If you’re a sewing enthusiast or quilter, you know the importance of good fabric starch. It not only helps to create crisp, sharp lines but also makes handling fabric much easier. In this guide, we’ll explore popular products in the world of fabric starch and starch alternatives, like Mary Ellen's Best Press, Acorn Easy Press Fabric Spray, and Magic Premium Quilting & Crafting Spray.

What is starch? 

Starch is a liquid that quilters and sewists spray on their fabric before the fun of sewing and quilting begins. Starch is usually made from corn, although it can also be made from potatoes and rice—you can actually make your own starch from corn starch! After starch is applied to fabric, the fabric can either be left to dry or pressed with an iron. Starching comes before cutting as well, as the moisture can often shrink the fabric—more on that below!

What does starch do?

Starch gives fabric a temporary stiffness, making it easier to cut, sew, and iron. This stiffness is particularly useful when precise measurements and straight lines are crucial. Starch can also help prevent the edges of fabric from fraying, making it easier to handle while cutting and sewing. 

Why do quilters and sewists use starch? 

Starch increases accuracy and helps stabilize limp fabric to create sharp, crisp creases and folds, delivering professional-looking results in sewing and quilting. Additionally, some starches offer benefits like stain protection, adding an extra layer of care to your fabrics. Starching fabric prevents the fabric from stretching and distorting, so it’s easier to cut on the bias or cut narrow pieces with accuracy. 

At Thimbles, we have tested out a variety of starches. We’ll compare the benefits and best uses for Mary Ellen’s Best Press, Acorn Easy Press Fabric Spray, and Magic Premium Quilting & Crafting Spray.

Should I always use starch?

While starch may seem (and often is) a miracle product when it comes to quilting and sewing and cutting fabric, there are certain instances where you should not use starch.

Don’t starch precut fabrics. That means no starching fat quarters, layer cakes, jelly rolls, charm packs, or any precut fabric smaller than a fat quarter.

Because starch can cause shrinkage, starching may shrink your precuts too much—and not always in the same direction. Your precut may shrink lengthwise only, or widthwise only, messing with your measurements.

Don’t starch fabrics unless you plan to work with them immediately. Starches made from vegetable products can attract bugs! Not all starch alternatives attract bugs (the ones we've included here are safe), but it's always safer to starch right before you're ready to start your project.

Which starches have you tried?

We’ve tried a bunch of different kinds of starches—and we’ll continue trying starches to discover which starches work best for our different quilting and sewing needs. Here is a brief overview of some of the starches we’ve tried with their benefits (as we see it) and uses:

Mary Ellen's Best Press

Benefits

• No Flaking or Residue: Leaves fabrics smooth without the flaking often associated with traditional starches, preserving the quality of your fabrics.
• Variety of Scents: Offers a range of scents, such as Lavender Fields and Caribbean Beach.
• Stain Shield: Provides an additional layer of protection against stains, helping to keep your fabrics looking pristine.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Comes in a non-aerosol bottle, ensuring an even application—and it’s easy to see how much is left. Also available in bulk gallon sizes to easily refill your bottle, reducing environmental impact.

Uses

• Excellent for preparing quilt blocks, adding the perfect amount of stiffness to fabric pieces to ensure they stay crisp and manageable.

Acorn Easy Press Fabric Treatment

Benefits

• Heat-Activated: Works with heat to set seams perfectly, ensuring crisp, professional results
• Precision Application: The pen applicator design on the Easy Press Pen allows for precise application, ideal for small areas, seams, and detailed work.
• Non-Toxic Formula: Safe to use on all fabrics, without leaving harsh chemicals behind.
• Refillable: Sustainable and economical option, as the Sprayer and Easy Press Pen can be refilled for long-term use.

Uses

• Perfect for setting seams and ensuring precise piecing, particularly in fussy and detailed quilt blocks.

Magic Premium Quilting & Crafting Spray

Benefits

• Traditional Starch Formula: It’s familiar to anyone who has ironed or pressed a garment. Provides the classic stiff finish many sewers and quilters prefer.
• Affordable: Typically less expensive than specialty starches, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for both fabric and household ironing needs. The formula is also buildable and lays a nice finish on fabric.

Uses

• Budget-friendly and great for those looking for an affordable fabric treatment option.
• Suitable for everyday ironing tasks, providing a crisp finish to shirts, pants, and linens.
• The classic stiffness provided by traditional starch.

How do you use starch to prepare fabric for quilting and sewing?

Of all the starches we have tried, Magic is probably our favorite. We love the finish it puts on fabrics and that it’s easily buildable so you can use it in different scenarios. 

In this video, we demonstrate how we use Magic to prepare a piece of fabric for quilting:

Starch is an essential tool and secret weapon for any quilter or sewist! If you haven’t tried starching your fabrics, give it a shot. We’re sure you’ll be pleased with the results.

Do you have a favorite starch? Let us know!

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