5 Tips for Becoming a Quilters Starch Savvy Pro
Quilting can be invigorating and satisfying, and nothing beats the feeling of creating a beautiful quilt from scratch. However, one of the most common issues that quilters face is starching their fabric. Starching can be tricky, and if not done correctly, it can lead to frustration and poor results.
Here are five tips to help you become a quilters starch savvy pro:
1. Choose the Right Starch
Not all starches are created equal. It’s essential to choose a starch that is appropriate for quilting projects. Fabric starch comes in two types- non-aerosol or aerosol. Non-aerosol is commonly mixed with water and sprayed on the fabric. On the other hand, the aerosol starch comes premixed and ready to use.
Whichever type of starch you decide to use, ensure that it’s suitable for your project. Some types of quilting projects may require different types of starchy solutions to provide the desired stiffness. Do some research and select the right type of starch for your project.
2. Practice Safe Starching
When it comes to starching, safety is paramount. Most types of starch pose no threat to your health, but still, it’s necessary to take necessary precautions like wearing gloves and a mask. Choose a well-ventilated area for your project to allow for proper airflow, or get yourself a spray booth.
There are also some starches like liquid starch that can cause staining if misplaced. To avoid staining, apply the starch in sections and iron as you go. When you are done, ensure that you clean up any residues to keep your workspace in pristine condition.
3. Control the Starch Levels
Water is crucial when it comes to starching. It’s essential to get the right balance between starch and water to achieve the correct stiffness. To control the starch levels in your fabric, get yourself a spray bottle with a fine mist. This makes it easier to apply the solution more evenly without over-saturating your fabric.
Also, after spraying the starch solution, allow it to sit on the fabric for a while before ironing. This allows the starch to penetrate the fabric better before ironing out the creases.
4. Ironing Techniques Matter
Ironing is an essential aspect of starching, and how you do it matters a lot. After spraying the starch solution, it’s essential to iron the fabric with an appropriate temperature. An iron that is hot enough helps to activate the starch better and sets the fabric in place.
Ensure that you iron out all the creases and wrinkles and make all the starch penetrate the fabric. Always iron on the reverse side of the fabric to avoid any damage to the starched surface.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
Like all skills, practice makes perfect, and starching is no exception. The more you do it, the more you’ll understand how the starch works with your fabric and how to achieve the perfect stiffness.
Experiment with different types of fabrics and starches and perfect your technique. Start with small projects and gradually work your way up to bigger fabric pieces.
In Conclusion
Starching is a crucial aspect of quilting that requires precision, patience, and attention to detail. However, following the above tips will help you become a quilters starch-savvy pro in no time. Remember, mastering this skill takes time and practice, so keep at it, and don’t give up!
