How to Make Quilter’s Moonshine (Liquid Starch)

Quilter’s Moonshine, also known as liquid starch, is SUPER easy to make, smells good, and is cheap.  What quilter wouldn’t want that?

WHAT IS DIY FABRIC STARCH

Quilter’s Moonshine is a DIY spray starch.  Spray starch helps your fabric to be crisper, more firm, and therefore more accurate when cutting and piecing. 

I found a simple Quilter’s Moonshine recipe from this blog post. I will be the first to tell you that spray starch DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE when quilting. See THIS VIDEO for tips on starching your fabric.  

WHEN TO USE LIQUID STARCH

I spray my fabric with starch at the beginning of any quilting project.  Then I iron it, then cut it and sew.  It’s not as helpful to spray and iron after cutting your fabric, as the starch helps to give a more accurate cut.

HOW TO MAKE MOONSHINE (THE QUILTING KIND)

To make Quilter’s Moonshine, or DIY Fabric Starch, you will need:

1. 1 Gallon of Distilled Water
2. ½ Cup liquid starch (like Sta-Flo)
3. 1 Cup Vodka (The cheaper the better)
4. Optional: A couple drops of your favorite essential oil for smell.  My personal favorite is orange with peppermint

I saw and even EASIER version HERE:

1. Mix one part vodka to two parts water in a glass spray bottle (I use 1/3 cup vodka and 2/3 cup water).
2. Shake to combine.

PRINT THE ‘RECIPE’

Want a FREE Printable of the Quilters Moonshine?  Click Photo to download, print, and save.

Version 1:

Version 2:

Be sure to check out my other free download printables HERE. 

WHY USE STARCH WHEN QUILTING

When you are quilting, it’s important that your fabric cutting and piecing is accurate.  Otherwise you end up with corners that don’t meet up, or wonky quilt tops.  Starching fabric is one of my biggest secrets to getting a better, more accurate quilt top.  Take a look at quilts I have made using starch.

Starch helped this ‘Cafe Tiles Quilt‘ to come together smoothly.

It was ONLY with starch that I was able to get my Half Square Triangles to be as accurate as they were for this ‘Better Together’ Quilt top.

Be sure to download your Quilter’s Moonshine recipe and start starching your fabric.  You will be glad you did.