Good old Niagra. My mama put some in the rinse cycle when she washed our cotton clothes then ironed them when they were still damp. Clothes always felt newer when she did that. Good memories.❤
Letting the starch soak in is always the hardest thing for me to remember. It does a much better job when it's had time to become part of the fabric rather than having it evaporate before it can be useful. And pressing along the lengthwise grain certainly keeps the fabric from becoming distorted,. Thanks for the reminders, Laura!
i starch my fabric to death! I especially like it for when I am doing diamond blocks. I don't think I could do without it. I have not tried this product yet but will give it a shot. I put my (homemade) starch in a garden sprayer that holds a gallon. I saturate the fabrics fairly well and hang them over a wooden clothes rack. Let dry overnight. They almost stand straight out when I bring them over to the ironing board! I like to be able to stack my pieces together and they are so starched they are like stacking a deck of cards but I do not get any distortion when sewing. I love it when you bring new products to our attention! Thank you for all your wonderful videos!
@@marty2385 It isn't totally homemade but it makes a sure fire starch for stiff fabric. (if you have to stir it, it is homemade, lol) Just 3 parts StayFlo and 1 part Best press. I shake it all up in an old gallon plastic jug. There are many homemade recipes out there but none compare to this formula. StayFlo is a pretty cheap starch and this makes Best Press go a long ways! I would like to try the product Laura mentioned instead of the Best Press to see if it is the same. Do not dilute, this is super stiff!
I remember Niagra from growing up days, but I've never been a starch user with quilting, I'm ready to convert. Thank you for all the information, I learned so much.
Great tips, regarding using the starch and how to iron properly. I had no idea that I should iron in a lengthwise direction. I think I'll give this starch a try.
Thanks for the tip about which direction to press. The company makes another fragrance-free spray starch called “Niagara Premium Smooth Finish.” I was told by the company that it is the same firmness as their craft starch and the ingredient list is the same. I suspect that it’s the same product labeled differently and it may be easier to find for some people.
I agree the new Magic Spray is great. However, at $10 for 16oz is cost prohibitive to use on everything when quilting everyday. I save it to use on small pieces of fabrics like squares or small strips. I like to use Magic Sizing that costs under $2 at the grocery store and does not flake nor scorch easily. It does however have an initial smell when sprayed. I spray 99% of the fabrics I use.
I like to starch from the back because in most cases (except batiks and homespun) I can see where I have starched. I personally saturate my fabrics to get a good, crisp fabric.
Faultless Magic sizing finish is my favorite, I used to get it at the dollar store, by far cheaper than the quilting spray and every bit as good. When it was hard to find I did a search on a big box store and found it in a neighboring town and promptly went and bought the 6 cans they had on the shelf! They should last me a long time. I used to buy that expensive Best Press but the Faultless Magic is, in my opinion, superior! Some fabric doesn't absorb sizing on the front especially if it has "metallic" look.
I used to take in laundry to iron/press the family clothing. What won over my clients was the only product I used at my home and taught our children to use... Magic Starch made and manufactured by the same company as Niagara Starch. It always gave me soft, sturdy outcomes and likewise no flaking but there is a light aroma to that form. I am sure the new packaging yields more per container but beautiful results nonetheless. Thank you for a perfect demonstration.
This information on the different spray starches couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you for sharing Laura. I am a bit of a starch demon and like you find it helps with keeping the accuracy of cutting and keeping edges true to the pattern. I have had to order Niagra spray starch recently because I have bad arthritis in my hands and hand pumping increases the pain. I am excited to try the pressurized can you have shown. I always find I learn something new every video you share. Keep up the great work. Brenda from Alberta
I have tried many "starch" methods; Best Press, regular starch brands, and now this stuff. It was in our MSQC gift box this year. IT IS THE BEST! I will be using all the other stuff up I have in the studio and then switching to only this product. It's pretty amazing stuff!
Good evening Laura, I have one of the soft mister bottles for a bout 6 weeks now and although i just have water in mine at the moment, i just love how fine the mist is, but how it carries on for a wee bit afterwards. I always iron my fabric one at a time, but i think i might try stacking on top of each other and see what happens. Thank you flower for another hint/tip into hopefully getting better results. Sending crafty hugs from Norah, Glenochil, Scotland
Thank you Laura. I was leiry about using starch, as my granddaughters are sensitive to some chemicals. I tried one brand that I liked: no scent (It has the word "flatter" in the naming). My quilt store talked me into a scented one with a woman's name in the brand. This brand actually turned my ironing board cover and pressing cloth yellow. Not good. I am going to try Niagara. I remember this brand from my childhood. I have also researched a homemade version: water, cornstarch, and vodka. I may be trying this out.
I make this type of starch ask the time but use rubbing alcohol instead of vodka. Even the lower percentage kind from the dollar store works well. I use the "Professional" spray bottle from $ store too. Put a plastic shower curtain on the ironing board & soak fabric from back. I use a drying rack from Amazon with another plastic shower $ curtain underneath.
It makes me a little bit crazy to watch some sewists/quilters slicing through fabric that's not been pressed and/or starched. Just can't see how there can be accuracy without it.
I was taught that the front of fabric should not be starched because the manufacturer treats the top differently than the back, you can see on your sample the back is light and all the color is on the top!
I always used to use starch when I did my laundry. Cotton shirts and blouses always had collars, cuffs and the shirt and blouse fronts always looked sharp and fresh. A few years ago I could no longer find 'Niagara' starch in any of the stores. Sobey's, Metro...none of them had it and I even searched Walmart... Zero. I stopped looking and off I went to Amazon and then when there was a sale I went to the Fabric store. I would like to find spray starch in my local stores again. Is it not sold in NF or SC? To purchase from the USA means exchange rate of $0.40 on each dollar. Failing that, I would like to find the formula for starching my fabric like my mom did all those years ago. Can you help?
Any suggestions for doing yardage without spraying? I have asthma and try to avoid spraying whenever possible. During the summer i do it outside. I’ve been making starch mixture with a powder, but some colors flake badly. I know it will wash out when the quilt is washed.
for this, I would wear a mask and do all your spraying at one time. If the fabric is dry by the time you get to press it you can reactivate it with just a spray of water
that will depend on your fabric and how much you saturate it, but yes it can and that is one other reason why I like to press and starch well before cutting:)
Thank you so much for sharing your tips for starching & pressing your fabric- I learned & will use some of your tips! I will definitely be trying thus product. You should have a link to purchase it where u get some stipend for promoting the product. Happy sewing ❤️ 🧵 🪡
Good old Niagra. My mama put some in the rinse cycle when she washed our cotton clothes then ironed them when they were still damp. Clothes always felt newer when she did that. Good memories.❤
Letting the starch soak in is always the hardest thing for me to remember. It does a much better job when it's had time to become part of the fabric rather than having it evaporate before it can be useful. And pressing along the lengthwise grain certainly keeps the fabric from becoming distorted,. Thanks for the reminders, Laura!
Thanks for all the tips on pressing..it’s always good to view another quilters technique, thanks Laura
i starch my fabric to death! I especially like it for when I am doing diamond blocks. I don't think I could do without it. I have not tried this product yet but will give it a shot. I put my (homemade) starch in a garden sprayer that holds a gallon. I saturate the fabrics fairly well and hang them over a wooden clothes rack. Let dry overnight. They almost stand straight out when I bring them over to the ironing board! I like to be able to stack my pieces together and they are so starched they are like stacking a deck of cards but I do not get any distortion when sewing. I love it when you bring new products to our attention! Thank you for all your wonderful videos!
Would you share your recipe for homemade starch?
@@marty2385 It isn't totally homemade but it makes a sure fire starch for stiff fabric. (if you have to stir it, it is homemade, lol) Just 3 parts StayFlo and 1 part Best press. I shake it all up in an old gallon plastic jug. There are many homemade recipes out there but none compare to this formula. StayFlo is a pretty cheap starch and this makes Best Press go a long ways! I would like to try the product Laura mentioned instead of the Best Press to see if it is the same. Do not dilute, this is super stiff!
I remember Niagra from growing up days, but I've never been a starch user with quilting, I'm ready to convert. Thank you for all the information, I learned so much.
Great tips, regarding using the starch and how to iron properly. I had no idea that I should iron in a lengthwise direction. I think I'll give this starch a try.
Thanks for the tip about which direction to press. The company makes another fragrance-free spray starch called “Niagara Premium Smooth Finish.” I was told by the company that it is the same firmness as their craft starch and the ingredient list is the same. I suspect that it’s the same product labeled differently and it may be easier to find for some people.
You always make everything so clear! Thank you for that
Thanks very thorough and helpful excellent
I so appreciated this information. I have started using this method of pressing!
I have purchased Magic and far prefer it above any of the other starches out there. It is "Magic".
I agree the new Magic Spray is great. However, at $10 for 16oz is cost prohibitive to use on everything when quilting everyday. I save it to use on small pieces of fabrics like squares or small strips. I like to use Magic Sizing that costs under $2 at the grocery store and does not flake nor scorch easily. It does however have an initial smell when sprayed. I spray 99% of the fabrics I use.
I like to starch from the back because in most cases (except batiks and homespun) I can see where I have starched. I personally saturate my fabrics to get a good, crisp fabric.
I like your idea of spraying and pressing on the wrong side of the fabric. That’s a great tip 😉
If you run your hand over starched fabric to break up the bubbles, it absorbs faster.
Thank you Laura, learning a lot in the quest to be a good quilter.
I am learning so much from your videos. I am new to sewing and love all the tips and videos you do.
Faultless Magic sizing finish is my favorite, I used to get it at the dollar store, by far cheaper than the quilting spray and every bit as good. When it was hard to find I did a search on a big box store and found it in a neighboring town and promptly went and bought the 6 cans they had on the shelf! They should last me a long time. I used to buy that expensive Best Press but the Faultless Magic is, in my opinion, superior! Some fabric doesn't absorb sizing on the front especially if it has "metallic" look.
I used to take in laundry to iron/press the family clothing. What won over my clients was the only product I used at my home and taught our children to use... Magic Starch made and manufactured by the same company as Niagara Starch. It always gave me soft, sturdy outcomes and likewise no flaking but there is a light aroma to that form. I am sure the new packaging yields more per container but beautiful results nonetheless. Thank you for a perfect demonstration.
Thanks so much you always make thoughts most don’t even thinks of
Laura I have always loved Niagara starch, and I’m glad they have created this for quilters and sewers! Thank you for this video!
Very good information on pressing, I will now adopt some of your tips. Thanks for sharing ❤
This information on the different spray starches couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you for sharing Laura. I am a bit of a starch demon and like you find it helps with keeping the accuracy of cutting and keeping edges true to the pattern. I have had to order Niagra spray starch recently because I have bad arthritis in my hands and hand pumping increases the pain. I am excited to try the pressurized can you have shown. I always find I learn something new every video you share. Keep up the great work. Brenda from Alberta
Very helpful, thanks.
Thank you: I've leant a lot about spraying never mind the actually product you were talking about 🙂
I have tried many "starch" methods; Best Press, regular starch brands, and now this stuff. It was in our MSQC gift box this year. IT IS THE BEST! I will be using all the other stuff up I have in the studio and then switching to only this product. It's pretty amazing stuff!
I have been using this product for the past several months and I love it! The spray bottle is so nice.
I sooo want an iron like that… owwwww weeeee love it
Not sure how you were able to buy the starch. According to their website, shipments to Canada have been suspended due to shipping costs.
Thanks for the tips Laura.
Thanks for the review, Laura. Maybe will come to Australia at some time. Hugs, Chel 🌸
I used this for the first time a few weeks ago and absolutely love it.
Good evening Laura, I have one of the soft mister bottles for a bout 6 weeks now and although i just have water in mine at the moment, i just love how fine the mist is, but how it carries on for a wee bit afterwards. I always iron my fabric one at a time, but i think i might try stacking on top of each other and see what happens. Thank you flower for another hint/tip into hopefully getting better results. Sending crafty hugs from Norah, Glenochil, Scotland
Awesome! I can't wait to try it!
Thank you for this info. I like it!
Thanks for the starch advise I really need that information. Thanks again Laura. ❤❤❤😊😊
I’ve always loved spray starch, looking forward to trying this!
Great tips!
Great tutorial!
Great tip ironing lengthwise.
Thanks so much for the info ☺️
Thank you Laura. I was leiry about using starch, as my granddaughters are sensitive to some chemicals. I tried one brand that I liked: no scent (It has the word "flatter" in the naming). My quilt store talked me into a scented one with a woman's name in the brand. This brand actually turned my ironing board cover and pressing cloth yellow. Not good. I am going to try Niagara. I remember this brand from my childhood. I have also researched a homemade version: water, cornstarch, and vodka. I may be trying this out.
I make this type of starch ask the time but use rubbing alcohol instead of vodka. Even the lower percentage kind from the dollar store works well. I use the "Professional" spray bottle from $ store too. Put a plastic shower curtain on the ironing board & soak fabric from back. I use a drying rack from Amazon with another plastic shower $ curtain underneath.
Superb tips, Laura! Thank you!
It makes me a little bit crazy to watch some sewists/quilters slicing through fabric that's not been pressed and/or starched. Just can't see how there can be accuracy without it.
Me too.
There is a beautiful quilt behind you, the Red Gray and Black. I would like to find the pattern and the batch of fabric that you used to make it
You forgot to mention that the fabric will also shrink
I was taught that the front of fabric should not be starched because the manufacturer treats the top differently than the back, you can see on your sample the back is light and all the color is on the top!
Do you have to wash the fabric first?
What if you have a quilt top with one block starched and the rest not?
Have you ever used liquid starch when prewashing large pieces of fabric?
not for years, but it is something I want to try again
I always used to use starch when I did my laundry. Cotton shirts and blouses always had collars, cuffs and the shirt and blouse fronts always looked sharp and fresh.
A few years ago I could no longer find 'Niagara' starch in any of the stores. Sobey's, Metro...none of them had it and I even searched Walmart... Zero.
I stopped looking and off I went to Amazon and then when there was a sale I went to the Fabric store.
I would like to find spray starch in my local stores again.
Is it not sold in NF or SC?
To purchase from the USA means exchange rate of $0.40 on each dollar.
Failing that, I would like to find the formula for starching my fabric like my mom did all those years ago.
Can you help?
Too bad they don't ship to Canada, I was going to order some but I guess I can't
Hi Gwen…will Amazon not ship to Canada?
Any idea where we can buy this product in Canada, Laura. I looked online but seemed to only be shipped in the US.
Same with Australia
Any suggestions for doing yardage without spraying? I have asthma and try to avoid spraying whenever possible. During the summer i do it outside. I’ve been making starch mixture with a powder, but some colors flake badly. I know it will wash out when the quilt is washed.
for this, I would wear a mask and do all your spraying at one time. If the fabric is dry by the time you get to press it you can reactivate it with just a spray of water
Have you ever tried a product called Tera Magic? I’ve seen it in Quilt shops but never tried it.
yes I have, It is not a starch. It will make the fabric hard like paper. That is fun for other projects
What size is your wool mat?
Is starch better than it used to be? I starched my white curtains but they always turned yellow so I quit using it. Anyone else have this problem?
Thank you.
How can i order & get it send to Singapore?
Hello Salsiah…through Amazon maybe? 😃🇺🇸
Doesn't the starch shrink the fabric ?
that will depend on your fabric and how much you saturate it, but yes it can and that is one other reason why I like to press and starch well before cutting:)
Thank you so much for sharing your tips for starching & pressing your fabric- I learned & will use some of your tips! I will definitely be trying thus product. You should have a link to purchase it where u get some stipend for promoting the product. Happy sewing ❤️ 🧵 🪡