I remember my mother making her own starch. There was always a jug of distilled water, both for the starch but also for the iron. The town we live in has hard water. Irons and coffee pots don't live long without the distilled water. I could iron at about 5. My Dad wanted his handkerchiefs ironed. I would always get him new handkerchiefs, embroider his initials on them, and voila, Christmas gift. I remember the bottle with the metal lid with holes in it. You would sprinkle the starch on my Dad's work shirts, with wonderful creased arms and perfect collars and cuffs. Hanging his shirts outside in the warmer months would sun bleach anything white. 😊❤
One thing that would become a habit because I learned how to do it many years ago as a child when my grandmother was teaching me to iron white shirts. Put a piece of parchment paper down on top after spraying the fabric and iron through that. The reason I do it this way is the old-fashioned way which uses starch and water, (again my grandmothers recipe which is very similar to the stronger recipe,)would if the iron was too hot NOT scorch. The parchment paper guarantees that will not happen. old-fashioned, I know but better safe than sorry.
The vodka blew my mind, looked it up, and it's a thing. Glad to hear it irons without staining. I've found that the store bought is staining my ironing board and leaving a residue on my iron. Sometimes caking up on the fabric, too.
This was really interesting. I would never have thought of this but I have the same issue with my iron getting gunked up and then leaving deposits or stains on the fabric. I has wondered if you starch your fabric as it doesn't seem to fray and isn't flimsy. I think you describe things really well. Thanks so much for the info. Happy Saturday and Happy Mother's Day. 🌹
Thank you for sharing. I also make my own starch and I use Argo starch for laundry. My mom and grandma would use only Argo starch. But it will go bad after a while it you don’t use it. If it sit a while I just always check it before use it. I think it may take a couple of weeks before going bad. But a box should last me for years because I only use a half of teaspoon in my spray bottle with hot water. I hope you’re having a blessed evening God bless you and your family
I am a frugal girl. I have a couple of questions. 1. Is there corn starch in the version with vodka? If so, how much? 2. With Method #3...can you use more water in the solution to produce a slightly less stiff finish, or I agree with you with the cost of purchased spray starch and the availability in local stores. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
@@sewbeitquilts thank you so much for answering my questions so quickly. The Method #3 is very good. I added 1/2 cup more water and it gives me just the right body I am looking for in my fabric. It is nice to know what the ingredients are in the spray unlike the purchased products. Thank you so much for doing the work to perfect the sprays and sharing them with everyone.
I was told to use a vodka made from potato to make starch because of the starch in potato’s. Most vodka is made from a grain but you can search and find what brands are made from potato. A few drops of essential oil gives it a nice scent.
Thank you for the really informative video....Vodka is rather expensive where i live, so i wanted to know if i'd get the same result by substituting it with rubbing alcohol (odourless ethanol)...also, would your light starch recipe work safely on silks? Would be great if you had pointers on these....thanks once again, and i hope you keep posting more such videos..!!😃
Thank you Fallon! I have used the best press and the flatter spray before I do like them both but I like the idea of being able to make my own thank you for sharing this as always stay well🙂
Hi Fallon, I am not a quilter, but I came across your channel, looking for ways to stiffen my crochet items (in this case, a summer hat). Do you think the heavy spray would work on it? Obviously I cannot iron it, but will have to wait for it to dry. I was also thinking of making the solution a bit stronger. Let me know what you think - will appreciate it, Thank you!
@@sewbeitquilts Thank you. I appreciate your reply and I understand it might need ironing. I think I will rather go with the stiffening made with glue.
Falon you mention there are not preservatives for the starch, but I read somewhere you could add a tablespoon of vinegar. This would serve as a preservative. I've done to to mine, but mine is not 'old' yet, so I don't know if it works, but it does sound pausible.
I’m late seeing this Fallon. I’ve got Flatter and also Best Press. I don’t do a lot of stuff lately. I don’t have any alcohol so would probably stick with what I have. 😻❤️🇦🇺
Just getting (quite in a hurry and have a lot to do) into sewing according to specific sizes on one of the worst knitted fabrics possible. As a nerd me loves knowledge and missing some nerdy chemistry but the recipes are ease, well explained as well as what to look for while using so really helpfull, thank you!
thank you for showing this...i definitely want to try...im curious, does it matter if its cornstarch or potato starch....and does it have to be vodka or will any clear alcohol work?
Jillian I am not sure as I have never tried before. By instinct would say that the vodka version may be the least prone to irritation, but I can't be 100% sure.
Boiling the starch allows it to disperse evenly throughout the water. If you just add the starch to water you will need to shake your spray bottle well each time before using it. Either method will work, but I prefer boiling for ease of use.
Thanks for the stepwise instructions for spray starches; really helpful. Just an issue with your ‘Light Starch’. The video version shows only vodka and distilled water as ingredients whereas the link with written instructions includes cornstarch as a third ingredient. I’m assuming that the cornstarch was just omitted in the video for some reason? Thanks again.
Do you have to wash this out when your done with your project? Especially if you make the heavy recipe? Also on the light recipe do you have to use vodka or can you use rubbing alcohol?
Thank you. I will try this way of making starch. I’m looking forward to your spray basting too. The recipe for spray basting that I have says to wash your project when your done quilting and binding it. I don’t wash my wall hangings that I do or some of the small table toppers either.
Thanks for sharing the information Fallon. I use Best Press or a similar product but may have to give this a try. I have found that I get a better result if I don’t press the fabric immediately after spraying but wait a few minutes. See you next time.
Maybe use plain fabric? And maybe use wringkly fabric too… but thank u for this.. buying starch is costly, the reason for me to use starch spray is about wringkled clothes not for stiffness.. i really want to see that review.. thank you!
Hi Fallon, Thank you for the recipes for the starch. I have asthma and allergies to just about everything and I like the idea of making my own, I like both the fabrics you were using. Do you know where you got them ? And who makes them?
It is the line of fabric called Cider by Moda. www.fatquartershop.com/cider-fat-quarter-bundle?gclid=CjwKCAjw7diEBhB-EiwAskVi17p_pRTx6VSybYZa8QfL943gVKSCV1TpWZHlkzuhWOmdNY45BXilFhoCHIIQAvD_BwE
I haven’t noticed any but I live in Texas and the outside of our house is sprayed monthly and the inside quarterly because bugs are insane here if you don’t stay on top of it.
Then why take the time to leave a rude comment? You just wasted more of your time. The video is done and posted. It isn’t like I can shorten it to suit your taste now. Next time maybe move on and find a video that fits your taste better instead of spreading negativity toward someone just trying to be helpful to others.
@@sewbeitquilts I’m sorry you feel this way. “14 mins is too long for this” is a rudely constructed sentence? I Certainly don’t mean to offend. It’s common knowledge that “short, and immediately to the point” is the most favourable type of instruction video. Cheers, and be well
I've been having an allergic reaction to the heavy spray starch I bought at the supermarket, so I really appreciate knowing how to get away from that. All I need to do is buy the distilled water, cuz I don't see the point in using light spray. Thanks, Ellen
I remember my mother making her own starch. There was always a jug of distilled water, both for the starch but also for the iron. The town we live in has hard water. Irons and coffee pots don't live long without the distilled water. I could iron at about 5. My Dad wanted his handkerchiefs ironed. I would always get him new handkerchiefs, embroider his initials on them, and voila, Christmas gift. I remember the bottle with the metal lid with holes in it. You would sprinkle the starch on my Dad's work shirts, with wonderful creased arms and perfect collars and cuffs. Hanging his shirts outside in the warmer months would sun bleach anything white. 😊❤
One thing that would become a habit because I learned how to do it many years ago as a child when my grandmother was teaching me to iron white shirts.
Put a piece of parchment paper down on top after spraying the fabric and iron through that.
The reason I do it this way is the old-fashioned way which uses starch and water, (again my grandmothers recipe which is very similar to the stronger recipe,)would if the iron was too hot NOT scorch. The parchment paper guarantees that will not happen.
old-fashioned, I know but better safe than sorry.
Excellent poi t, thank you so much for sharing this, Kathleen!❤
What is your grandmother recipe?
Lavender was great in my cornstarch. Works great for quilting. My seams were perfect.
I only tried some citrus scents so this is nice to know.
The vodka blew my mind, looked it up, and it's a thing. Glad to hear it irons without staining. I've found that the store bought is staining my ironing board and leaving a residue on my iron. Sometimes caking up on the fabric, too.
I was so surprised by it too!
I make my spray starch as well. Great idea and a wonderful money saver! Thank you!
You should share your recipe!
Homake starch heavy
How to make a starch
How to make starch for iron
My hubby picked up 32 oz of spray starch for 2 dollars. I dont think im taking time to make mine.
This was really interesting. I would never have thought of this but I have the same issue with my iron getting gunked up and then leaving deposits or stains on the fabric. I has wondered if you starch your fabric as it doesn't seem to fray and isn't flimsy. I think you describe things really well. Thanks so much for the info. Happy Saturday and Happy Mother's Day. 🌹
Thank you Maureen. Would love to know what you think if you try one of the recipes.
Awesome video! Thanks for putting it together, and being so thorough.
Thank you. I have to mix some more up soon. I use it a lot
Thank you for sharing. I also make my own starch and I use Argo starch for laundry. My mom and grandma would use only Argo starch. But it will go bad after a while it you don’t use it. If it sit a while I just always check it before use it. I think it may take a couple of weeks before going bad. But a box should last me for years because I only use a half of teaspoon in my spray bottle with hot water. I hope you’re having a blessed evening God bless you and your family
Thanks for sharing!!
I am a frugal girl. I have a couple of questions.
1. Is there corn starch in the version with vodka? If so, how much?
2. With Method #3...can you use more water in the solution to produce a slightly less stiff finish, or
I agree with you with the cost of purchased spray starch and the availability in local stores.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
There isn’t starch in the vodka one. Yes, adding more water would make it less stiff.
@@sewbeitquilts thank you so much for answering my questions so quickly. The Method #3 is very good. I added 1/2 cup more water and it gives me just the right body I am looking for in my fabric. It is nice to know what the ingredients are in the spray unlike the purchased products. Thank you so much for doing the work to perfect the sprays and sharing them with everyone.
Thanks! Spray starch was $7 at the grocery. I used to pay .89 or 1.99! This is a money saver!
Everything has sure gone up in price.
Where do you shop? My husband got it at walmart. Just over two dollars
I was told to use a vodka made from potato to make starch because of the starch in potato’s. Most vodka is made from a grain but you can search and find what brands are made from potato. A few drops of essential oil gives it a nice scent.
Thank you for the really informative video....Vodka is rather expensive where i live, so i wanted to know if i'd get the same result by substituting it with rubbing alcohol (odourless ethanol)...also, would your light starch recipe work safely on silks? Would be great if you had pointers on these....thanks once again, and i hope you keep posting more such videos..!!😃
Love this video. I am going to make my own now. ‘I would love to know what essential oil I could add to mine please’
I tried lavender in mine. It’s a nice soft scent.
The vodka recipe is also a good likeness of Best Press. I've used both and they are fairly interchangable
It is Lyn!
Thank you for mentioning the alcohol smell because I can’t tolerate it. I’ll try the cornstarch recipe.
Oh this is a game changer!! Thank you!
I'm Going to try this, Fallon. You made it look so easy! Thanks!!
Hope you like it!
Recipes start at 1:30 😊
Looked this up because the store didn’t have any spray starch 2022. Thank you for sharing!
Same! Its so crazy they dont sell it anymore
Thank you Fallon! I have used the best press and the flatter spray before I do like them both but I like the idea of being able to make my own thank you for sharing this as always stay well🙂
The one similar to flatter spray is so so easy to make to. The other is a little more involved but not a lot of ingredients for either.
Hi Fallon, I am not a quilter, but I came across your channel, looking for ways to stiffen my crochet items (in this case, a summer hat). Do you think the heavy spray would work on it? Obviously I cannot iron it, but will have to wait for it to dry. I was also thinking of making the solution a bit stronger. Let me know what you think - will appreciate it, Thank you!
I am honestly not sure. I have only used it on fabric. I know that with the fabric it doesn’t really get stiff until it is ironed.
@@sewbeitquilts Thank you. I appreciate your reply and I understand it might need ironing. I think I will rather go with the stiffening made with glue.
Hit it with a heat gun or hair dryer? Hope it went well 😊
Falon you mention there are not preservatives for the starch, but I read somewhere you could add a tablespoon of vinegar. This would serve as a preservative. I've done to to mine, but mine is not 'old' yet, so I don't know if it works, but it does sound pausible.
Thank you Denise! I bet that would work well! I will look into it!
Has the vinegar worked? Interesting solution to the starch going mouldy if kept.
Interesting. Could you add essential oil to the light one?
I haven’t tried it, but I do think you probably could.
@@sewbeitquilts I might try it!
Great video! I need to try these.
You should!
I’m late seeing this Fallon. I’ve got Flatter and also Best Press. I don’t do a lot of stuff lately. I don’t have any alcohol so would probably stick with what I have. 😻❤️🇦🇺
I still make the basic spray, but I do love the best press and all the fun scents it comes in!
This is SOOO helpful!!! Thank you.❤
can i ask if corn starch mixed with methanol is ok..?
Can't believe they discontinued staflo, I'm already tripping out, I only have a half bottle left lol
I can’t believe it either!
That's why I'm here! I starch all my husband's clothes and can't find anything without paying a crazy price.
Just getting (quite in a hurry and have a lot to do) into sewing according to specific sizes on one of the worst knitted fabrics possible. As a nerd me loves knowledge and missing some nerdy chemistry but the recipes are ease, well explained as well as what to look for while using so really helpfull, thank you!
thank you for showing this...i definitely want to try...im curious, does it matter if its cornstarch or potato starch....and does it have to be vodka or will any clear alcohol work?
Can I use this recipe for making crochet chokers? Which would be best against the skin? Thanks in advance.
Jillian I am not sure as I have never tried before. By instinct would say that the vodka version may be the least prone to irritation, but I can't be 100% sure.
THANK YOU,,, Gonna give this a go. Have s great weekend. 👍
Hope you enjoy
May i ask- why do some bring the water to a boil and others simply mix starch with room temperature water ? What is the difference ?
Boiling the starch allows it to disperse evenly throughout the water. If you just add the starch to water you will need to shake your spray bottle well each time before using it. Either method will work, but I prefer boiling for ease of use.
Thank you!
Thanks for the stepwise instructions for spray starches; really helpful. Just an issue with your ‘Light Starch’. The video version shows only vodka and distilled water as ingredients whereas the link with written instructions includes cornstarch as a third ingredient. I’m assuming that the cornstarch was just omitted in the video for some reason? Thanks again.
Thank you so much for this. I definitely will give it a try.
I add lavender essential oils to my vodka spray. Looking forward to trying the cornstarch spray. Thanks
Do you have to wash this out when your done with your project? Especially if you make the heavy recipe? Also on the light recipe do you have to use vodka or can you use rubbing alcohol?
I haven’t washed it out and haven’t seen issues with my project.
I am not sure about the rubbing alcohol. I haven’t tried that.
Thank you. I will try this way of making starch. I’m looking forward to your spray basting too. The recipe for spray basting that I have says to wash your project when your done quilting and binding it. I don’t wash my wall hangings that I do or some of the small table toppers either.
Thanks for sharing the information Fallon. I use Best Press or a similar product but may have to give this a try. I have found that I get a better result if I don’t press the fabric immediately after spraying but wait a few minutes. See you next time.
Yes that is a good point. Normally I have a stack of fabric to cut for a quilt and I spray them all and then start with the one I sprayed first.
Did you ever try making this with essential oil in it and if so, how did it do?
It didn’t really add any scent. I think you would have to add a lot to really get a good scent. The cost would be to high to make it worth it I think.
Maybe use plain fabric? And maybe use wringkly fabric too… but thank u for this.. buying starch is costly, the reason for me to use starch spray is about wringkled clothes not for stiffness.. i really want to see that review.. thank you!
How long do these last?
Thank you Fallon. I will buy some cider.
Its a beautiful line of fabric! you will love it!
Thank you very much💗💗💗
Would rubbing alcohol work as well as vodka?
Could I use this for stiffening a cotton cap that got flaccid after being in the rain too much?
It may help a little, but only if you are able to iron the cap after spraying.
Thank you for this information.
Hi Fallon, Thank you for the recipes for the starch. I have asthma and allergies to just about everything and I like the idea of making my own, I like both the fabrics you were using. Do you know where you got them ? And who makes them?
It is the line of fabric called Cider by Moda. www.fatquartershop.com/cider-fat-quarter-bundle?gclid=CjwKCAjw7diEBhB-EiwAskVi17p_pRTx6VSybYZa8QfL943gVKSCV1TpWZHlkzuhWOmdNY45BXilFhoCHIIQAvD_BwE
Is rubbing alcohol a good substitute for vodka?
I love the idea of making my own starch as I have PTSD and rarely leave my home to go to shops or anywhere
You poor thing. Which combat zone were you in? OIF or OEF?
@@GripItNRipIt82school sh**tings are a thing you know.
how do I preserve it.. this to last for several months..?
How does vodka and distilled water do anything to fabric
It works like a light starch. The ingredients used to make vodka contain starch… such as corn and potatoes.
Does this not attract bugs?
I haven’t noticed any but I live in Texas and the outside of our house is sprayed monthly and the inside quarterly because bugs are insane here if you don’t stay on top of it.
I hear that it can get flakey with the corn starch. Is this true
You had me at Vodka 🥂
😂
THANK YOU !!!
Have you used these on your clothing
I have not yet.
I wonder the same because I want to make some garments out of very light, stretchy fabrics
Would this work for jeans?🤔
Came here for same question it’s been 3 mos and no answer 😢
Vodka-Cranberry for the family get togethers!
i’m sorry but i need talking… i can’t stop to read all the words fast enuf…
I totally get it! Listening can be so much easier than reading sometimes.
14 mins is way too long for this
Then why take the time to leave a rude comment? You just wasted more of your time. The video is done and posted. It isn’t like I can shorten it to suit your taste now. Next time maybe move on and find a video that fits your taste better instead of spreading negativity toward someone just trying to be helpful to others.
@@sewbeitquilts You’re angry? . Goodness, I was just letting you know most people like instruction videos to be short and to the point.
There is a difference between constructive criticism and being rude. You chose to phrase your feedback in a rude manner.
@@sewbeitquilts I’m sorry you feel this way. “14 mins is too long for this” is a rudely constructed sentence? I Certainly don’t mean to offend. It’s common knowledge that “short, and immediately to the point” is the most favourable type of instruction video. Cheers, and be well
Less rambling Please!
Not possible. I enjoy talking. Thanks for stopping by though. I am sure you will find a video that more suits your preference on this topic.
Please write an script to avoid over talk. Thanks. Blessings!!!
Omg you talk to much just to get to your point just cut it short and just say it
I shared the recipes in links for people who don't want to hear me explain.
WOW rude comment blas
I've been having an allergic reaction to the heavy spray starch I bought at the supermarket, so I really appreciate knowing how to get away from that. All I need to do is buy the distilled water, cuz I don't see the point in using light spray. Thanks, Ellen
Glad it was helpful!