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Starch! Recipes please! (and other tips)
jadamo00 Advanced NY Member since 2006 Posts: 450	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/12 11:08 AM I got some recipes online for starch made from corn starch, but I'm not entirely happy with it. If you make your own clothing starch, can you post your recipes and tips for MAKING/COOKING it up? Also for SPRINKLING it out! This morning, I took a clean plastic peanut butter jar and burned some pinholes in the middle of the lid. I think it's better than a bottle because I can get my hand in there to scrub it every now and then. And it fits nicely in the hand. Also for KEEPING it. Mine seems to get grey if I leave it out for a few days. Or moldy if I leave it out for a few weeks. Thank ye for your wisdom and experience. j.
Sew Ducky Beginner TN USA Member since 2006 Posts: 910	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/12 11:49 AM 1 tablespoon starch 1 cup water (You can double, triple, whatever this as needed.) Heat over a medium heat, stirring constantly, until starch is dissolved, do not boil. Add to spray bottle, shake between uses. I usually do not like a lot of starch and add about 1/4 cup more water. If it's dissolved right, it won't clog up my Dollar Tree spray bottle. It's not meant to be kept longer then a few days, and should be refrigerated. Let come to room temperature before using again. I make what I need, and toss/rinse the bottle what I don't. It took me a while to know that I usually need about 3 cups of starch for a week of ironing, with about a quarter cup left over most of the time. If I need it as I sew, to make a fabric have more body, I add more cornstarch (1-2 teaspoons per cup) and use a 60s clothes sprinkler since it can be a lot thicker, and discard what I don't. Cleaning isn't hard since I rinse the bottle out when it is used, and I shake soapy water in it with my dishes that night. HTH ------ Elaina SewDucky.com
jannw   Intermediate WA USA Member since 2006 Posts: 5649	Login to reply to this post In reply to jadamo00 Like this post Date: 1/28/12 11:53 AM I've been happy with this recipe. I cook it on the stove top and usually cut it in half so I don't have as much leftover. If you want a lighter starch, just add more water. Boiled starch If you have leftovers, keep in the fridge. Regard it as food. It will mold if left out. I do try to wait until I have several things to starch and then do it all at once. It only takes a couple of minutes to make and cornstarch is cheap..so I don't really mind tossing out the leftovers. I do add some fragrant linen water to mine..makes the clothes smell great! Put the clothes in the starch while they are damp and don't dry them all the way. If you can't iron immediatly, wrap in a damp towel until you can....but they will mold also if you don't get back to them in a day or so. Hope this helps...I looked for the old fashioned Agro starch for a long while, until I realized I could make it myself! ------ 2009-113.25 yds 2010-115.5 2011-80.25+30+donated 2012-26 January 5yds.. Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987
jadamo00 Advanced NY Member since 2006 Posts: 450	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sew Ducky Like this post Date: 1/28/12 11:56 AM Super, Elaina, thanks. Yes, I really want one of thoseLaundry Sprinker Bottle Tops but I sure don't want to pay $12 + $6 Shipping, and I sure don't need 4. j.
jadamo00 Advanced NY Member since 2006 Posts: 450	Login to reply to this post In reply to jannw Like this post Date: 1/28/12 12:00 PM Super tips, Jannw! Very excited. Over starch.
Sew Ducky Beginner TN USA Member since 2006 Posts: 910	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/12 12:05 PM I found mine in an old thrift store, junk shop, people didn't throw anything away place. I paid a whopping 50 cents for the spinkler and $3 for the old RC cola bottle. (Don't ask.) I've seen them at yard sales too where people didn't know what they were for cheap, so keep an eye out! (I have found the plastic ones for a couple of dollars, but the $6 shipping charge keeps me from doing them.) ------ Elaina SewDucky.com
jadamo00 Advanced NY Member since 2006 Posts: 450	Login to reply to this post In reply to jannw Like this post Date: 1/28/12 12:07 PM Jannw! What is "fragrant linen water". Sounds wonderful!
allycovey   Intermediate AR USA Member since 2007 Posts: 968	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/12 12:15 PM Very handy tips, I used to love to get my jeans and pants starched at the drycleaners, they stayed to crisp. I have tried to get that same effect at home but with no luck, I bet this is the answer.... Great post thanks so much
jadamo00 Advanced NY Member since 2006 Posts: 450	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/12 12:20 PM Well! I'm totally intrigued by adding "Fragrant Linen Water" to my laundry starch as Jannw mentions. I found this recipe for it online. You think it's okay for clothes? I mean, with the vodka, and all? I could try it out on a scrap of white cotton. Okay, now I'm dying to IRON SOMETHING! Orange and lavender essential oils on Amazon for about $5-9 bucks (FREE Super Saver Shipping). I am really glad I asked you guys about STARCH! j.
Sew Ducky Beginner TN USA Member since 2006 Posts: 910	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/12 12:22 PM I just posted that vodka, water and essential oil makes a cheap febreeze. I don't know what jannw is talking about (I wear perfume and don't like the competition, and he doesn't like the fragrance on his) so I don't add anything to mine. ------ Elaina SewDucky.com

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