If you love crisp, perfectly pressed fabric for quilting and sewing, then spray starch is your best friend. It stiffens fabric, reduces fraying, and helps with precision when cutting and piecing. But not all spray starches are created equal! In this guide, I’ll share the four best spray starch options, including two DIY recipes you can make at home.
Why Use Spray Starch for Sewing?
Spray starch makes fabric easier to handle, improves accuracy, and helps seams stay crisp. Whether you’re a quilter or garment maker, a little bit of starch can go a long way in making your sewing projects look more polished.
The 4 Best Spray Starch Options
1. Faultless Spray Starch (Gold Cap) – My Top Pick
Best for: Maximum crispness and stiffness
- Pros: This is the crispiest and highest-quality spray starch I’ve found. It provides a strong hold and keeps fabric in place beautifully.
- Cons: It’s pricey, has a slight scent even though it’s labeled “scentless,” and contains chemicals. The aerosol can also creates waste.
- Purchase from my Amazon Storefront HERE. (Affiliate Link)
2. Flatter Spray – A Starch-Free Alternative
Best for: A gentler fabric stiffener with pleasant scents
Pros: Works well, has fewer chemicals, and comes in a variety of fun scents—or truly scentless if you prefer.
Cons: Not as stiff as Faultless, and it’s on the pricey side. The plastic bottle also creates waste.
- Purchase from my Amazon Storefront HERE. (Affiliate link)
3. DIY Cornstarch Spray Starch
Best for: A cheap, natural, and customizable option
Pros: Affordable, easy to make, and allows you to add essential oils for a pleasant scent. You can reuse a spray bottle to reduce waste.
Cons: Not as strong as Faultless, can attract bugs, and goes bad over time—so you’ll need to make small batches.
How to Make Cornstarch Spray Starch
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
A few drops of essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
In a small pot, bring the water to a simmer.
Add cornstarch and whisk until fully dissolved.
Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Pour into a spray bottle and shake well before each use.
Storage Tip: This spray can go bad over time, so make small batches and use within a few weeks.
4. DIY Vodka Spray Starch
Best for: A DIY option that won’t attract bugs or go bad
Pros: Easy to make, relatively cheap (use the cheapest vodka!), and doesn’t expire or attract bugs.
Cons: Not as stiff as Faultless or cornstarch-based starch. Some people notice a slight vodka smell, which can mask essential oils.
How to Make Vodka Spray Starch
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1/4 cup vodka (cheapest kind is fine)
A few drops of essential oil (optional)
- TIP – I thought I needed to use potato Vodka, because potatoes are a starch. But then I found out any vodka will do! So go with the cheapest option.
Instructions:
Combine water and vodka in a spray bottle.
Add essential oils if desired.
Shake well before each use.
Storage Tip: This mixture has an indefinite shelf life, so you can make a large batch without worrying about spoilage.
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Which Spray Starch is Right for You?
For the crispiest finish: Faultless Spray Starch (Gold Cap)
For a starch-free alternative with fun scents: Flatter Spray
For an affordable, homemade option: DIY Cornstarch Spray Starch
For a long-lasting, natural DIY version: DIY Vodka Spray Starch
No matter which spray starch you choose, adding this step to your sewing routine will give your projects a professional finish. Have you tried any of these options? Let me know your favorite in the comments.
SEE PHOTO BELOW: The top portion of the fabric is wrinkled, while the bottom has been starched for a smooth, crisp finish. Notice the sharp crease in the bottom right corner.
Once starched, your fabric will feel firm—almost like cardstock—making it easier to cut, handle, and sew with precision.
The fabric featured is The Blue Fairy from my Bedtime Stories Collection for Art Gallery Fabrics.
