Avoid these mistakes when starching fabric for quilting

Don't make these common mistakes when starching fabric for quilting! In this tutorial, I'll show you the best products to use and how to avoid ruining your fabric. Perfect for beginners and experienced quilters alike!

[@janparsons3900]

I've been using Sta Flo to do starch pretty similar to what you showed here for a while now. One thing I would caution is if you are going to dry it in your bathtub, you run the risk of the starch residue that goes down your drain clogging the drain. Perhaps running a lot of hot water will help but I am not sure. Definitely don't want it clinging to the sides of your pipes!

[@TammisStitches]

That’s an EXCELLENT tip! Thanks for much for sharing this with us, you’re a rockstar 🥰. Your comment will save someone from a disaster! I appreciate you sharing this! Please join me for more videos. We could use more of your tips 😊

[@lauriemyers3]

I LOVE starched fabric!!! Thanks for this video! Kudos to you for promoting other creators!

[@TammisStitches]

Yay! My pleasure & thank you for commenting 😊. I’m all about uplifting us as a quilting community. I would love it if you’d subscribe & join me for more off the beaten path quilting videos. I’ll see you in the next video 😊👋🏽

[@lauriemyers3]

I already did!

[@TammisStitches]

Thank you! I appreciate your support 🥰

[@shulamussnug7120]

I love starched fabric! So glad to know I’m not alone!

[@TammisStitches]

I feel the same way 🥰. Please come back & join me again for more videos 😊

[@pebblekelsey1227]

I'm so glad to find that others do this technique too. I use a plastic bucket and separate the lights from the darks and reds, no matter the manufacturer, and then separate each piece so that they easily absorb the starch. I will use the same bucket of starch and do 2 batches, one for the light colors and one for the dark colors and I have also used this process for jelly rolls. It works just fine.

[@TammisStitches]

Yay! I was nervous about sharing this video because I didn’t see it done this way. Most people use spray bottles. I will start separating my lights & darks, you’re right it’s a good practice to have😊. Thanks so much for sharing, please join me again 😊

[@jec8of]

I use Stayflo and dilute it in a spray container from the hardware store. It's one of the bottles you pump to build up pressure then pull the trigger and it sprays for days 😊

[@TammisStitches]

Awesome! Sta-Flo is amazing as well. I’ve probably used the same or similar pump that is used for gardening that builds pressure as you pump it😊. It worked extremely well. I started using my “dunk it” method to streamline the process a little. Thanks for sharing your experience, it’s appreciated. Please join me again 😊

[@carold1280]

Thanks for showing how you starch fabric. I recently started soaking my fabric in a plastic container of 1:1 Stayflo and water and it is a game changer! I love the stiffness, and cutting and sewing seems easier and more accurate. A tip that I do is after soaking the fabric I empty the container into the washing machine and use the spin only cycle to get some of the liquid out so it’s not so messy then I hang it up to dry. It dries faster that way too 😊🎉

[@TammisStitches]

Awesome! I’m so glad you’re a fellow starcher😊. I appreciate your feedback. Thanks for sharing the tip on the spin cycle! I’m going to give it a try. Please join me again for another video 😊

[@syndemanion281]

99 cent store sells the hard plastic paint trays. They are a perfect size for most quilters for startching fabric. Thanks for the product recommendation.

[@TammisStitches]

That’s an awesome idea! 😊 It’s so creative, I would have never thought of that one! Thanks for sharing this hack with us. Please join me again, I value your contribution 😊

[@critterwatcher8009]

I appreciate your honest information about what problems and solutions you found. I love learning from other people's experiences.

[@TammisStitches]

My pleasure 😊. I hope the insights provided helps you on your starching journey. Please come again, your feedback is appreciated 😊

[@estelasteele1173]

I use Flatter. Found it in a quilt store in Florida. I find it does the best job on my fabrics, both in getting rid of wrinkles before cutting and in getting the seams to lie flat in the finished quilt. I enjoyed your tutorial. I've not done my fabrics the way you demonstrated (immersing), but I do agree that many of the spray starches available just don't give me the results I'm looking for. Thank you for another idea to consider.

[@TammisStitches]

Thanks for the tip on the product Flatter! I’ve not heard of it but will give it a try 😊. I’m so grateful for you being here and you sharing your comment. Please join me again for more 😊

[@laineysilva3146]

Great tip, I follow Kimberly Jolly from Fat Quarter shop, starching your fabric is a game changer.

[@TammisStitches]

I absolutely love Kimberly Jolly 😊 I buy all my quilting supplies from Fat Quarter Shop. I’ve learned so much from watching her. I’m glad to meet other fan girls like you 😊. Please join me again 😊

[@reginapacheco2521]

Thank you for doing the trial and error for us! This was very helpful. 😁

[@TammisStitches]

My pleasure! I’m glad it was helpful😊. Please join me for more videos 😊

[@MartyLawless-kh2jd]

I am glad to see you simply put the fabric in the solution. Some people put the solution in spray bottle and spray all the fabric. I cannot do that much spraying.

[@TammisStitches]

I hear ya! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Please join me for more videos 😊

[@suzannakoizumi8605]

I use StaFlow and dry in my bathtub. Starched fabric behaves very well. I always prewash my yardage because I don't want shrinkage or bleeding in my finished projects. Thank you.

[@TammisStitches]

Yes! Sta-Flo is another excellent product I’ve used & I highly recommend that one 😊 Thanks for sharing how & why you pretreat your fabric. I appreciate your contribution & hope you join me for more videos 😊

[@Crawford644]

Love the rack definitely gonna try this method in future with stayflo

[@TammisStitches]

Yay! Thank you so much for commenting & sharing 😊. I’m glad you found the video helpful. And yes, using the rack with StaFlo will be a game changer! I’ll see you in my next video 😊👋🏽

[@annettegraff8323]

My grandma taught me to put liquid starch in the washer for things like aprons etc that need ironing Ive tried spray starch and didn't like it ! Too inconsistent and got on floor and wall depending on where ironing board was So I think this method is better for small quantities of fabrics! I cant line dry, so I put a $$ store shower liner on floor in living room under ceiling fan ! 😂 Gotta be creative!

[@TammisStitches]

Thanks for sharing Annette! Now that’s absolutely a creative idea & I love it!! 🥰 Your grandma would be proud 🙏🏽. I’m so grateful for your comment. I hope you’d subscribe & join me for more quilting videos. I’ll see you in the next video 😊👋🏽

[@lynnperschke3966]

I use Staflo and water down with distilled water

[@TammisStitches]

Cool! StaFlo is awesome 😊. Don’t you love how you can make your own solution to give you the results you love 😊. Thank you so much for comment & sharing. Make sure you’re subscribed for more off the beaten path quilting videos. I’ll see you in my next video 😊👋🏽

[@luvpugz9659]

OMGoodness. I’m sew very glad I came across this video. Using the spray can is so laborious! I’m definitely going to try this! Thank you!

[@TammisStitches]

Yay! I’m glad it inspired you 😊. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm. Please join me for more videos 😊

[@Mitziquilter]

Thank you comments on different starch products. I like to starch my fabric. It is good to know about the products. I have not seen Linit before. Thanks.

[@TammisStitches]

My pleasure! I’m glad you found the video helpful 😊. Please join me again for more videos, I appreciate you’re feedback 😊

[@brendajackson294]

Thank you for the demonstration. i am going to begin starching fabric and this has helped answer several of my questions.

[@TammisStitches]

I’m so glad the video helped you & answered the questions you had about starting your starching journey! I wish you much success 😊. Thanks for commenting & please join me for more videos 😊

[@angelar1500]

I will be trying the complete wet starching as you've shown because I made an illusion quilt where all the pieces need to meet, not my favorite, and that was a struggle, needless to say, lots of pieces don't line up perfectly. Of course I'm the only one who notices. So one more time. ** I have used best press and it's great BUT- it's so so so expensive, just can't make sense of continuing to use it.

[@TammisStitches]

I admire your courage not only to complete an illusion quilt but to redo it so that your 💯 satisfied 😊. I agree Best Press is pricey. Sta-Flo liquid starch & LinIt are more economical because you can dilute the water to your preference. Which ever product you choose, I’m sure your next illusion quilt will be stunning 😊. Thanks for sharing & please join me for future videos 😊

[@CrypticConversions]

Excellent video. I appreciate your straightforward, informative style. You don't go off on goofy tangents and waste our time. I think your videos will become classic tutorials, so hang in there. It takes time to build up a channel.

[@TammisStitches]

Oh my stars! Thank you so much for your motivational comment🥰. I truly appreciate it. It not only means a lot, but you sent it a the perfect time I needed to hear these words🙏🏽. I’d love it if you’d subscribe and join me on this journey🙏🏽🥰. I’ll see you in the next video 😊👋🏽

[@CrypticConversions]

@@TammisStitches Already done!

[@TammisStitches]

Yay! Thanks a million 🥰

[@anitamartin7639]

Thank you!! I also starch with liquid, I like your ratio amounts. You are very good at describing everything!

[@TammisStitches]

Thank you 🥰 I appreciate your support. Please join me for more videos 😊

[@WilxWifey]

I’m terrified to starch any precuts! So many of patterns require exactness from those precuts. You say there is about a 10% shrink. I’d love to see a side by side with a layer cake specifically. Would ironing cause more shrinkage? Can we iron after the hair dry? I have so many questions! 😂

[@TammisStitches]

Thank you for commenting and your questions 😊. Unfortunately the best way to prevent the shrinkage is to not to starch your precuts. The other option is to purchase more fabric than the fabric requires so that you have enough to account for the shrinkage. The ironing helps flatten the fabric, but doesn’t prevent the shrinkage. I personally enjoy starched fabric so much that I just buy/anticipate using more fabric than required. I hope this helps😊. Oh… Next time I buy layer cakes, I’ll do a side by side comparison 😉.

[@57Feliz]

I've been using spray, but I really like the liquid solution. Thanks for sharing!

[@TammisStitches]

My pleasure! I’m glad you enjoy starching fabric as well. Please join me again 😊

[@wilycat5290]

I've used just about every product on the market for stiffening or flattening fabric. I don't usually starch fabric before sewing but I'm considering it. Kimberly (FQS) has many good suggestions and sewing routines, but they are not for everyone IMO. Thank you for the video 😊

[@TammisStitches]

Agreed. The important thing is to find whatever works for you 😊. We have such a magical, joyful craft with quilting. We all arrive at a finished project no matter what journey we take. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate you. Please join me again for more videos 😊

[@pamgomes5683]

Thank you for sharing this info. I too did the spray can starch but didn’t like breathing it in and it hurt my hands with all the spraying. I was wondering if a liquid starch would work, so now I know. Thanks again!❤

[@TammisStitches]

Yay! I’m so glad this helped you 😊. Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m sure you’ll achieve satisfactory results with the liquid starches. Please join me for more videos 😊

[@jeane.2722]

thx

[@TammisStitches]

My pleasure 😊

[@patsycobb5864]

I love starched fabric

[@TammisStitches]

Me too! Glad you’re a fan 😊

[@manuelashannon1369]

Thank you for your review of different methods to starch. I use Sta-Flowbrand because it’s readily available at Walmart. I use one part liquid starch to two parts water although the instructions say different ratio. I dry on a rack just like you outside when I can but sometimes I have to move it into the shower stall. I have an Elna press to iron and I just dampen the Fabric very well and use my press iron. I guess you could use a steamer if you have one, but I don’t have one I agree I don’t like using the aerosol sprays, I start coughing and it impacts my lungs. thank you for such a great video. I hope to see more of your experiences.

[@TammisStitches]

Yay! So glad you’re a fellow starcher 😊. I appreciate you & your feedback. I’m a big fan of using whatever works & whatever you have easy access to. I like Sta-Flo as well 😊 I’m glad you’re here and yes, please join me for more videos 😊

[@debbiestandefer5466]

I use corn starch. Super cheap! 😁

[@TammisStitches]

Yes ma’am that is the most budget friendly option. So glad you’ve found what works for you😊. Thanks for sharing m, please join me again 😊

[@dreamdanzzer]

I agree - I love Terial Magic but the smell is overwhelming, but since I ordered a large size container, I am mixing it with water for the time being.

[@TammisStitches]

Yes, mixing it with water is a great idea to cut the smell 😊. I wish they would remove the scent. Thanks for sharing, please join me for more videos 😊

[@jacquelinesmith3450]

Ok 👍🏾

[@bbymks5]

I'm the worst when it comes to starching 😫 I like super crinkly quilts so I don't prewash either, I want that shrinkage.

[@TammisStitches]

I love crinkly quilts as well! 😊 I hear ya on the starching. I’m glad you found your way to achieving that amazing crinkle effect. I typically over compensate by balling up & squeezing the starched fabric in my hand, then let it dry to get that extra crinkle effect. I’m so happy that you enjoy our magical craft of quilting 🥰 Please join me for more videos 😊

[@loismelander2025]

I also sew on my vintage Singer. I have a 201, 301, 401, 404, and 503. Which model do you use?

[@TammisStitches]

Yay! I was hoping I wasn’t the only one in love with these jewels 😊. I have a 127 (104 y/o) Santiago, a 201 (74 y/o Luigi), a 221-1 (74 y/o Juan Pablo), and a 15-91 (76 y/o Edna). Edna is my only girl in the bunch. She doesn’t get along with the boys, so she’s in the garage 😂. Thanks for sharing your love for vintage singers! Please join me for more videos 😊

[@lindareineke5719]

I’ve been starching outside or in my garage with the door open. I’m in New Mexico and we have lots of sun and dry weather. I will dry on a drying rack in my kitchen with a towel underneath to catch the drips. Thanks for trying all the starches, as I’ve used the aerosol cans. Where do you buy the product? I’m definitely going to switch to Lin’s.

[@TammisStitches]

I’m glad you’re making the decision to move away from aerosol spray starch. It’s healthier for you & the environment 😊. You can find both LinIt and Sta-Flo liquid starches on Amazon. Walmart sells Sta-Flo online & in the store. Sta-Flo is an excellent alternative to LinIt. Thanks for sharing, I’m sure you’ll find success with the liquid starches. Please join me for more videos 😊

[@stlkeeler]

Since this is getting hard to find have you compared Linit to StayFlo which is more readily available?

[@TammisStitches]

Thanks for sharing with us that the product can be hard to find 😊 Yes. I’ve compared LinIt with Sta-Flo. They both give me comparable results. I think you’ll find satisfaction with either product. I hope you’re about to get your hands on either product soon😊. I appreciate your input 😊. I’ll see you in the next video!

[@ArtemisSilverBow]

Just get a misting spray bottle and pour Flatter or Best Oress into it. Or sew with batiks.

[@TammisStitches]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 😊

[@joycescott6649]

When you starch the layer cake material do you have some shrinkage of the 10” squares?

[@TammisStitches]

Yes, I estimate 5-10%. The other thing that happens is the fabric won’t remain perfectly “square”, they are slightly “rectangular”. If you want to maintain the “square” I recommend drying them on a flat surface. Draping them over a rack is what causes it to become slightly irregular shaped😊. Thanks for your question, please join me again for another video 😊

[@susanmcdonald2856]

Interesting...how do you starch yardage before you cut it? Thanks so much...

[@TammisStitches]

I bought a layer cake and fat quarters so they were already precut 😊. When I do purchase yardage, depending on the project, I sub cut the yardage into strips, say 6-8 inches wide and then soak it. Or, I just soak the entire yard into the solution, but only if exactly 1 yard, anything more than that is too much at once in my opinion. Thanks for the question & sharing 😊

[@kathydarla7575]

Does this get all sparkly like Stay-flo?

[@TammisStitches]

Nope! Not in my experience 😊

[@patcunningham8279]

if I find I need to wash small pieces before sewing, I run a staystitch around it first....

[@TammisStitches]

That’s an excellent idea! Thanks for sharing it with us 😊

[@aprilhernandez3077]

Im a new sewer can you explain why to starch your fabric

[@TammisStitches]

Congratulations on starting your sewing journey😊 I starch my fabric so that it’s a little “stiffer” when I cut it. In my opinion it also makes it a little easier to handle when I’m sewing the fabric together. When you wash the quilt or garment, the starch washes out and the fabric returns back to its original “hand” or “stiffness”. Hopefully this helps you😊 And I wish you much success on your sewing journey 😊

[@aprilhernandez3077]

Thank you for explaining the starch use wish me luck

[@TammisStitches]

My pleasure😊. I’ll see you in my next video. Keep putting in those reps with your sewing projects and before you know it, you’ll feel like an “experienced sewist” 🥰

[@Pam-ue3qc]

What did your 10 inch squares ending up being after starching?

[@TammisStitches]

Excellent question! 😊 They are approximately 9.75 inches. The main thing to note is because I dried them on a rack. They’re about 10% more “rectangular” shape if that makes sense. If you want them to maintain their “square” shape, dry them on a flat surface. They came out slightly “rectangular” because of the fibers were wet and gravity pulled the fabric towards the ground because they were hanging on the rack vs lying flat. Hope this helps. Thanks for your question & please join me for more videos 😊

[@MartyLawless-kh2jd]

I think the shrinkage would happen even if the fabric is laid flat.

[@TammisStitches]

Yes, it absolutely it does shrink no matter how you lay it 😊. It just stays more square laid flat. Thanks for adding to the conversation! Please join me for more videos 😊

[@tristadav]

Just have to say something that's going to sound bitchy- you and Kimberly need to understand that this will feed tiny little bugs on your fabrics. Just like you said you have to rinse your concrete because it attracts bugs, this will be an issue unless you wash your projects when complete- note that Kimberly fully laughs that she never washes her quilts and then she laments her allergies. I personally don't need my fabric that stiff, so I use either just plain steam, or I use vodka and water. I feel like the vodka is more repellant than attractant to bugs, but I also always wash my quilts as soon as the binding is done- I always gift them washed. No insult intended to you, Kimberly (love FQS) or anyone else! It's just I feel this is almost a public service to discuss.

[@TammisStitches]

Thanks for sharing your opinion 😊

[@wendywilson1736]

I don't understand the need for starching quilt fabric. Just spray with a water bottle and give it a good press!

[@TammisStitches]

Now, that’s something I didn’t think of 😊. Thanks for sharing that idea😊

[@wendywilson1736]

@TammisStitches It's less expensive, you don't need all that extra equipment, or space, and it's a time, and trouble, saver. Besides, doesn't all that starch end up on the needles and in your machine, just by the heat of sewing???

[@hollywaddell6727]

I think the greatest advantage of using starched fabric is when making any pattern that incorporates bias cuts. The starch stabilizes the fibers. The cut edges are less likely to warp or stretch out of shape when being manipulated before and during sewing. That being said, all fabric used in said pattern should either be starched similarly or, at the least, preshrunk so as to have a consistent reaction when the finished quilt is laundered.

[@wendywilson1736]

@@hollywaddell6727 oh, well, okay. I just sewed two seams on HST, and cut in between them, just guiding without any pulling. So, I never have that issue. And now, I just deal with strips, squares, and rectangles, anymore.