Spray, Press, Quilt: A Guide to Starches and Fabric Sprays!

When you're working on a quilt, precision and fabric handling are crucial. Spray starches, relaxers, and stabilizers are handy tools in any quilter’s kit, but do you know the difference between them? Let’s dive into the various spray options and when to use each one in your quilting projects!

1. Starch (e.g., Faultless or Niagara)

What It Does:
Starch is your go-to for adding stiffness to fabric. It stabilizes the grains of the fabric, making it easier to handle when cutting and piecing. Starch is excellent for fabrics with loose grains that tend to shift, and it ensures that your seams will match precisely.

When to Use It:

• For accuracy in cutting and piecing.
• In fabrics that have a loose grain and shift a lot.
• When you need seams to match precisely.

Disadvantages:

• Extended use may cause discoloration or warping of your pressing surface.
• It can flake or clog your iron.

2. Starch Alternatives (e.g., Best Press)

What It Does:
This option doesn’t stiffen fabric as much as traditional starch but is excellent for wrinkle-free cutting and piecing. It helps lay seams flat, which is a must for intricate quilt patterns.

When to Use It:

• For any general quiltwork.
• When you want seams to lay flat as possible.

Disadvantages:

• It won’t offer the same level of stiffness as starch.

3. Fabric Relaxer (e.g., Flatter)

What It Does:
Fabric relaxer, or smoothing spray, relaxes wrinkles and smooths out your fabric. It’s perfect for those who love eco-friendly options since it’s often non-aerosol and environmentally friendly.

When to Use It:

• Great for curved piecing as it helps the fabric settle into the curve without warping.
• To give fabric a fresh, smooth feel and smell.

Disadvantages:

• It doesn’t add stiffness, so it won’t work for projects that require precision cutting or piecing.
• Can be harder to find and may be pricier than starch alternatives.

4. Stabilizer (e.g., Terial Magic)

What It Does:
Need maximum stiffness? Stabilizer makes your fabric as stiff as paper, making it ideal for projects that require precision, like machine embroidery, applique, or die-cutting.

When to Use It:

• Perfect for machine embroidery, applique, and using fabric in printers or cutting machines.
• When you need your fabric stiff enough to avoid any shifting during detailed work.

Disadvantages:

• Stabilizers can be messy and time-consuming to apply.
• The stiffness may not be suitable for many general quilting projects.

Each spray option serves a unique purpose in quilting, and understanding the differences can make your work more precise and enjoyable. From starch for stiffness to relaxers for smooth, soft curves, these products help you achieve professional-looking results in your quiltwork. So, the next time you're at the quilt shop, you'll know exactly which spray to grab for your project!

Happy quilting!