Save With DIY Copycat Best Press Spray Starch
Make It Any Scent You Want!
Quilters love Mary Ellen’s Best Press and often buy it by the gallon. It’s great for stiffening and removing wrinkles from fabric and it’s especially nice for adding sizing to pre-washed fabrics. Plus it comes in many fresh scents.
However, it can be pricey. Fortunately, it’s possible to make a copycat version yourself and save money in the process.
Photo from The Spruce.
All you need is vodka, distilled water, and perhaps an essential oil in a scent you enjoy. The grain or potatoes in the vodka acts as starch, although you can also add a bit of liquid starch if you want a spray with more stiffening power.
Photo from The Crafty Quilter.
You’ll also need a spray bottle that delivers a fine mist – this one looks promising but you’ll find several to choose from here. Many quilters love this Mrs. Bobbins spray bottle designed for starch and this one from Gypsy Quilter.
Monica Curry explains how to make the copycat Best Press in the following article.
In the comments section you’ll find this suggestion for adding liquid starch:
“I did try a small amount of liquid starch as Beverly below had suggested. It’s just perfect and I added approx. 1/4 cup to my 16 oz bottle. That’s plenty and gives a nice finish to my fabric.”
– Anonymous
Image Source: The photo at the top of the page is from WikiHow.
