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Working with recycled vintage curtains gave me a major fabric headache
I found these amazing floral curtains at a thrift store but the fabric was super slippery and frayed like crazy when I cut it. I mean, I almost gave up on making a wrap skirt from them. Then I remembered reading about using homemade starch spray on natural fibers before cutting. I mixed a little cornstarch with water, sprayed it lightly on the fabric, and let it dry. It made the material way easier to handle and the edges stopped unraveling while I worked. Maybe it's just me, but it saved the whole project. Just don't overdo the spray or it gets too stiff.
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avery9217mo ago
Hey, that starch trick is smart. Does it wash out okay after sewing? I'd worry about it making the fabric stiff long-term.
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cameron_sullivan717mo ago
I used to avoid starch for that very reason, worried it would stay crunchy. What changed my mind was using a cheap spray on some canvas I was hemming. After a normal wash with cool water, it came out completely soft, no residue at all. Just don't soak the fabric, a light mist is plenty.
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patb127mo ago
A major fabric headache? Sounds a bit much. Even with @cameron_sullivan71's wash-out tip, I've never bothered with starch and my stuff turns out fine.
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