BUY IT. WASH IT. PRESS IT.

Each time I bring home fabric, I wash and dry it, then I press it, but not with starch. I use Mary Ellen’s Best Press. I spray on the back, then flip it over and press on the front of the fabric. I use a dry hot iron and I let the iron do the work!

Then I fold and store. That way I know it’s been pressed when I get it out to use it.

Why do this?

It stabilizes the fabric and it doesn’t stretch. You get more accurate results.

OH, STARCH. I STILL NEED YOU.

I use regular starch for applique. Spray a small amount in the lid of the Starch, then use a brush to apply to the applique, then press.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These hexagons, which I’m making for my hexagon applique quilt, were made by pinning the fabric to the paper with silk pins, letting them sit for a few days, then starching them. It’s faster than basting them. I haven’t tried this method with English Paper Piecing, but it might work.

LIQUID STARCH. JUST ADD WATER.

I don’t use liquid starch that often. It is good for making paper mache or attaching fabric to sheetrock walls. It’s great for renters. You just peel the fabric off when you move and wash the wall.  And, if you have any old doilies you might notice they were made sharp with liquid starch.

Staying sharp,

Wanda