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Spray starch is a liquid solution that stiffens fabric. Quilters often use it on cotton before cutting out their pieces because the stiff fabric is easier to work with. You can find spray starch readily in quilt shops or in the laundry aisle at your supermarket. Mary Ellen’s Best Press seems to be a favorite amongst quilters.
If you do a lot of quilting, spray starch can get expensive fast. You can easily use 16-32 ounces on one quilt! If you do a lot of quilting, it may be worth your time to make some DIY spray starch at home.
Of course, there are other reasons to not use store-bought fabric starch… A lot of it contains synthetic chemicals that may or may not be harmful. Spray starch residue stays on your quilt for a long time, even after washing. Some people are even allergic to it.
If you’re looking to save money, or you’re worried about introducing chemicals to your family, I have an easy homemade spray starch recipe for you to try. It works just as well as store-bought spray starch.
DIY Starch Spray Recipe
Many homemade spray starch recipes call for things like rubbing alcohol or vodka. They act as preservatives, but I don’t like to use them. This DIY fabric starch spray only requires two ingredients!
- 3 cups water
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 6-8 drops of essential oils (optional)
Directions: In a small pot, mix the cornstarch into your water and let it dissolve well. Then, turn on the heat and bring the starch solution to a boil. This makes it translucent. Let your fabric starch cool and then add some essential oils. Peppermint oil is a good option because it has natural bug-repellent properties.
Pour your DIY starch spray into a spray bottle and it’s good to use. An ultra-fine mister bottle works really well. I like the bottles that have a continuous spray.
Some people report that homemade spray starch can clog the nozzle of your spray bottle. To prevent this from happening, turn your bottle upside down and spray until nothing comes out when you’re done using it. This is especially important if you’re not going to be using the spray starch for a while.
Since this homemade spray starch recipe doesn’t have any preservatives, it’s probably best to only prepare enough for one quilt at a time.
Some quilters swear by spray starch. Others think it is a waste of time and money. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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I have used spray starch for years, Mostly for getting wrinkles out of fabrics, clothing etc. Have used it for quilting too. I done lose my pin cushion, I have 3 within reach at all times. No my machine Bobbins are not Universal.. Is there a solution to that. ? They like to Charge an arm and a leg for them too. That really isnt fair.
I agree that spray starch is expensive when using it for quilting purposes. I will try this recipe for the DIY Starch and hope it works for my quilting. It will be less costly and can be made with commonly stocked item in kitchens. Thanks much for the tip!
I’ve never used spray starch on my quilts in 20 yrs of quilting & they look great.
Starching or not starching has similar reactions to the pre-washing or not of fabrics prior to use debate. Both are personal choices. I pre-wash all my fabrics that are over half yard/metre (quilting & dress making). I use starch (in quilting particularly) for a number of reasons – 1) to remove wrinkles and folds from fabric prior to cutting, 2) starched fabric helps with my cutting accuracy, 3) helps with stitching accuracy, 4) drawing lines is easier & more accurate on starched fabric and 5) helps maintain bias edges when stitching triangles (reduces stretching). I also press tissue paper dressmaking patterns to remove the folds and creases before making a non-woven Vilene copy of the pattern.
I can not find spray starch in my area. So thank you for sharing the recipe!