Magic® Sizing - Sizing Fabric Finish is what I use instead of starch. I use it on the back of my fabric. As far as steam I seldom use it.I feel steam distorts the block!
I think it is a personal choice.
Red

I never use steam and use magic sizing and Niagara non aerosol spray starch. The Niagara costs about $2 in target. My LA quilter recommended it to me. I spray on the right side.

I use magic sizing, I also never steam anything.

Vicky

I use starch on the wrong side and I use steam always. I like the crispness of the combination.

Rebecca

I have used starch and sizing but not all the time, only when I have a problem keeping a fabric controled. I use steam all the time. Jayne

I usually use Magic Sizing, but will use starch if I need it. I also use steam, except when paper piecing.

beverly

I have a fragrant starch product, but rarely use it. I always use steam though (even when paper piecing!)

I press with no steam, but that's mostly because my studio is a separate building, and I can't be bothered to go in and out of the house for water. I used to use steam, and it didn't distort my blocks.

I starch heavily if there are bias edges, such as 1/2 aquare triangles. Sometimes I starch from the front if I'm pressing a large piece to cut, but not always. The starch washes out, why worry?

I starch the heck out of everything, front back and sideways, and steam it in before I rotary cut. I run the iron over fabric to warm it first, spray on starch and let it sink in, then iron it in, on grain, with steam on. Very little dandruff that way, which I don't like looking at either. Makes the whole project look dirty, doesn't it?

Once it's cut, I use a pressing burst of steam on my seams. Working by hand, the stiff fabric with crisp seam allowances allow me to push together my curved applecore rows and match pretty perfect points by feeling the opposing seam butt into each other.

Thanks - I am reading & learning. It is great to get your opinions and tips.

I am going to look for the Magic Sizing - I am also going to starch / size more generously before I rotary cut.

I did use steam yesterday on a difficult area - points where the pinwheels meet - they were sewn perfectly, but I could not get the seam to press flat until I hit it with the steam. It also made the starched fabric crisp, for a very nice looking block. That is what prompted me to ask about your experience with the steam & the starch.

What a great question! I always use steam and I never use starch! But I have some future projects that starch is going to be very helpful with.

I love this forum.

Susan

I only use steam on a stubborn seam. I love starch and use it freely on everything! LOL Starch will hold bias pieces still and I often use it at the end to give an overall good press job. It also makes hand quilting go easier.

I love your questions too Vicky.
Jean

Guess I am odd quilter out here! I never use steam from my iron and I never use starch or sizing. Sometimes I will press the heck out of a block using a pressing cloth sprinkled with plain water. That method gets any block as flat as flat can be.

Sorry, but I want the process to be quick, easy, simple, and not cost me an arm and a leg.
Teresa

Yes I do use shot of steam and Niagara starch. I alsodo not prewash my fabrics since I just make mini quilts and wall hangings. I have heard both ways to do it so I do it my way.
Darlene