Mix 1 ½ Tbsp cornstarch with 2 cups of water (you can use distilled water if you have hard water, I used tap water since the starchdoesn’t go into the iron). You can store your homemade spray starch in a clean, labeled spray bottle or container. Make sure it is tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If using the vodka mixture, make sure to use a dark colored spray bottle or container to prevent light exposure that can affect its potency. Can I use boiling water instead of distilled water? I think of it as the difference between working with tissue paper vs. construction paper. It’s going to be much easier to cut something from construction paper than it is from tissue paper and you’ll get a more accurate result as you work with it. Starch vs. sizing To each cup of water, add between one teaspoon and three teaspoons of cornstarch, depending on how stiff you’d like your spray starch to be. One teaspoon will give a very light starch, suitable for a child’s dress shirt, while three teaspoons is a heavy starch, and what I use when I’m stitching jersey knit. Frankly, homemade spray starch is even better than the store-bought kind because it’s completely customizable. If you want a light starch, you can make it. If you want a heavy starch, well, you can make that, too!

Starch can also be used to help with ironing. When starch is sprayed on fabric before ironing, it makes the fabric easier to smooth out. The last time I was ironing I glanced at the can of spray starch -> in addition to the starch (modified cornstarch) my handy ironing helper contained butane, propane, isobutene, silicone, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium nitrite, polyethylene glycol, ammonium hydroxide, fragrance and preservative. Mix one part vodka to two parts water in a glass spray bottle (I use1/3 cup vodkaand2/3 cup water). Fold your fabric in half or drape over a hanger. I don’t like to make any creases at the fold line if I can help it. I mixed up a batch of recipe #1 and it worked well, except for the fact that it keep settling. I had to shake it before each spritz and it clogged my sprayer if I didn’t shake it up enough.The only inconvenience about this version is that it keeps settling so you need to shake the bottle before each spritz.

Also, if you try to iron while the starch is still wet, it may cause staining or uneven stiffness on the fabric. So be patient and let the spray starch dry almost completely before ironing. How to store homemade spray starch? Other alternative options include using a light hairspray or using a damp cloth or napkin and ironing over it to add moisture and stiffness to the fabric. Each method may have different results depending on the type of fabric you are working with, so experiment to find what works best for you. How do you make heavy duty spray starch? Homemade spray starch can go bad if it is left sitting for an extended period of time, so make sure to use it within a few days or a week or make smaller batches as needed. Any discoloration or strange smell may indicate that it has gone bad and should be discarded. Sizing such as Magic Sizing can add body to your fabric without it becoming too stiff. It won’t leave much residue on your iron or pressing surface and it doesn’t flake like starch does. If you prefer your fabric to be wrinkle free but not so stiff, this may be the right product for you.

Yes, boiling water can be used as a substitute for distilled water in this recipe. Boiling the tap water will help remove any impurities and make it safer to use on your fabric. However, if you are using the vodka formula, make sure to let the boiled water cool down before adding it to the mixture. Another great use for liquid spray starch is to add body to fabric, particularly good for bags and laptop or tablet covers. If you use cotton in your craft or sewing projects, you know that after pre-washing, it loses its stiffness and this DIY spray starch is great at restoring that much needed stiffness since it make it much more easy to work with the fabric. Similar posts you will love: If you want fragrance, you can also add a few drops of essential oils for a pleasant scent (I love lavender and lemon, especially for bed linen) or vinegar for added wrinkle-fighting power. Just be sure to shake well before each use to evenly distribute the ingredients. Does homemade spray starch go bad? Spray starch, depending on the brand, can be quite expensive, but if you’re a regular consumer you’ll be thrilled (or horrified) to learn how to make spray starch yourself cheaply and easily. Most of the times, not really! But let me tell you, it makes ironing so much easier! It keeps your fabric from moving around and helps to create crisp folds and seams. Plus it gives a professional look to your finished garment or project. What can you use as a substitute for spray starch?