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.

3 comments

3 Comments

avery9211mo 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.

cameron_sullivan711mo 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.

patb121mo 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.