Sewing Tip - Spray Starch for Slippery Fabrics

	Mbarkle said... If you are working with a big piece of yardage, you can make it the old fashioned way on the stove (or microwave). Then add it to your washer (along with the yardage) and let it drain but not rinse. This is much cheaper than the spray stuff. The faultless brand has directions right on the package. It works great for slinky or other fabrics that want to crawl off the table while cutting. 4/14/03 11:56 AM
	SouthernStitch said... Boy, does this ever make a difference! I have only used starch for linings so far, but have some lovely fabric with a life of it's own I plan to soak in starch before cutting. Thanks for posting this - it's one of those basic must know tips!! 4/14/03 5:58 PM
	Karen Nutbrown said... Sounds like a great tip.....how do you make it the old fashioned way. I used to be able to buy liquid starch years ago but would love to know how to make it. Thanks very much. 4/16/03 11:17 AM
	Debspuncturedthumb said... For Old fashioned starching try these recipes: Heavy starch - Mix together until smooth, 1/3 cup corn starch/corn flour and 1/2 cup cold water. Gradually add 2 US quarts/2 litres (close enough) boiling water, stirring constantly. Use warm. Medium starch - Dilute heavy starch with 2 quarts/2 litres of water. Mix and use warm. Light starch - Dilute heavy starch with 4 quarts/4 litres of water. Mix and use warm. Or you can do this: put a few tablespoons in a spray bottle of water, shake it up and spray! Just remember to discard it if you don't anticipate using it within a few days or you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks. Make sure to test as said above by Sue so you know you aren't damaging the fabric. Happy starching! 4/22/03 6:25 PM
	stefanisarah said... I am intending to practice sewing with sheer fabric. For that reason, I bought yards of cheap polyester chiffon. I tried to starch it today but none of the methods explained here worked with the fabric. The fabric won't absorb the liquid, sprayed or dipped in a bowl. I tumble dried it in the washer. It ended up with gluey white spots randomly spreading all over the fabric without the fabric got any stiffer. Is there anything I did wrong? 10/7/09 10:58 PM