IN THE KNOW
To starch or not to starch, that is the age old question that's plagued quilters around the world! Super-star designer and regular columnist Suzy Williams explains how a little bit of spray can go an awful long way
Our columnist Suzy Williams aka Suzy Quilts explains how a little spray can go a long way, as we ask the age old question that’s plagued quilters: to starch or not to starch?
You might associate fabric starch with the pleats on your grandma’s khakis, but she’s not the only fashion-forward person who uses starch. Quilters use it, too! Fabric starch is a magical spray that stiffens fabric, making it easier for you to work with while quilting… especially when you’re sewing curves, complex patterns or venturing into stretchier fabrics. Some quilters swear by fabric starch, but others forget it entirely. So here’s the question: should you follow in your grandma’s fabric-starchy footsteps? Let’s dive into the fabric starch scene, and let you decide for yourself if fabric starch is a good tool for you.
The why and how of fabric starch
There are two kinds of quilters. First, there are the dive-in-head-firsters. These quilters get home from the fabric store, whip out their new fabrics and immediately unlock their rotary cutter. Pre-washing? Who needs it?! That’s what these excited sewers are saying.
And you know what? That might not be a bad idea. If you’re using fabric straight off the bolt, fabric starch may not be necessary. Do you remember our exploration into pre-washing vs. not pre-washing from a couple of months ago? If so, you already know that fabric straight off the bolt already has sizing and starch on it, which makes it a bit on the stiffer side. That extra stiffness is a big reason a lot of quilters choose NOT to pre-wash.
Our second group of quilters, the preppers, get veeery uncomfortable at the thought of not pre-washing. What about fabric bleeds and shrinkage? Who even knows what chemicals are lingering on this fabric straight from the factory?
Obviously this second group is taking lots of time planning, pre-washing and, you guessed it, starching. This makes sense, since pre-washing your fabric causes it to lose some stability, and if you’re working with bias edges or narrow strips, you’re going to have to add some of that rigidity back in.
Another pro of using fabric starch is not a necessity, but is a really enjoyable thing – yummy scents! If scented sprays bother your nose, you can always opt for scent-free. I, however, looove the smell of fresh linen and lavender, so if I have a choice, I get starch that smells like one of those. Sometimes when I’m feeling especially wild, I even mix the two fragrances together. So crazy, I know!
Fabric starch is a magical spray that stiffens fabric, making it easier for you to work with while quilting... especially when sewing curves or complex pat terns
"If you do choose to use fabric starch, starch all of the fabric in your project. Starched fabric and non-starched fabric don't mix together very well!" SUZY QUILTS
Now are you ready for that homemade fabric starch recipe? You’re going to be a little shocked at how simple it is. Also how cheap it is once you start comparing prices. So here’s the logic: starch is in potatoes. Vodka is made from potatoes. Thus, to make your own starch, just smear potatoes on your fabric. Kidding! Just kidding. Please don’t do that.
Here’s what you actually do: get a large jug and fill it with one part vodka (I suggest skipping top shelf booze for this) and two parts water. Then do your best Taylor Swift impression and shake it off... err, I mean up! Once your concoction is all mixed together, pour some into a spray bottle so you can actually use it conveniently.
So maybe grandma had it right all along – starch a little, drink a little. Martinis anyone?