Make Your Own Spray Starch for Quilting - save money!

[@peggersf9709]

👋👋 Just came across your channel. Going to give this a try, thanks

[@Patchworkposse]

it's really quite nice to have spray starch on demand!

[@wazmack7996]

Thankyou for your clear instructions. However am I to understand that the starch is somehow left over and staying on the fabric, after the distilled water and the distilled alcohol evaporate? 🤔 What effect are you going for?? I'm looking for a stiff result.

[@Patchworkposse]

The more layers or sprays and then presses you do, the stiffer the result. So it layers nicely - You may be able to play with the ratio as well, so stronger on the vodka then the water. The starch washed out, just like any other starch you would use. So it's a great option!

[@wazmack7996]

@@Patchworkposse thankyou for your kindness and willingness to help, in these times when finding anything useful in the internet is getting increasingly hard, we need to value people like you more.

[@thecheshirecrafter4522]

Genius, a no starch starch! Assuming the alcahol acts as a preservative how long can you keep it in the mister bottle for and would you keep any mixed left over in the fridge? I hate vodka, but have a bottle under my sink for household cleaning, so I'm definitely going to give this a try. I also store 91% isopropyl alcahol, so might experiment with that too. Thanks for sharing this helpful tip.

[@mrsmcdonald9363]

When the alcohol in vodka evaporates, the residue is potato starch. I don't make more vodka starch than I can use in 30 days. It will eventually gum up the nozzle.

[@thecheshirecrafter4522]

@@mrsmcdonald9363 Interesting and really helpful, thanks.

[@Patchworkposse]

I agree - I just add what I made to the bottle and don't make any extra. Once it's in the bottle, it stays just fine.

[@thecheshirecrafter4522]

@@Patchworkposse thanks.

[@jennifersmith6284]

Could you use rubbing alcohol instead of vodka?

[@Patchworkposse]

I'm not really sure! Great question. I did look around and saw it mentioned, but no one really said a clear yes or no.

[@notesfromleisa-land]

I would not use rubbing alcohol. It is a solvent, and may be too harsh for your fabric. Also if you overspray, it will take the finish off of your furniture, may mar your floor, and will remove lines from your rulers.

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Rubbing alcohol is a solvent. I would not recommend using it as a substitute.

[@jackiekramar]

Just distilled water and vodka?

[@Patchworkposse]

that's it!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Worth noting that there is absolutely no starch in vodka. It is simply water and ethanol (and may include smoothing agents such as citric acid and glycerol). All of the starch is consumed in the fermentation process where it is converted to alcohol. What you get, then, is the residual from the ethanol and any additives which is imparting the "body". Regarding Isopropyl alcohol: it is a solvent; one should exercise real care in using this in the sewing room as it will mess up your flooring and finishes of any furniture. So adding it to a spray bottle means you might have overspray that might cause some unintended consequences. I know many people like and use this method (vodka). I use StaFlo 50:50 which suits my preferences (utility and economy). I'm not sure why one would add essential oils as generally oils and fabric do not mix (at least in my universe).

[@Patchworkposse]

Thank you for sharing your info! I do appreciate it.

[@notesfromleisa-land]

@@Patchworkposse As you can tell, I'm an unabashed nerd!

[@dcwatashi]

StaFlo has been discontinued

[@notesfromleisa-land]

@@dcwatashi It's a shame! I was saddened when I learned about it.