addition I have found some other tools that really help: Another quilter I follow, Leah Day, has 2 videos that really help. One is a process for 'squaring up' fabric to be sure your cuts will be straight of grain. The other video is how to make a pressing board. Having a rigid surface helps keep fabric from distorting during pressing. Using the processes from both of these videos has really helped improve my cutting and helps get accurate pieces. (Leah uses spray starch, and I like Simple Quilter liquid starch process better.) A couple of other 'tools' that have helped are: a wool pressing mat because it really conducts the heat through the fabric when I'm pressing seams. And also a non-stick pressing sheet. I bought this for a t-shirt quilt to keep from lifting any vinyl lettering and also for applique. But I have found that it keeps my iron & pressing board from collecting starch when I press prepped fabric, especially since I water mist the fabric to kind of 're-activate' the starch. The sheets are easily washed to remove the starch. The sheets also help with avoiding scorching, but you still have to be mindful. A couple other tools are an Olfa cutting mat. I didn't think there was a difference in self-healing mats until I tried my friend's Olfa mat. There is something about the Olfa surface that keeps fabric from slipping!!! It's well worth the extra price. There are several things from Guidelines4Quilting that I use: The Quilt ruler Upgrade kit that includes strips to keep your rulers from slipping and ruler guide to cut accurate strips every time. I have their rulers on my wish list when I'm ready to replace my main ruler. They also have tools to help set your sewing machine needle to various seam widths. Sorry for the long post - but I LOVE your practical tips!!! I know videoing is a time consuming process, but we really appreciate it.
Thank you for all the info. You mentioned pre-washing, which I like. It helps with bleeding colors. I usually put a piece of fabric in very hot water, let the water cool then spin dry and then dry on hot in dryer. (I expect my quilts to be used thus washed and dried.) do you pre shrink then starch and hang to dry? I can’t seem to find the answer to this conundrum of mine. Thanks.
I usually starch on my covered back porch, I have an old tablecloth I put on a picnic table and then saturate my fabric , I then hang them up to dry . Thank you for teaching , as a new quilter I’m learning much from you
Thank you so much for demonstrating this, Michelle! I dip starch with StaFlo also and will continue to do so instead of trying the spray starch. I think you’re right, that the liquid is less expensive overall. One thing I have found when dip starching is to start with my lightest fabrics first and progressively get darker as the darker fabric may bleed a bit. But starching truly is a game changer for more accurate quilting, for me anyway.
I have just in the last couple months moved to the starch community! It has made a big difference. I do use Sta-Flo, but spray it, I don’t dunk it. I spray it in my walk in shower and let it dry on dryer racks overnight.
I use a small garden sprayer that I bought from the hardware store. I had to be careful which one I got because some of the sprayers have a really wide spray radius. I wanted one that was fully adjustable so I could control it to just hit the fabric and not go all over the shower and waste the starch.
This can clog your drains so be sure to put a sheet down to throw in the washing machine at some point. Especially if you have a septic tank. Just be conscious of these 2 things
I’ve been on the fence with spray starch so thank you for the liquid starch review and demo. Currently I am using Best Press and I do like that. I am a newbie and working on my first quilt. Thank you for your videos.
I found faultless at Home Depot cheaper than the grocery store. In a pinch I’ve also used the starch at dollar tree I’ve also made my own starch love your videos
One thing to consider with spray in the bottle you get much less than using liquid like sta-flo you can saturate your material with a hand held atomomizer spray bottle just as well as with an aerosols can and you don’t have the issue of using aerosols. I love the sta-flo when I have starched my fabric. I mix half and half. My main thing is when I first sprayed I sprayed like I used to when starching our clothes. Made a mess as was wet. Letting fabric dry is a must. Have to say I am liking the starching. I haven’t saturated and not sure I will but I do see a difference with what I have done. I also have the best press and I also like it. For me it is a matter of cost.
Back in the "olden days", hahaaa, like 1950's and early '60's, we starched our blouses and shirts, dipping in a basin of diluted liquid starch, hang to dry. When it was time to iron you would dampen lightly with water in a sprinkler bottle, roll up and let sit a while in a plastic bag for about 30 mins. or longer. There's no flaking with this method. I believe the flaking with spray starch is from the product not having time to saturate the fibers. Best Press is sizing, not starch, it gives fabric a smooth finish without stiffening it. (Some people make their own, using vodka+water. I have no idea if this is good or not, I probably will not try it. Google it if you're interested in finding a formula and good luck with it. BTW, when ironing a starched item, do not let the iron sit too long on the piece as it will scorch. Thanks for all of your very helpful videos.
I personally love to starch and sew with stay flow. But I don’t soak in a tub and let air dry. I’m to impatient for that. I mix together inside a spray bottle. The best spray bottle I have found is an empty used Mr. Clean mist bottle. My other bottle clogged up and I need a new one quickly so I tried it. I’m very happy to report that my recycled spray bottle has not clogged an I have been using the same bottle for 2 years. I soak with the fine mist Mr Clean Spray Bottle on the back of the fabric and smooth out with my hand and then iron. With light pressure. If you end up using the Mr. Clean spray bottle take off the plastic label. It’s clear underneath and you can see your starch mixture. Also I don’t measure Stay Flow and admit that I rarely do 50-50. I it’s properly more 60 stay flow and 40 water. Also it’s fine in bottle I haven’t had a problem with starch going bad or clogging up sprayer. Hope this helps. I love your channel and I know how you like to reuse and recycle things around the house. P. S. Flakes don’t usually happen to me I think the smoothing by hand before ironing helps and I iron on wrong side of fabric
Thank you for all the great advice. Sounds like spraying would be time consuming and expensive. Soaking the fabric in the water/starch mixture sounds like the way to go. The update on what others thought was nice, I like to do aplique with the adhesive and didn't know it would be an issue with starched fabric. Not a fan of hand sewing, but it was good to have that knowledge. Thank you again. Very informative.
Thank you for showing different kinds of products for starching. I did buy the liquid starch, but haven't used it yet. I have only used the spray from Walmart. I'm thinking that when I have a big batch of starching to do, the liquid looks like the best for me. Love your channel and knowledge. Keep it coming...please! 🙂
I put my liquid starch in a spray bottle instead of dipping my fabric in a container of starch. Haven’t used on large pieces so far. Your method looks good.
Another great "tips" video! I havent got into pre-starching quite yet, except for one more recently. I Best Pressed the dickins out of a bunch of fat quarters prior to running through my Accuquilt. Definitely not cost effective! My plan is to buy starch and a dedicated misting bottle create my own potion, such as your dunking method, then spray like you did, and like I did with those fat quarters. Thanks for your videos!
I have been a spray can pre-starcher for almost 40 years. Recently I saw a tutorial recommending diluted liquid StaFlo, saturating fabric, hanging to dry, and then steam pressing. First of all, I never realized how erratic the canned spray pattern was until I held fabric up - sections wet, other areas missed entirely. The other issue was the annoying routine of ironing the starch wet areas dry (with the inevitable sticking). Inhaling spray was a concern. Lastly was the cost. On the other side, my old hands can’t manage the hand-squeeze pump bottles of off-the-shelf liquid starch pump sprayers. I bought a bottle of StaFlo for $4 at Walmart, diluted it half & half, and put it in a garden pressure pump sprayer. I hang fabric, give it a good spray, let it dry, and steam press. I’ll never go back to my old way.
What do you hang your fabric on? I think you should always do what works for you! I like the Staflo method. I will consider the garden pressure pump sprayer! Thanks for sharing!
I love your drying rack! ❤ Once you mix your STA-FLO starch with water, have you ever poured it into a spray bottle and then just sprayed your fabric with it? For example say, like a touch up on a finished quilt block??
No I haven't. I was afraid the spray starch would settle. I was also afraid the nozzle would get clogged. Does that work for you? I will put an Amazon link in the video description for the drying rack if you are interested.
@@thesimplequilter7499 I have put diluted 1/3 ratio Sta Flo in a spray bottle for quick starching or refreshing. Works great. My normal procedure is as you do with dunking in bowl of starch. I hang in shower area with string crisscrossing the area. Makes for interesting positions when taking a shower. I think I'll have to get a drying rack like yours. Thanks for the link.
I mix my Staflo half starch half water. Put into spray bottle. You need to shake it up after it sits awhile. I spray,allow to dry, iron and set to go. I haven’t soaked.
Thank you for your informative videos! Just one question. Years ago I heard that fabrics that are starched attract damaging bugs but that Best Press doesn’t. I suppose washing the completed quilt might take care of it, but I confess that I sometimes have long-term ufos 🤭 Any thoughts?
Really good video. Stay flow is a corn starch product that could attract bugs to your finished quilt.....so I've heard. Washing after the quilt is complete should alleviate this, I hope. Either way, I would love to hear from a fabric historian on this. Any of you out there who could comment???
Deborah, I personally don’t think the starch will attract bugs unless the place you store your quilts already has a bug issue. I have never heard a quilter say this was an issue. That is just my opinion though. Most of my quilts are made to be used so they will get washed.
I starch on any surface I can find outside on my deck. I find that a towel draped over the railing works great. And yes, I let air dry completely draped all over the pattio furniture. I have never had any issues with bleeding colors or dripping or anything like that. I also use binding clips to slip to my porch awning if it isn't too windy. I buy whatever brand that is sold at $General bc it is cheap. lol I do like the heavy kind though.
Handquilting the spray type has not been a concern. Just a light hand is suggested. Definitely protect your surfaces with a spray starch because your floor becomes slippery too. If you use it near your ironing board have a bit of wax paper handy to rub your hot iron to help keep it smooth or clean. If badly gunked up the wad up tinfoil with iron hot iron over it to clean. Just be mindful that you are not damaging your iron. We all have our own techniques and love seeing the sharing.
Once I found a tutorial about the liquid sta flo starch I never looked back. Cheap and environmentally safer than aerosol cans which I refuse to buy. Thank you for NOT choosing an aerosol over the liquid you are being smart.
Thank you for investigating work you did for all of us. I was taught to spray the starch on the back of the fabric so this is what I do. I use stiff starch if I am cutting fabric on the bias such as hexes. I also use a plastic table cloth to spray the starch on the fabric. They are cheap and reusable a few times. Quick question - can I starch a long length of fabric with StaFlo in the rinse cycle of my washing machine? I heard this once, but afraid to try it. Thank you again.
I love your idea of using plastic table clothes!!! Then we can just wipe them off!!! I have never heard of starching in a washing machine. Personally, I would not try it because I am not sure what that much liquid starch would do to the washing machine tubes/drains and the drain pipes in our house. It may not even be an issue, but I am not willing to try it to find out! LOL! Let me know what you think!
Thank you! I heard that if you starch precuts, like layer cakes, etc., they will shrink on one side of the fabric only. Not sure if it was the straight of the grain or not. But one side shrinks. Have you experienced this?
Great tips. I understand how to spray starch if i'm using fat quarters. Lay the fat quarter down and spray the whole fat quarter. But what about if I have 1 yard of fabric and I have to cut several sizes out. Do I spray the whole yard? Or do i cut a 4-1/2 cut bigger. Such as cut out a 5" piece of starched fabric and then cut it to the correct size.
Great video. Very informative. I will definately try starching. The comments too are interesting. My question is what about after. Do you wash your quilts after to get the starch out? Should we be worried about bugs? Thanks again Michelle.
Deborah, I personally don't think you have to worry about bugs unless you have an infestation of silverfish, carpet beetles, ants, crickets or cockroaches. This is a concern in some areas. I was afraid to pre-starch because of bugs; however, I have not heard one quilter who pre-starches mention an issue with bugs. Now, I will take my chance because I like pre-starching. Once you wash your quilt, the starch will be gone. I think it is important to keep a good eye on our stored quilts by refolding them, inspecting them on occasion, and keeping them clean.
I have been using the sta-flo 50/50 and think it works great my only issue is when plaids or stripes dry the lines get distorted. I use a rack like yours and try to hang the fabric straight as possible but that has not worked to solve the problem. do you have any suggestions to help with this? I just found your channel and really enjoy your straight forward clear and informative style. Thank you!
I'm just beginning my quilting journey. I am wondering about cutting and starching background fabric . Do you cut the background into 1/2 yard or 1 yard or other size sections prior to starching, or do you leave it in the original yardage piece and starch the entire piece at one time? BTW, great video, as usual. You are quickly becoming my "go to" person to learn from - you are very knowledgeable and explain techniques in an easy way. Thank you!
I think that you will have to try to see what works best for you. If you are doing a large amount of starching you could do a yard or more at a time. I have only down fat quarters and smaller longer pieces and just did them all at once. Thanks for watching my channel and thanks for taking the time to comment! I'm glad you are enjoying my videos!
Question - Can you save the remaining liquid starch mix for a future starching session? Or, do you pour it down the drain? I wouldn't want to waste anything given the cost of life these days.
I mix and keep in spray bottle until it is used up then wash out the bottle and refill. I have never had any problems. You have to shake up as it does separate.
I try to be careful and try to use it all. Another viewer said it could clog drains and I read that also after receiving that comment so I will not be pouring mine down the drain. I think I am going to designate a spray bottle just for the left over and try using the remaining in it. I have not tried it yet. I think I will use the mister bottles. The starch may clog any spray bottle up. I won't know until I try. Great questions!
It seems that Purex Sta Flo is no longer available. Can you suggest another option? Amazon has Linit Starch, but some commenters said that it did not get fabric stiff enough.
I have been quilting for 30+ years and while I do use Stay Flo in a fine mist bottle I have never dipped it as you showed. What is the advantage to doing this? And while you mention various reasons not to use starch , you never actually say in what instances you do use it for. Could you please elaborate? I’m thinking Lone Star or other biased cut blocks but would like your thoughts. Thanks for the video 👏
After I asked, I went to your channel and saw that you did a video on why to pre starch. My apologies for not checking sooner though it may be beneficial to reiterate some of the points or reference that video so people understand why you are recommending pre starching. I just found you and will check out all your videos before butting in with silly redundant comments. Thanks again!
I think pre-starching would help when working with bias edges; however, you will still need to handle your fabric very gently and press gently. Also, be careful how you lift it if it is going to be a big quilt.
Yes the fabric will shrink after starching and/or ironing. When I say ironing I mean when steam or a spray bottle is used. If the fabric has been prewashed then it should not shrink much or any at all. Here is a video of mine that will help provide more information on fabric shrinkage if you are interested:
Hey Michelle, I have a question for you...not really pertaining to this video. But hope you don't mind me asking it here. I am pretty sure I remember that you use Mary Ellen's Best Press sometimes. My question is, have you ever put it in your mist spray bottle. I wondered if it sprayed through it without clogging up the nozzle. I am tempted to try because the best press spray bottle just sprays too much.
Thank you so much for the quick reply...I didn't think it would but did not want to.ruin it without having another on hand. But after I ask, I thought even if it did I could probably have soaked it in hot water and cleared it out.
I hang on the shower rod, but a drying rack could fit in the tub. For precuts you can’t wash, I love soaking them with starch, drying and steam ironing, the way Kimberly does, but fat quarters and bigger, I pre wash and starch.
I diluted it more with water and poured it down the drain. Perhaps I should put it in a spray bottle; however, I used regular tap water and it will get slimy. I did not realize starch could clog drains. I will research to see how to best dispose of it.
@@thesimplequilter7499- I use a distilled or spring water from Walmart or Dollar store to mix mine. Prevents the “slime” that comes from tap water. The water I purchase is under $1. Great to have on hand for refilling my irons.
Love your show! Thanks for the great info. I use spray starch, but I will give the sta-Flo a try! Your info answered some of the questions I have had with my block shrinkage!
I always thought that would be an issue; however, from what I have read, that will only be an problem if you have a big problem already with those bugs in your area. I have never heard a quilter say they had a bug problem in their fabric due to pre-starching. The starch will come out as soon as you wash the quilt. I also think it is wise to keep the bug populations at bay in your house and quilt room. I hope this helps! Thanks for watching!
You didn’t mention shrinking in the video. Could you possibly do another video to address shrinking and which fabrics to not starch because of shrinking? I have heard, not tried yet…that Flatter does not shrink.
I have done a video on shrinkage in quilt fabric. In the experiments I have tried on quilt fabric, all fabric shrunk when exposed to liquid (steam, starch, fabric that had been misted with water then pressed). You could easily test Flatter in you home using the same procedure I did.
Starches can clog up your septic tank over time or your drains. Be sure to not layer your starched fabrics. I had bleeding before I could take it to the drying rack. Ruined one fabric everywhere it touched other fabrics and it was corrals, cream and a tan. I was using batiks so could use it for scrap projects but not in the quilt I was working on. The coral bled as pink. Better to have done it then and not when giving as a gift it was meant for. Shows projects need washed as well before gifting.
I have experienced the same with layering a fabric when starching. I did not realize one was touching two others on my rack and it ruined them. I have had more issues this past year with fabrics bleeding than any other time in my quilting life, and yes some quilt shop fabrics can and do bleed.
I know quilters who starch all of their quilting cottons, & others who don't. It's sort of like “to prewash or not to prewash?” Kimberly Jolly (Fat Quarter Shop) is a definite believer in searching. I saw a video she did sometime ago, showing how she starches. She uses one of her bathrooms to hang her fabrics - everywhere! It’s very interesting. One of the positive attributes is, as you said, it’s easier to handle. It also pre-shrinks the fabrics. I would not shrink any small pieces (less than fat quarters) - especially for kits. My concern would be that there would be an issue with adequate fabric - how do we know that the company that makes these kits took into consideration that some of us may starch and others may not? That shrinkage could pose a real problem. I like the products you've chosen. I think my overall choice would be “Sta Flo.” Do you have any thoughts on my comment? I appreciate you so much. THANK YOU🫶
@@thesimplequilter7499 Have you ever used Retayne to set the colors. I haven't tried it before but I bought some Kaffe Fassett fabric that has a lot of pinks in it and was wondering if I should try that. I don't prewash but always wash my quilts after they're finished. This will be a gift so I'd hate for the fabric to run.
P.S. Thank you for your demonstrations! I am 79 and a new quilter!🥰
That is fantastic!!!
Thank you for this awesome video. I have watched it several times to reinforce my process. Yes, it is time consuming to prep all the fabric for a project; but it is well worth it. I first wash and dry the fabrics, on cold gentle & low heat. I wash similar colors together and use a Color Catcher to be sure colors don't bleed. Then I use your liquid starch process. Since I wash fabric first, I generally don't have a bleed problem.
In addition I have found some other tools that really help: Another quilter I follow, Leah Day, has 2 videos that really help. One is a process for 'squaring up' fabric to be sure your cuts will be straight of grain. The other video is how to make a pressing board. Having a rigid surface helps keep fabric from distorting during pressing. Using the processes from both of these videos has really helped improve my cutting and helps get accurate pieces. (Leah uses spray starch, and I like Simple Quilter liquid starch process better.)
A couple of other 'tools' that have helped are: a wool pressing mat because it really conducts the heat through the fabric when I'm pressing seams. And also a non-stick pressing sheet. I bought this for a t-shirt quilt to keep from lifting any vinyl lettering and also for applique. But I have found that it keeps my iron & pressing board from collecting starch when I press prepped fabric, especially since I water mist the fabric to kind of 're-activate' the starch. The sheets are easily washed to remove the starch. The sheets also help with avoiding scorching, but you still have to be mindful.
A couple other tools are an Olfa cutting mat. I didn't think there was a difference in self-healing mats until I tried my friend's Olfa mat. There is something about the Olfa surface that keeps fabric from slipping!!! It's well worth the extra price. There are several things from Guidelines4Quilting that I use: The Quilt ruler Upgrade kit that includes strips to keep your rulers from slipping and ruler guide to cut accurate strips every time. I have their rulers on my wish list when I'm ready to replace my main ruler. They also have tools to help set your sewing machine needle to various seam widths.
Sorry for the long post - but I LOVE your practical tips!!! I know videoing is a time consuming process, but we really appreciate it.
Thanks for sharing your process, I love how detailed you are, and I'm glad I was helpful!
Thank you for all the info. You mentioned pre-washing, which I like. It helps with bleeding colors. I usually put a piece of fabric in very hot water, let the water cool then spin dry and then dry on hot in dryer. (I expect my quilts to be used thus washed and dried.) do you pre shrink then starch and hang to dry? I can’t seem to find the answer to this conundrum of mine. Thanks.
I usually starch on my covered back porch, I have an old tablecloth I put on a picnic table and then saturate my fabric , I then hang them up to dry . Thank you for teaching , as a new quilter I’m learning much from you
You are most welcome! Thanks for watching!!! and taking the time to comment!
I bought a pressure sparyer on Amazon for using the Stay Flo starch, makes the job much easier, faster and less wrinkles.
I like that!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Can you share which sprayer you got?
Thank you so much for demonstrating this, Michelle! I dip starch with StaFlo also and will continue to do so instead of trying the spray starch. I think you’re right, that the liquid is less expensive overall. One thing I have found when dip starching is to start with my lightest fabrics first and progressively get darker as the darker fabric may bleed a bit. But starching truly is a game changer for more accurate quilting, for me anyway.
I have been watching to see if any fabric bleeds and so far I have not seen that.
I have just in the last couple months moved to the starch community! It has made a big difference. I do use Sta-Flo, but spray it, I don’t dunk it. I spray it in my walk in shower and let it dry on dryer racks overnight.
Thanks for sharing!
What did you use to spray your Sta-Flo?
I use a small garden sprayer that I bought from the hardware store. I had to be careful which one I got because some of the sprayers have a really wide spray radius. I wanted one that was fully adjustable so I could control it to just hit the fabric and not go all over the shower and waste the starch.
This can clog your drains so be sure to put a sheet down to throw in the washing machine at some point. Especially if you have a septic tank. Just be conscious of these 2 things
Liquid starch in a spray bottle us what I used since 1960. Worked great on Navy white uniforms.
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been on the fence with spray starch so thank you for the liquid starch review and demo. Currently I am using Best Press and I do like that. I am a newbie and working on my first quilt. Thank you for your videos.
You are most welcome! Just remember even Best Press and steam will shrink your fabric.
I found faultless at Home Depot cheaper than the grocery store. In a pinch I’ve also used the starch at dollar tree I’ve also made my own starch love your videos
Thanks Karen!
One thing to consider with spray in the bottle you get much less than using liquid like sta-flo you can saturate your material with a hand held atomomizer spray bottle just as well as with an aerosols can and you don’t have the issue of using aerosols. I love the sta-flo when I have starched my fabric. I mix half and half. My main thing is when I first sprayed I sprayed like I used to when starching our clothes. Made a mess as was wet. Letting fabric dry is a must. Have to say I am liking the starching. I haven’t saturated and not sure I will but I do see a difference with what I have done. I also have the best press and I also like it. For me it is a matter of cost.
Great points! Thanks for sharing!
@@MyJuki7363 I do not use best press to pre starch only to set my finished block or stubborn wrinkles
If you have flaking just use a green scrubby. I keep one with my ironing supplies just in case. Niagara usually only flakes if still wet when ironing
Thanks for sharing that tip!
Back in the "olden days", hahaaa, like 1950's and early '60's, we starched our blouses and shirts, dipping in a basin of diluted liquid starch, hang to dry. When it was time to iron you would dampen lightly with water in a sprinkler bottle, roll up and let sit a while in a plastic bag for about 30 mins. or longer. There's no flaking with this method. I believe the flaking with spray starch is from the product not having time to saturate the fibers. Best Press is sizing, not starch, it gives fabric a smooth finish without stiffening it. (Some people make their own, using vodka+water. I have no idea if this is good or not, I probably will not try it. Google it if you're interested in finding a formula and good luck with it.
BTW, when ironing a starched item, do not let the iron sit too long on the piece as it will scorch.
Thanks for all of your very helpful videos.
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching and sharing!
Love the bird sounds in the background!
Me too!
I really appreciate the practical way you approach your topics. As usual, tons of great information! Thanks for sharing.
I appreciate that! Thanks so much Katherine!!
I personally love to starch and sew with stay flow. But I don’t soak in a tub and let air dry. I’m to impatient for that. I mix together inside a spray bottle. The best spray bottle I have found is an empty used Mr. Clean mist bottle. My other bottle clogged up and I need a new one quickly so I tried it. I’m very happy to report that my recycled spray bottle has not clogged an I have been using the same bottle for 2 years. I soak with the fine mist Mr Clean Spray Bottle on the back of the fabric and smooth out with my hand and then iron. With light pressure. If you end up using the Mr. Clean spray bottle take off the plastic label. It’s clear underneath and you can see your starch mixture. Also I don’t measure Stay Flow and admit that I rarely do 50-50. I it’s properly more 60 stay flow and 40 water. Also it’s fine in bottle I haven’t had a problem with starch going bad or clogging up sprayer.
Hope this helps. I love your channel and I know how you like to reuse and recycle things around the house.
P. S. Flakes don’t usually happen to me I think the smoothing by hand before ironing helps and I iron on wrong side of fabric
Thank you for sharing! Great tips!
Thank you for all the great advice. Sounds like spraying would be time consuming and expensive. Soaking the fabric in the water/starch mixture sounds like the way to go. The update on what others thought was nice, I like to do aplique with the adhesive and didn't know it would be an issue with starched fabric. Not a fan of hand sewing, but it was good to have that knowledge. Thank you again. Very informative.
You are most welcome!
Thank you for showing different kinds of products for starching. I did buy the liquid starch, but haven't used it yet. I have only used the spray from Walmart. I'm thinking that when I have a big batch of starching to do, the liquid looks like the best for me. Love your channel and knowledge. Keep it coming...please! 🙂
You are so welcome! I’m so glad you are enjoying my videos!
Yes, don’t “wring.” I made that mistake and wringing can distort the fabric grain. I also prefer using StaFlo liquid. Thanks for videos!
Yes!
I put my liquid starch in a spray bottle instead of dipping my fabric in a container of starch. Haven’t used on large pieces so far. Your method looks good.
I have started using a garden sprayer when I have a lot to starch!
Thank you for all the information on starching Michelle! 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
You are so welcome!
Another great "tips" video! I havent got into pre-starching quite yet, except for one more recently. I Best Pressed the dickins out of a bunch of fat quarters prior to running through my Accuquilt. Definitely not cost effective! My plan is to buy starch and a dedicated misting bottle create my own potion, such as your dunking method, then spray like you did, and like I did with those fat quarters. Thanks for your videos!
You are welcome!
I have been a spray can pre-starcher for almost 40 years. Recently I saw a tutorial recommending diluted liquid StaFlo, saturating fabric, hanging to dry, and then steam pressing.
First of all, I never realized how erratic the canned spray pattern was until I held fabric up - sections wet, other areas missed entirely. The other issue was the annoying routine of ironing the starch wet areas dry (with the inevitable sticking). Inhaling spray was a concern. Lastly was the cost. On the other side, my old hands can’t manage the hand-squeeze pump bottles of off-the-shelf liquid starch pump sprayers.
I bought a bottle of StaFlo for $4 at Walmart, diluted it half & half, and put it in a garden pressure pump sprayer. I hang fabric, give it a good spray, let it dry, and steam press. I’ll never go back to my old way.
What do you hang your fabric on? I think you should always do what works for you! I like the Staflo method. I will consider the garden pressure pump sprayer! Thanks for sharing!
That is helpful!
Thank you for this info…I am new quilter…as in thinking (more like over thinking)about my project!
You are so welcome!
Thanks for doing this video and breaking all this down. Lots of good info!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing your experience with the various starches. This was very helpful.
You are so welcome!
I love your drying rack! ❤ Once you mix your STA-FLO starch with water, have you ever poured it into a spray bottle and then just sprayed your fabric with it? For example say, like a touch up on a finished quilt block??
No I haven't. I was afraid the spray starch would settle. I was also afraid the nozzle would get clogged. Does that work for you? I will put an Amazon link in the video description for the drying rack if you are interested.
@@thesimplequilter7499 I have put diluted 1/3 ratio Sta Flo in a spray bottle for quick starching or refreshing. Works great. My normal procedure is as you do with dunking in bowl of starch. I hang in shower area with string crisscrossing the area. Makes for interesting positions when taking a shower. I think I'll have to get a drying rack like yours. Thanks for the link.
I mix my Staflo half starch half water. Put into spray bottle. You need to shake it up after it sits awhile. I spray,allow to dry, iron and set to go. I haven’t soaked.
Thank you for your informative videos! Just one question. Years ago I heard that fabrics that are starched attract damaging bugs but that Best Press doesn’t. I suppose washing the completed quilt might take care of it, but I confess that I sometimes have long-term ufos 🤭 Any thoughts?
Really good video. Stay flow is a corn starch product that could attract bugs to your finished quilt.....so I've heard. Washing after the quilt is complete should alleviate this, I hope. Either way, I would love to hear from a fabric historian on this. Any of you out there who could comment???
Deborah, I personally don’t think the starch will attract bugs unless the place you store your quilts already has a bug issue. I have never heard a quilter say this was an issue. That is just my opinion though. Most of my quilts are made to be used so they will get washed.
I would put a tray or container under the drying rack to catch the starch that drips off the fabric. Put the run off back into your starch container.
I do put a towel under the rack when I starch in the garage. I don't have many drips.
I’ve never starch first I’ve been wanting to try it I’m new been sewing for a year and learning a lot thanks for sharing
You’re welcome 😊
I starch on any surface I can find outside on my deck. I find that a towel draped over the railing works great. And yes, I let air dry completely draped all over the pattio furniture. I have never had any issues with bleeding colors or dripping or anything like that. I also use binding clips to slip to my porch awning if it isn't too windy. I buy whatever brand that is sold at $General bc it is cheap. lol I do like the heavy kind though.
Starching on your patio is a great idea! I like the heavier starch also!
Handquilting the spray type has not been a concern. Just a light hand is suggested. Definitely protect your surfaces with a spray starch because your floor becomes slippery too. If you use it near your ironing board have a bit of wax paper handy to rub your hot iron to help keep it smooth or clean. If badly gunked up the wad up tinfoil with iron hot iron over it to clean. Just be mindful that you are not damaging your iron. We all have our own techniques and love seeing the sharing.
Great ideas! Thank you so much for sharing!
Once I found a tutorial about the liquid sta flo starch I never looked back. Cheap and environmentally safer than aerosol cans which I refuse to buy. Thank you for NOT choosing an aerosol over the liquid you are being smart.
Thanks for sharing!
I use stay flow mixed and put in a spray bottle works great
Good to know!
Your instructions and demonstration are well thought out. What a fine video.
Thank you!
Thank you tons! I will have to find my drying rack! Hope i didn't get rid of it lol
Enjoy!
I soak lightest first to darkest colors in Staflo. The darker colors can bleed. I plan on trying putting it in a spray bottle as some have suggested.
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
So far, I really like faultless spray starch in the luxe finish. I also use Maryellen’s best press to relax the fibers before starching.
Thanks for sharing!!
I all ways wash n spray my fabric works great
Thanks for sharing!!!
Thank you for investigating work you did for all of us. I was taught to spray the starch on the back of the fabric so this is what I do. I use stiff starch if I am cutting fabric on the bias such as hexes. I also use a plastic table cloth to spray the starch on the fabric. They are cheap and reusable a few times. Quick question - can I starch a long length of fabric with StaFlo in the rinse cycle of my washing machine? I heard this once, but afraid to try it. Thank you again.
I love your idea of using plastic table clothes!!! Then we can just wipe them off!!! I have never heard of starching in a washing machine. Personally, I would not try it because I am not sure what that much liquid starch would do to the washing machine tubes/drains and the drain pipes in our house. It may not even be an issue, but I am not willing to try it to find out! LOL! Let me know what you think!
Thank you! I heard that if you starch precuts, like layer cakes, etc., they will shrink on one side of the fabric only. Not sure if it was the straight of the grain or not. But one side shrinks. Have you experienced this?
The fabric shrinks on the crosswise grain. That is why you only see shrinkage one “one side”. It shrinks on both sides of crosswise grain.
Great tips. I understand how to spray starch if i'm using fat quarters. Lay the fat quarter down and spray the whole fat quarter. But what about if I have 1 yard of fabric and I have to cut several sizes out. Do I spray the whole yard? Or do i cut a 4-1/2 cut bigger. Such as cut out a 5" piece of starched fabric and then cut it to the correct size.
You can do it either way.
Thanks for sharing the information. I learned a lot
I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Great video. Very informative. I will definately try starching. The comments too are interesting. My question is what about after. Do you wash your quilts after to get the starch out? Should we be worried about
bugs? Thanks again Michelle.
Deborah, I personally don't think you have to worry about bugs unless you have an infestation of silverfish, carpet beetles, ants, crickets or cockroaches. This is a concern in some areas. I was afraid to pre-starch because of bugs; however, I have not heard one quilter who pre-starches mention an issue with bugs. Now, I will take my chance because I like pre-starching. Once you wash your quilt, the starch will be gone. I think it is important to keep a good eye on our stored quilts by refolding them, inspecting them on occasion, and keeping them clean.
YES IT DOES FOR ME I USE THE SPRAY STARCH ON MY TURN APL. IT WORKS BEAUITY
Thanks for sharing!
I use sta-flo in a spray bottle and use just like any spray starch.
I do the same. You can then adjust the amount of stiffness.
I use a spray bottle with sta-flo also but I saw a comment that she uses a pressure sprayer sounds good to me. Easier on these old hands 👐
Great idea!
Hello! Do you starch and keep the fabric in your stash, or you starch for a specific project?
I starch for specific projects.
Does your starching cause the fabric to shrink? If so, how much?
Yes it does. Cotton fabrics will shrink up to 5% on occasion so me will shrink up to 10%
I have been using the sta-flo 50/50 and think it works great my only issue is when plaids or stripes dry the lines get distorted. I use a rack like yours and try to hang the fabric straight as possible but that has not worked to solve the problem. do you have any suggestions to help with this? I just found your channel and really enjoy your straight forward clear and informative style. Thank you!
Karen, You can just lay our fabric flat to dry. That may help. Also be careful not to wring out the starch. That could be distorting your fabric.
Thanks so much for the suggestions. Will definitely try laying the fabric flat to dry. @@thesimplequilter7499
The plaid or. striped pattern, if printed may be off grain. If that's problem then you forget about the grainline and match pattern.
Have you tried using a foam paint roller to apply the liquid starch?
No I haven’t…but that is a very interesting way to apply it!!! Very creative!!
I'm just beginning my quilting journey. I am wondering about cutting and starching background fabric . Do you cut the background into 1/2 yard or 1 yard or other size sections prior to starching, or do you leave it in the original yardage piece and starch the entire piece at one time? BTW, great video, as usual. You are quickly becoming my "go to" person to learn from - you are very knowledgeable and explain techniques in an easy way. Thank you!
I think that you will have to try to see what works best for you. If you are doing a large amount of starching you could do a yard or more at a time. I have only down fat quarters and smaller longer pieces and just did them all at once. Thanks for watching my channel and thanks for taking the time to comment! I'm glad you are enjoying my videos!
I just starching my fabric this way, after watching your video. Would you also starch batik fabric this way? thanks for this video.
I don't use batiks much at all....I really guess I would unless I was worried about the dye not being stable.
Question - Can you save the remaining liquid starch mix for a future starching session? Or, do you pour it down the drain? I wouldn't want to waste anything given the cost of life these days.
I use a funnel and pour it back in my bottle. I reuse it over.
I mix and keep in spray bottle until it is used up then wash out the bottle and refill. I have never had any problems. You have to shake up as it does separate.
I try to be careful and try to use it all. Another viewer said it could clog drains and I read that also after receiving that comment so I will not be pouring mine down the drain. I think I am going to designate a spray bottle just for the left over and try using the remaining in it. I have not tried it yet. I think I will use the mister bottles. The starch may clog any spray bottle up. I won't know until I try. Great questions!
Question....
Does the StaFlo starch method you used here replace your washing machine prewashing and machine drying?
I do not pre-wash my fabric.
Great video, thank you.😊
Thanks for watching!
Do you starch your backing if you have starched all the fabric for the quilt top?
I do not plan to.
Thank you
You're welcome
@@thesimplequilter7499 you are so sweet. You have such a nice family. What a job to reply to all. Love learning from you.
It seems that Purex Sta Flo is no longer available. Can you suggest another option? Amazon has Linit Starch, but some commenters said that it did not get fabric stiff enough.
I have just been using the starch in the can sold at Walmart. When I use it I wear a mask and use a well ventilated area.
I have been quilting for 30+ years and while I do use Stay Flo in a fine mist bottle I have never dipped it as you showed. What is the advantage to doing this? And while you mention various reasons not to use starch , you never actually say in what instances you do use it for. Could you please elaborate? I’m thinking Lone Star or other biased cut blocks but would like your thoughts. Thanks for the video 👏
After I asked, I went to your channel and saw that you did a video on why to pre starch. My apologies for not checking sooner though it may be beneficial to reiterate some of the points or reference that video so people understand why you are recommending pre starching. I just found you and will check out all your videos before butting in with silly redundant comments. Thanks again!
I think pre-starching would help when working with bias edges; however, you will still need to handle your fabric very gently and press gently. Also, be careful how you lift it if it is going to be a big quilt.
Don't hesitate to ask any question! I enjoy getting them! Thanks for watching my videos!
Did you wash your fabrics before starching?
No
@@thesimplequilter7499 oh good, thanks.
That Rustoleum handle looks great! I must look around here is anyone has them!
Enjoy!
I was given precut package of quilts squares do I starch them I have never starch quilts peices before
Personally, I would not pre-starch precuts if I needed the full square because they will shrink.
Dose your fabric shrink after starching & ironing?
Yes the fabric will shrink after starching and/or ironing. When I say ironing I mean when steam or a spray bottle is used. If the fabric has been prewashed then it should not shrink much or any at all. Here is a video of mine that will help provide more information on fabric shrinkage if you are interested:
I have never "heavily starched" and curious to how rotary cutting is with heavy starched fabric??? Blades go through smoother??? blade wear time???
I have found the blade cut is smoother
I think it drastically improves accuracy with cutting. I don't know how blades do with it.
Me too!
Should I pre wash fabric before starching it?
I don’t but many quilters do.
Can the Sta-flo be used in a spray bottle bottle? Still need to saturate?
Yes it can be used in a spray bottle. I saturate mine.
Hey Michelle, I have a question for you...not really pertaining to this video. But hope you don't mind me asking it here. I am pretty sure I remember that you use Mary Ellen's Best Press sometimes. My question is, have you ever put it in your mist spray bottle. I wondered if it sprayed through it without clogging up the nozzle. I am tempted to try because the best press spray bottle just sprays too much.
Yes! I put it in my misting bottle all the time! It works great and has never clogged up!!
Thank you so much for the quick reply...I didn't think it would but did not want to.ruin it without having another on hand. But after I ask, I thought even if it did I could probably have soaked it in hot water and cleared it out.
Kimberly Jolly from Fat Quarter Shop shows on their UA-cam channel how she starches. I also air dry mine in my shower. Easy clean up
Thanks for sharing!
I hang on the shower rod, but a drying rack could fit in the tub. For precuts you can’t wash, I love soaking them with starch, drying and steam ironing, the way Kimberly does, but fat quarters and bigger, I pre wash and starch.
It would've been nice to see the final ironed product of each method to make a more informed decision. Thanks!!!
Thanks for watching!
Do you just put the left over Sta-flo starch down the drain?
No, I filter it and put it in a separate empty starch bottle marked “mixed”. Starch will clog pipes.
I diluted it more with water and poured it down the drain. Perhaps I should put it in a spray bottle; however, I used regular tap water and it will get slimy. I did not realize starch could clog drains. I will research to see how to best dispose of it.
@@thesimplequilter7499- I use a distilled or spring water from Walmart or Dollar store to mix mine. Prevents the “slime” that comes from tap water. The water I purchase is under $1. Great to have on hand for refilling my irons.
Love your show! Thanks for the great info. I use spray starch, but I will give the sta-Flo a try! Your info answered some of the questions I have had with my block shrinkage!
I funnel it back into an empty jug,, mark it "mixed" and reuse
I have learned that precut layer cuts-cake layers and charm squares. Shrinks way too much. A hard lesson😊
Yes, those should not be pre starched or pre washed.
Are bugs going to be attracted to eating the starched fabric?
I always thought that would be an issue; however, from what I have read, that will only be an problem if you have a big problem already with those bugs in your area. I have never heard a quilter say they had a bug problem in their fabric due to pre-starching. The starch will come out as soon as you wash the quilt. I also think it is wise to keep the bug populations at bay in your house and quilt room. I hope this helps! Thanks for watching!
You didn’t mention shrinking in the video. Could you possibly do another video to address shrinking and which fabrics to not starch because of shrinking? I have heard, not tried yet…that Flatter does not shrink.
I have done a video on shrinkage in quilt fabric. In the experiments I have tried on quilt fabric, all fabric shrunk when exposed to liquid (steam, starch, fabric that had been misted with water then pressed). You could easily test Flatter in you home using the same procedure I did.
What do you do when you have very large pieces of fabric?
You can cut into smaller more manageable pieces (1 yard cuts) unless you need the full length.
Starches can clog up your septic tank over time or your drains.
Be sure to not layer your starched fabrics. I had bleeding before I could take it to the drying rack. Ruined one fabric everywhere it touched other fabrics and it was corrals, cream and a tan. I was using batiks so could use it for scrap projects but not in the quilt I was working on. The coral bled as pink. Better to have done it then and not when giving as a gift it was meant for. Shows projects need washed as well before gifting.
I have experienced the same with layering a fabric when starching. I did not realize one was touching two others on my rack and it ruined them. I have had more issues this past year with fabrics bleeding than any other time in my quilting life, and yes some quilt shop fabrics can and do bleed.
Do you starch your backing fabric?
For small projects yes. I have not had any of my larger quilt tops quilted yet. I do not think I will. Anyone else have any other thoughts?
I know quilters who starch all of their quilting cottons, & others who don't. It's sort of like “to prewash or not to prewash?” Kimberly Jolly (Fat Quarter Shop) is a definite believer in searching. I saw a video she did sometime ago, showing how she starches. She uses one of her bathrooms to hang her fabrics - everywhere! It’s very interesting. One of the positive attributes is, as you said, it’s easier to handle. It also pre-shrinks the fabrics. I would not shrink any small pieces (less than fat quarters) - especially for kits. My concern would be that there would be an issue with adequate fabric - how do we know that the company that makes these kits took into consideration that some of us may starch and others may not? That shrinkage could pose a real problem. I like the products you've chosen. I think my overall choice would be “Sta Flo.” Do you have any thoughts on my comment? I appreciate you so much. THANK YOU🫶
I would be hesitant to pre-starch fabric from a kit because of shrinkage. I also would be afraid of not having enough fabric.
Might as well wash it too. It seems like the same work.
I have never been one to prewash fabric, but I may start! I have had a couple of my quilts bleed and it ruins all the hard work I did making it!
@@thesimplequilter7499 Have you ever used Retayne to set the colors. I haven't tried it before but I bought some Kaffe Fassett fabric that has a lot of pinks in it and was wondering if I should try that. I don't prewash but always wash my quilts after they're finished. This will be a gift so I'd hate for the fabric to run.
I USE SPRAY SGrch all thd th ime n no promble sith it
Thanks for watching and sharing!!!
Can you add starch to best press ???
I do not know the answer to that.