How to Starch Fabric (Sta-Flo Liquid Starch Tutorial!)

[@viv4843]

I ran out of can starch and made homemade using 2 tablespoon of corn starch and 2.5 cups of water. Boil for one minute. Cool. I used a spray bottle. Less wrinkles. Needless to say, no more can starch for me.

[@patir7563]

Oh my goodness, I have never done this. I started learning to quilt when everything shut down in 2020 because I’d always wanted to learn how to quilt. I bought myself my first sewing machine and had to find videos on how to do it all! The tutorials I watched at the time said that starching was a personal preference and so I just assumed most people didn’t…. I’ve made a couple of your quilts (working on my third and my fourth kit is on its way!) and every time I watch your videos, I have wondered how on earth your quilt tops looks SO flat and even. Now I know!!! I ordered that starch today! Thanks for clarifying this! Us newbies always appreciate these tips! 😊

[@lois2911]

I sometimes use strong glue and mix it in cool or warm water. I stir to make sure that the glue is completely dissolved before placing fabric or material into it. If colored fabric, then make sure that the water has cooled down so as to prevent fading out the color of the material. I make sure not to thoroughly ring out the fabric leaving a good bit of the solution in it. This helps later on in the process. After it dries, I then iron it. One could add a fragrance to the solution. Also, the container of solution with the fabric can be placed in the sun to allow for complete absorption. You could also make the solution as concentrated as you'd like. Just make sure to stir it thoroughly and make sure it is completely dissolved. By the way, thanks for the vid.

[@lesa6399]

I use liquid starch but mix it with water in a spray bottle. Works great, no breathing probs & less trash for landfills! If the sprayer should get clogged with no use hot water takes care of that!

[@hollykarlsen1792]

I do this too! SO much cheaper than Best Press and it works great. I’ve been starching my fabrics for years. I live in Michigan where we have high humidity and lots of bugs but I’ve never had a problem with them getting into my fabrics, even when I was making my own solution from corn starch and water (which I don’t recommend because it can scorch easily when you iron it ).

[@pampeterson3092]

I use Sta-Flo starch on most of my fabric using the method and steps you demonstrated. There is definitely some pre-planning but I find this to be a good starching method for me. However, I don’t starch my backing. I will rinse and dry the backing fabric for shrinkage and so far no problems. I do like starched fabric especially when I am sewing small pieces or bias edges.

[@barbaralutterbein5888]

I put pool noodles over the dryer rack rungs. No crease in the fabric. I also found a small rechargeable sprayer that works great. I hang my fabric outside when the weather is nice, spray it, and let it air dry. I spray the fabric I am using for my quilt or project. I mostly starch when I have bias edges - triangles

[@tblack4719]

This method great for large pieces. I put an expensive vinyl shower curtain liner under the drying rack to catch drips.

[@erica_arndt]

Great tip! I just use towels, but I like the shower curtain idea!

[@blairseibert1778]

Sometimes I put the drying rack in the bathtub!

[@hoosierhunny5001]

I use sta-flo. ❤ it. Less than 4 dollars. and best press was 59 last I checked for same size

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, Best Press is definitely more expensive! I have also tried to dilute it a bit but I found it to be too watery and so I don't do that any more.

[@debbiedobbins6785]

I’m a big fan of starching like this however I take impatience to a whole new level…I starch the heck out of the fabric, then I throw them in the dryer. It takes about 14 minutes to dry and all that’s left is ironing them flat…then I’m off to the races for cutting. 😂 starching has made such a difference for me. Have a terrific weekend Arndt Family…playing this week up at Lake Tahoe. So pretty. 🤗🤗

[@peggersf9709]

Debbie, never thought to put in dryer. Does it leave a residue in your dryer?

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, I've used the dryer before when I was in a hurry! It worked great!

[@debbiedobbins6785]

@@peggersf9709 not that I have seen. I was worried about that too but so far it’s been just fine. If I only have a couple of pieces to dry, I will throw a couple kitchen towels in with them. So far so good. 🤞🤞😌

[@peggersf9709]

@@debbiedobbins6785 thank you 😊. Going to give it a try on my next project

[@vickiewagner3530]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! You answered so many of my questions on this starch!

[@starbrown1219]

Great video. I may try this the next time I do a bigger project. Thank you.

[@bethk7648]

Thank you for a really good explanation of this technique. I'm sticking to Best Press , but it's good to know other approaches for the future.

[@JudithBrummett]

I used to do my starching like you demonstrated but it was terribly wrinkled and took a long time to press out so now I either dip the fabric then smooth it out onto a couple lawn chairs on my deck that I placed pool noodles onto so it suspends between the two chairs OR I mix my starch into spray bottle and saturate it that way but still over the pool noodles. I don't worry about it getting onto my deck and have never seen any stains from the drips. It usually takes about 2 hours to dry.

[@erica_arndt]

That's a great idea! Also, if you use steam in your iron that helps as well!

[@theresaconner7173]

I use the stayflo but use an electric rechargeable plant watering spray bottle. It is amazing and so so much easier and fast!

[@debbiebabarskas4906]

Great info, I will be trying. Erica, Your daughter did Great. who knows maybe the two of you will be a team like Lori Holt and her daughter... lol

[@kimberlykcmcrochet4489]

Thats how i starch as well. My husband bought me that same hanging rack as well i love it. Indoor or outdoor.❤

[@karenpack8111]

Thanks for sharing. I have never heard of sta flo. I'm not a planner either, i usually use best press. It works fine for me. Love your videos. I just finished up block 9 last night. You're a great teacher!!

[@LauraSup]

Erica, thank you experimenting with the Sta-Flo starch. My grandmother always used that for pressing garments add for blocking her crocheted thread doilies. I was very young then and never knew that the solution could be diluted! Thanks so much for sharing your time and talents!💕

[@8machines62]

I do use the sta-Flo also. I did not know I could double them when drying. Great idea I also just wet them then open and hang them. I will start opening them and dip. I like your ideas. Thank you

[@melindat5711]

I love to starch my fabric but I find that it shrinks the fabric if it's a layer cake, etc. I know other people have commented about this. I've never used Sta-Flo and I'm going to give it a try. I've never thought about starching the way you've shown. It's a great idea! Thank you!!

[@cheryleaston6820]

Very helpful tops. TFS

[@nrobinson7951]

Thanks for the info Erica.

[@Matty06001]

Hmm. this is so interesting! I’ve also heard just today about a way to put the liquid starch into a big plastic bag in the refrigerator, and then actually store your project fabric in there and take it out as you sew it! This looks like a good idea if you have the space, but I don’t. I think I may try the refrigerator method. but this is the first time I’ve ever even seen liquid starch used it all, so thank you for the video!

[@erica_arndt]

Hi! That's a great idea, I'm wondering if that would keep it from molding?

[@jennifer7a6]

I had no idea this method even existed 🙈 lol! I’ve always just used the best press. I’ll have to give this a try!

[@rachelkachun6063]

Please share the link for the fabric drying rack. It’s awesome!!!

[@kimimel7488]

I use starch 60/40 in a sprayer too. Thanks for the info.

[@janiceconway5542]

That same bottle is 24.99 in Canada!!! Spray starch is 5.99 at the hardware store and it takes 2 cans of spray for a lap quilt. I only use starched fabric but boy is it getting expensive, lol

[@erica_arndt]

Wow! That's definitely pricey, have you looked into making your own? I have a recipe here: www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2022/07/how-to-starch-fabric-mary-ellens-best-press-tutorial.html

[@Vicapr]

I live in NW Florida and I don’t have any issues with bugs. And if you know anything about Florida, you know, We Have Bugs! 😂

[@kimberlykcmcrochet4489]

Thats my go to starch as well. I do use mary ellen sometimes.

[@celiaambrose9008]

love your ironing station

[@CLAIRE-cu9un]

Thanks, Erica, for all of your great videos!! I’m about to try this method for the first time! Can you keep the leftover starch mixture and use it again? I don’t want to mix up the entire bottle the first time I try unless I can use what’s left. Have you done that before? Thanks for your advice! Blessings to you and your family!! ❤

[@ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq]

Awesome 👍🏾 thank you 🤠

[@letscleanhouse]

Did you make the wreath in your laundry room with the different fabrics?? I love it!! Tutorial maybe one day😉

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, here's the tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKTcl5-tZtCog5osi=0nL4byzrRd4iQhkt

[@letscleanhouse]

Yay!! I could make this today with no trips to the store!! Thank you 😊

[@cherylynn927]

Thanks Erica,, this is very helpful!

[@gwensmith7024]

I also starch my fabric - really helped with precision. I usually use the spray but breathing it concerns me. I’ve wanted to try the sta-flo/dunking method. Also, rolling up the larger pieces is a great idea- will be doing that. I couldn’t find a link for your drying rack- I looked in your favorites and couldn’t find it either. Do you have a link for your drying rack?

[@erica_arndt]

I would definitely rather use the dunking method than the aerosol spray as well! I'll make sure the rack is linked below the video! amzn.to/3PVopXC

[@peggersf9709]

I mix a bottle up and keep ready to pour into a spray bottle for when I just need to starch small pieces. Yes it can mold if not careful but I use it fast enough that I haven’t had problem (sister did cause she doesn’t use as fast) Haven’t had bug problems either. Happy sewing.

[@erica_arndt]

I left some mixed in a bottle as well, but only for about a week and it was fine. Not sure about it lasting longer!

[@simplyquiltingwithnancysanders]

Interesting... I use StaFlo but just put an ounce in an 8 oz misting bottle and add distilled water to fill. Then just spray and press right before I cut my fabric.

[@theresaskrabanek512]

Not true about quilt store fabric. I joined a BOM at a quilt store. The French General red fabric RAN/BLED!!!! Turned the cream & white PINK!!

[@tracihall7083]

i have never had that happen with quilt store fabric. yikes!

[@theresaskrabanek512]

@@tracihall7083 yes ma’am. I very up set & surprised! Thankfully I was able to wash it out with extra care (more color grabbers, dawn, soaking in Oxyclean).

[@kimberlykcmcrochet4489]

I use the colorfast sheets for the first couple washes.

[@theresaskrabanek512]

@@kimberlykcmcrochet4489 I always do!! Had to wash with them at least 3 times.

[@CLAIRE-cu9un]

Have you/anyone ever stored the leftover starch mixture and used it later? Just wondered if that might work. Thanks for your input. Have a great weekend!

[@erica_arndt]

I usually only use it within about a week. After that it starts smelling weird, which doesn't really make sense because you're just adding water? But who knows...

[@Tami_from_Texas]

Great video! I am from Texas and it is always humid except for one or two days a year 🤣 Anyways I was thinking that maybe an essential oil could be added to the water/starch solution that would detour bugs from coming...I also live on acreage and there are bugs everywhere. I wonder if washing the quilt afterwards removes the starch residue? I will need to experiment.

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, I usually wash after the quilt is finished. It crinkles nicely and gets rid of the starch.

[@annroberson8890]

Great info.

[@dianeclemens5475]

Love the quilt behind you to your left. What is the pattern and fabric?

[@erica_arndt]

That's the 2022 Sew With Me quilt here on KZbin! The fabric is a mix from my stash, but mostly Lori Holt and Bonnie and Camille. You can find all of the blocks and videos here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kITTeJWdrrKNhJI

[@chrisburt3852]

I tried this method yesterday for the first time and now today I am pressing my fabric. Has anyone experienced the fabric being kind of off grain when you press it? Maybe it is from the way I hung it that allowed it to stretch and get wonky? It is all quality fabric so that shouldn’t be the issue. Curious if anyone else has experienced this.

[@kimlaird5894]

I am in Texas and never had a problem with bugs in my starched fabrics, but my studio is clean and we do exterminate

[@lizzystitch4842]

Hey! Good old Niagara Spray Starch works well, too, as does Faultless!

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, I don't love the aerosol, so I prefer this method. But you can definitely use those!

[@theresaquiltsscraps4929]

Great video Erica! I have never heard of Stay Flo. If you have any of the starch leftover in your bin, do you keep it or dump it out? I am going to try this method of starching for my next quilt project. Thanks again!

[@erica_arndt]

I've kept it for about a week, but not much longer. I hear it can get moldy if you keep it too long, but I haven't left it that long yet :)

[@lanaedwards4865]

Thank you for the informative on using starch. I do have a question. Do you know if you have starch the top of a baby quilt, can you use minke on the back? Not sure if you can put them both together. Thank you very much.

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, minky doesn't stretch/shrink so yes, you're fine to use that on the back.

[@annetrenary2875]

this is all I use

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

I use STAY Flo too.

[@susanbaker8023]

I use home made spray starch. Best press is far too expensive. It works great, and have never had any problems.

[@k.skittles8196]

I'm just learning how to make quilts. I getting mix answers about need to pre- wash you fabric ? Before cutting? Do you wash before fabric before you starch & cut your fabric?

[@erica_arndt]

Hi! I do NOT pre-wash my fabric unless I'm adding in flannel. Flannel shrinks at a much higher rate than normal quilting cotton, so I do pre-wash that. Otherwise, no, I don't pre-wash before starching or cutting my fabric. I DO wash my quilts in cold water and with a color-catcher or two just to make sure they don't bleed.

[@jeane.2722]

thx

[@blairseibert1778]

I love using the liquid starch. Sorry Sta-Flo is no longer available. I never wring the fabric but fold it and squeeze it between my fingers or palms.

[@Kitchensurprise]

Thanks so much for a great tutorial…I don’t wash my quilts before using or gifting and wondered about the stiffness of the finished quilt?

[@erica_arndt]

I softens a bit once it's quilted so it's not super stiff. But I do like to wash my quilts before gifting just to make sure there's no fabric bleed and it get's "crinkly" which I think is a nice touch! But if you don't like to do that, I would gift the quilt with a little "care card" that tells the recipient how to wash it.

[@Kitchensurprise]

@@erica_arndt Thanks!👍

[@jmarylastone]

good video how you explained but why don't you just mix the StaFlo with water and put it in a spray bottle?? I don't use anything but StaFlo in a spray bottle and it is so easy - by the way I live in the south and have NEVER in over 60 years of using StaFlo have any bugs from it - I have used your method when doing applique because I want my fabric stiff stiff stiff but the left over when I am done goes in my spray bottle to use as I iron

[@bettygentry9672]

Great video! Question: Did you experience any flaking with Sta-Flo or gummy up on the needle? Thanks!

[@erica_arndt]

Nope!

[@dianeschwalm3855]

Great video. I never starch my backing fabric. Hummmm

[@kimberlyfuse1162]

Does the stiffness wash out when you wash the quilt

[@erica_arndt]

Yep! You can't even tell you starched the fabric once it's washed!

[@sallypearson1232]

The reason your fabric is crinkling is because you squished them to get the liquid out. I use sta flo with a spray bottle and hang fabric on a rack. Most of the fold lines hang out. Not too much pressing needed. Just rinse the nozzle if it get stuck.

[@robindomerese8436]

I use stay flow but I put in a spray bottle and use as you would any other starch.

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, I've heard you can do that as well! Does it gunk up the nozzle?

[@robindomerese8436]

@erica_arndt not that I have had trouble with and I have been using it that way for almost 20 years now.

[@rachelkachun6063]

I would lay the wet fabric on a towel and roll it up and squeeze to get rid of the excess liquid

[@mostlysimplemargo]

Thank you for sharing. 😊 I noticed someone else has the same question as me... Isn't the wet starchy fabric dripping onto your floor? Do you lay down towels?

[@erica_arndt]

Yep, I lay a few towels on the ground, I show it at timestamp: 3:29

[@teri2941]

You can also set the rack in your bathtub or shower if it will fit, then just rinse out when fabric dries.

[@beverlymeaker7566]

Do you all wash the fabric before you get started??

[@SewTexas]

I use sta flo, easier way is: I buy a sprayer from hardware store, hold about 2 gallons, one that sprays trees, it works so much better, you will use less starch, and you don'dthave to hang the fabric. YOU ARE DOING WAY TOO MUCH WORK and not necessary.

[@erica_arndt]

Interesting idea, does the nozzle get gunked up easily?

[@SewTexas]

@@erica_arndt I've been using the sprayer for years and yet to have it gunked up. Maybe if you let it set and not use you m ight have to run warm water over the nozzle. I usually pour the entire bottle of staflo and add equal amount of water and that makes for a fairly stiff fabric. I usually spray what ever amount of fabric and put into a large plastic bag, and can immediately pull out fabric and iron, not necessary to dry on rack. I was going through enormous amounts of canned starch, and it was getting harder and harder to find and expensive.

[@tonistevens2253]

That’s how my mom used to starch my dad’s cotton white work/dress shirts-starch, then roll up in a plastic bag until she was ready to iron. Guess that shows my age…..

[@Kitchensurprise]

😊❤

[@rosinyberg8747]

does the heat from pressing cause moisture in the rolled up pieces that you store?

[@erica_arndt]

No, it dries almost immediately.

[@tchr1106]

I am wondering why using the clothes dryer is not used for these fabrics. Has anyone a clue??

[@erica_arndt]

You definitely can toss them in the dryer! I should have mentioned that in the video. I do that when I'm in a hurry.

[@lisayoung820]

Just a FYI unfortunately it looks as if Sta Flo will no longer be made. Is there another liquid starch similar to Sta flo

[@erica_arndt]

I know, I'm so sad and looking for a replacement :)

[@lisayoung820]

I found on Amazon just ordered 6 bottles. Mr medical. It’s a medical store. Just in case you are in need

[@Matty06001]

It’s like you have to look for slime starch! So weird.

[@gamk8348]

Isn’t it dripping all over the floor???

[@erica_arndt]

No, I put towels down, check timestamp 3:29

[@cherylynn927]

Oh I doubt there is anything lazy about you! LOL