Stitchin At Home: starch

Friday, 27 March 2020

Starch and Stay at Home Day3

Are you getting used to our new normal? Stay at Home! Are you using your time to sew? Besides getting in some sewing I've also been cleaning up my flower beds. I have some closets that could use a good cleaning too, but they seem a little daunting right now. Oh well they'll still be calling my name a week from now, and if I keep the doors closed I won't hear them right?

Have you tried homemade spray starch? I was out of starch and thus began the google hunt and experiments for homemade starch.

I prewash all fabric that comes into my house except for charm squares or jelly rolls. I then press and starch that fabric before use. Starch gives the fabric a crisp hand. It also helps with bias edges, allows for sharper points and the fabric doesn't shift when rotary cutting

I tried a couple different ones with a little tweak or two. I would like to give credit for them if you know who they belong too I will gladly credit them.

First up:

1 1/2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
3 1/2 cup cool water
2 drops Lavender essential oil helps repel insects
Put the water in the spray bottle first, then add the corn starch and essential oil.

Shake.
Make sure to shake every time you use it.

Not a fan. I definitely didn't like shaking it all the time.

Some recipes called for vodka. Nope don't have any and with 'Stay at Home' not going shopping for some.

Next up a cooked recipe using cornstarch.

3 cups water
1/2 cup vinegar
1 1/2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
2 drops Lavender essential oil optional

Bring water and vinegar to a boil.
Stir the 1 1/2 tbsp of cornstarch with an additional 1/2 cup water.
Stir into the water and vinegar and boil for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
Add the essential oil if using.
Put into a spray bottle and use.

If you find it makes the fabric too stiff just add more water. Success!