Sister's Choice Quilts

My interests are quilting, reading, cooking, family, decorating, and matters of style. I post regular quilting tutorials and book reviews of current fiction.

Best Press

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Have ya'll heard of Mary Ellen's Best Press?

Well, many quilters think it's a miracle in a bottle, that is for sure.  

Best Press is a spray starch in a non-aerosol bottle (environmentally friendly, doncha know?).  It is a clear starch alternative that makes ironing a breeze.  It smells real good (in several fragrances), will not flake or clog, relaxes wrinkles, and gives fabrics a like-new finish.  It even claims to make fabrics soil resistant.

If you are a quilter, you know how nice it is to be able to stabilize fabrics when piecing.   If you are looking for the wrinkles to disappear and the body to come back into your fabric, this product may be for you.  If it minimizes fabric stretching on the bias it is worth its weight in gold.

It is a bit pricey, but definitely worth a try in my opinion.  I would love to hear your views, if you have tried it.  Worth the price?  Did you like the smell?  Which was your favorite?  Would you buy it again?  Worth the hype, or is good  old Niagra good enough for you?  Let's do our own little review right here!

138 responses to “Best Press”

  1. Best Press is the BEST, worth every penny in my opinion. A skeptic at first, I became a convert after the first use and now I wouldn’t consider using anything else!

  2. Best Press is the BEST, worth every penny in my opinion. A skeptic at first, I became a convert after the first use and now I wouldn’t consider using anything else!

  3. I bought two of the smaller bottles for when I travel or go to a class. I don’t like scents on my fabric so I bought it unscented. I will say that it’s wonderful for just that, but it’s not as strong as the starch in a can. When I am at home and need to iron bigger pieces, I use the canned starch even though it flakes. I think I would use Best Press more if I had a bottle like the one in your picture but I have another nozzle and it does a number on my fingers after prolonged use. I love that it doesn’t flake and it is actually wonderful when I’m ironing small pieces or a finished block. I recommend it all the time.

  4. I bought two of the smaller bottles for when I travel or go to a class. I don’t like scents on my fabric so I bought it unscented. I will say that it’s wonderful for just that, but it’s not as strong as the starch in a can. When I am at home and need to iron bigger pieces, I use the canned starch even though it flakes. I think I would use Best Press more if I had a bottle like the one in your picture but I have another nozzle and it does a number on my fingers after prolonged use. I love that it doesn’t flake and it is actually wonderful when I’m ironing small pieces or a finished block. I recommend it all the time.

  5. I use Best Press all of the time, it is wonderful! I buy it by the gallon and refill the spray bottle.

  6. I use Best Press all of the time, it is wonderful! I buy it by the gallon and refill the spray bottle.

  7. I love it! I’ve used the green one (citrus, I think) and the pink (cherry blossom?) and don’t really have a favorite. I buy the refills to save money, cause I use it ALL THE TIME!

  8. I love it! I’ve used the green one (citrus, I think) and the pink (cherry blossom?) and don’t really have a favorite. I buy the refills to save money, cause I use it ALL THE TIME!

  9. I’ve never tried it and now after reading a few of these reviews will consider! I’ll keep an eye on this post. Good question you’ve asked!

  10. I’ve never tried it and now after reading a few of these reviews will consider! I’ll keep an eye on this post. Good question you’ve asked!

  11. I love it, too! It’s not too stiff, but it gives some stability to those bias edges. I take my bottle to the LQS for refills. I’ve only used unscented.

  12. I love it, too! It’s not too stiff, but it gives some stability to those bias edges. I take my bottle to the LQS for refills. I’ve only used unscented.

  13. I love Best Press – it works just as well as ole Niagra without the flakes and stiffness! I’ve used the non-scented and the Carribean scent. I think I like the scented better – makes my fabric smell fresh and clean.

  14. I love Best Press – it works just as well as ole Niagra without the flakes and stiffness! I’ve used the non-scented and the Carribean scent. I think I like the scented better – makes my fabric smell fresh and clean.

  17. Ohhhh…going to the LQS today for backing. Might have to pick some up. I keep seeing it and couldn’t convince myself to spend the money.

  18. Ohhhh…going to the LQS today for backing. Might have to pick some up. I keep seeing it and couldn’t convince myself to spend the money.

  23. I tried Best Press for the first time at a machine quilting workshop. It was love at first spritz! Love the gentle scents and LOVE the stability and hand it gives the fabrics!

  24. I tried Best Press for the first time at a machine quilting workshop. It was love at first spritz! Love the gentle scents and LOVE the stability and hand it gives the fabrics!

  25. LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff! I use the lavender scent and it is wonderful. The fragrance is light and not perfumey and it does a wonderful job in place of starch.

  26. LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff! I use the lavender scent and it is wonderful. The fragrance is light and not perfumey and it does a wonderful job in place of starch.

  27. Ok, I’ll have to be the odd man out. I like it, but….like my Magic Sizing better. Which is why Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors!!!!!

  28. Ok, I’ll have to be the odd man out. I like it, but….like my Magic Sizing better. Which is why Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors!!!!!

  29. I use Mary Ellen’s Best all of the time in the lavender fragrance. I was told by a gal that works in a quilt shop, that you can actually dilute this by half water and it still works great. I have tried that and she was right so even though it is a bit spendy, I make mine last longer. It is definitely “the best.”

  30. I use Mary Ellen’s Best all of the time in the lavender fragrance. I was told by a gal that works in a quilt shop, that you can actually dilute this by half water and it still works great. I have tried that and she was right so even though it is a bit spendy, I make mine last longer. It is definitely “the best.”

  31. I’m so glad you brought up this topic, Nicole. I see it every time I go to the quilt shop, but I’ve been happy with my $1/can Magic Sizing (which doesn’t seem to flake like starch), so haven’t tried it yet. It’s good to see everyone’s opinions. I may have to give it a try.

  32. I’m so glad you brought up this topic, Nicole. I see it every time I go to the quilt shop, but I’ve been happy with my $1/can Magic Sizing (which doesn’t seem to flake like starch), so haven’t tried it yet. It’s good to see everyone’s opinions. I may have to give it a try.

  33. I love Best Press. I buy the gallon jugs and refill my spray bottles. I don’t think I could piece my quilt blocks without it! Lavender and Cherry Blossom are my current scents.
    Well worth the price.

  34. I love Best Press. I buy the gallon jugs and refill my spray bottles. I don’t think I could piece my quilt blocks without it! Lavender and Cherry Blossom are my current scents.
    Well worth the price.

  35. I buy it by the gallon and prefer Lavender Fields.
    I also have the clock, a Mothers Day present from my daughter for my sewing room……

  36. I buy it by the gallon and prefer Lavender Fields.
    I also have the clock, a Mothers Day present from my daughter for my sewing room……

  37. I’ve used Best Press and Magic Sizing and Spray Starch, and I liked Best Press best because it is lighter and it smells much nicer. However, it is WAY more expensive. Now I use a homemade alternative. It is not a starch, but it really smooths out wrinkles nicely, and it helps remove odors. (In fact, I first heard about it from the theater department where I work. They use it on costumes rather than laundering after every show. You can use this as a cheap alternative to Fabreeze as well.) It’s a simple mixture of 1 part vodka to 2 or 3 parts water. I use an old 16 ounce Best Press bottle, in fact. I fill it about 1/4 full (1/2 cup) with vodka, then fill it the rest of the way with tap water. If you want to add scent, put a drop or two of essential oil in with the vodka and shake it up, then add the water and shake again.

  38. I’ve used Best Press and Magic Sizing and Spray Starch, and I liked Best Press best because it is lighter and it smells much nicer. However, it is WAY more expensive. Now I use a homemade alternative. It is not a starch, but it really smooths out wrinkles nicely, and it helps remove odors. (In fact, I first heard about it from the theater department where I work. They use it on costumes rather than laundering after every show. You can use this as a cheap alternative to Fabreeze as well.) It’s a simple mixture of 1 part vodka to 2 or 3 parts water. I use an old 16 ounce Best Press bottle, in fact. I fill it about 1/4 full (1/2 cup) with vodka, then fill it the rest of the way with tap water. If you want to add scent, put a drop or two of essential oil in with the vodka and shake it up, then add the water and shake again.

  39. I use the lavender scent. I really like it.
    Perhaps I’m weird but I had never used starch of any kind. . . when I press my piecing I just used steam or a bit of plain water.
    I had taken a class at a quilt show (don’t remember exactly which teacher — I take alot of classes) and there were free samples to be used by the class (clever advertising for the vendor!).
    Anyhoo, after using it I could see why it might make sense to use some time of starch-type spray.
    I have recommended it & have used it in workshops that I have taught. . . it appeared that everyone got good results.

  40. I use the lavender scent. I really like it.
    Perhaps I’m weird but I had never used starch of any kind. . . when I press my piecing I just used steam or a bit of plain water.
    I had taken a class at a quilt show (don’t remember exactly which teacher — I take alot of classes) and there were free samples to be used by the class (clever advertising for the vendor!).
    Anyhoo, after using it I could see why it might make sense to use some time of starch-type spray.
    I have recommended it & have used it in workshops that I have taught. . . it appeared that everyone got good results.

  41. Hancock Fabrics is having a sale on it now. I used it when pressing seams open on a quilt(my first experience doing that!) and it worked great.
    Karen L.

  42. Hancock Fabrics is having a sale on it now. I used it when pressing seams open on a quilt(my first experience doing that!) and it worked great.
    Karen L.

  43. I love to use Best Press, but I think the price is ridiculous. But I buy it anyway. A friend of mine mixes hers half and half with water and says it works just as well. But I haven’t tried that.

  44. I love to use Best Press, but I think the price is ridiculous. But I buy it anyway. A friend of mine mixes hers half and half with water and says it works just as well. But I haven’t tried that.

  47. I work at Miller’s Dry Goods in Charm, Ohio twice a year during their big sales and we sell a lot of Best Press. I have never used it, but I may give it a try. It will be 30% off during the sale May 7 and 8.

  48. I work at Miller’s Dry Goods in Charm, Ohio twice a year during their big sales and we sell a lot of Best Press. I have never used it, but I may give it a try. It will be 30% off during the sale May 7 and 8.

  49. Thanks for bringing this up. I’ve heard of it but never tried it. I guess I better try and see what all the fuss is about. Can you really buy it by the gallon? If so, from where? I saw JoAnns mentioned here but have never been to the store.

  50. Thanks for bringing this up. I’ve heard of it but never tried it. I guess I better try and see what all the fuss is about. Can you really buy it by the gallon? If so, from where? I saw JoAnns mentioned here but have never been to the store.

  51. Oh I love it and have been using for a couple of years now. My LQS will do refills when you take your empty bottles in – saves a dollar or two. My preference is Lavender Fields.

  52. Oh I love it and have been using for a couple of years now. My LQS will do refills when you take your empty bottles in – saves a dollar or two. My preference is Lavender Fields.

  53. I loveeeeeeeeeee it . . . especially the lavender scent . . .
    recently my quilt shop had a coupon . . . buy one of something and get the 2nd one free . . . I bought the gallon . . . so got 2 gallons . . . I split the price with a friend . . .
    I even use it for my husband’s dress shirts . . . and he really likes the feel of it . . .
    no more Niagara for me . . . EVER !!

  54. I loveeeeeeeeeee it . . . especially the lavender scent . . .
    recently my quilt shop had a coupon . . . buy one of something and get the 2nd one free . . . I bought the gallon . . . so got 2 gallons . . . I split the price with a friend . . .
    I even use it for my husband’s dress shirts . . . and he really likes the feel of it . . .
    no more Niagara for me . . . EVER !!

  55. I really like Best Press – I like the scents (I’m big on scents). BUT, yes it’s a little pricey and the old Niagra does work just fine for me. However, I just finished the first bottle I had bought and I was luckily enough to get a second one for free last year for trying out a longarm at a show.

  56. I really like Best Press – I like the scents (I’m big on scents). BUT, yes it’s a little pricey and the old Niagra does work just fine for me. However, I just finished the first bottle I had bought and I was luckily enough to get a second one for free last year for trying out a longarm at a show.

  57. I just love Best Press… I order from Mary Ellen’s web site… I order a gallon at a time… I have been using it since it hit the market… It is the greatest.. 🙂

  58. I just love Best Press… I order from Mary Ellen’s web site… I order a gallon at a time… I have been using it since it hit the market… It is the greatest.. 🙂

  61. I am addicted to it. I understand that many people cannot be around the scented variety, but I’m OK with it — makes me think of clothes dried in the sunshine. One thing you need to understand about starch, however, is that it made from a “food” derivitive and can therefore attract little buggies if used on fabrics that will be stored for long periods of time. A friend who have moved quite a bit with her serviceman hubby told me this. If that’s a concern for you, you are better off with sizing, not startch.

  62. I am addicted to it. I understand that many people cannot be around the scented variety, but I’m OK with it — makes me think of clothes dried in the sunshine. One thing you need to understand about starch, however, is that it made from a “food” derivitive and can therefore attract little buggies if used on fabrics that will be stored for long periods of time. A friend who have moved quite a bit with her serviceman hubby told me this. If that’s a concern for you, you are better off with sizing, not startch.

  65. I LOVE it and use it for everything – even clothes that need a bit of starch. I’ve only used the lavendar scented one. I also use Mary Ellen’s Linen Press in Lavendar when pressing large pieces of fabric. I dilute the linen press with water to make it go farther. Even though it’s pricey, the aroma freshens the house as well, so I consider it an air freshener as well as a starch/pressing liquid.

  66. I LOVE it and use it for everything – even clothes that need a bit of starch. I’ve only used the lavendar scented one. I also use Mary Ellen’s Linen Press in Lavendar when pressing large pieces of fabric. I dilute the linen press with water to make it go farther. Even though it’s pricey, the aroma freshens the house as well, so I consider it an air freshener as well as a starch/pressing liquid.

  67. Love Best Press esp. the lavender. I buy the gallon jug when the quilt shop has a sale. Didn’t know that Joann’s carries it. Guess I need to check it out!

  68. Love Best Press esp. the lavender. I buy the gallon jug when the quilt shop has a sale. Didn’t know that Joann’s carries it. Guess I need to check it out!

  69. Hi! I have been using it about a year and I love it! I like the lavender scented. It’s light and not overpowering. I like that Best Press irons out the wrinkles…keeps the fabric flat but is not stiff.

  70. Hi! I have been using it about a year and I love it! I like the lavender scented. It’s light and not overpowering. I like that Best Press irons out the wrinkles…keeps the fabric flat but is not stiff.

  71. I use it all the time and I love it. I recommend it. But I just found Niagara Spray bottle, with lavender, linen or non-scented at less than half the price… and so far I love it.

  72. I use it all the time and I love it. I recommend it. But I just found Niagara Spray bottle, with lavender, linen or non-scented at less than half the price… and so far I love it.

  73. worth EVERY penny. will NEVER go back to regular spray starch….. seriously. I love the lavendar one (reminds me of the soap they gave us in the house-keeping cabins we camped in Sequoia when I was little) and the ocean/beach/waves something…. i don’t know…. they are AWESOME. I get super angry when my hubby uses it to press one of his shirts, but he’s hooked, too 🙂 Thanks to the commentor who responded w/ the idea to buy from Joanne’s w/ a coupon…. I haven’t seen it in store, yet, but will do that on-line thing next time.

  74. worth EVERY penny. will NEVER go back to regular spray starch….. seriously. I love the lavendar one (reminds me of the soap they gave us in the house-keeping cabins we camped in Sequoia when I was little) and the ocean/beach/waves something…. i don’t know…. they are AWESOME. I get super angry when my hubby uses it to press one of his shirts, but he’s hooked, too 🙂 Thanks to the commentor who responded w/ the idea to buy from Joanne’s w/ a coupon…. I haven’t seen it in store, yet, but will do that on-line thing next time.

  75. I have it-I love it. I love the Lavender fragrance. I use it to iron my blouses too. But for piecing it’s the best. It just makes the fabric behave itself and makes life easier.

  76. I have it-I love it. I love the Lavender fragrance. I use it to iron my blouses too. But for piecing it’s the best. It just makes the fabric behave itself and makes life easier.

  77. I love Best Press-the Lavender scent-I love the smell but more then thatI like how it works and would be hard pressed to sew without it. I watch sales and will be buying it by the gallon if I find a good deal. Usually only the bottles are on sale.
    I think it is the best for sure.

  78. I love Best Press-the Lavender scent-I love the smell but more then thatI like how it works and would be hard pressed to sew without it. I watch sales and will be buying it by the gallon if I find a good deal. Usually only the bottles are on sale.
    I think it is the best for sure.

  79. I love Best Press and recommend it. It is not as cheap as starch in the can, but very good and much better in my opinion. That’s all I use now.

  80. I love Best Press and recommend it. It is not as cheap as starch in the can, but very good and much better in my opinion. That’s all I use now.

  81. Love it. Worth it. Buy it all the time. What does the price matter when you’ve already spent $10 for a yard of fabric that is going to get cut up and maybe not even all used up? Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. I think I like all the scents.

  82. Love it. Worth it. Buy it all the time. What does the price matter when you’ve already spent $10 for a yard of fabric that is going to get cut up and maybe not even all used up? Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. I think I like all the scents.

  83. I’ve never used the stuff but some of the ladies in my guild like it. I just noticed it is on sale at JoAnn.com and they have gallons too.

  84. I’ve never used the stuff but some of the ladies in my guild like it. I just noticed it is on sale at JoAnn.com and they have gallons too.

  89. I have used the Best Press lavender and cherry blossom scents. I didn’t care for either fragrance. I have used Magic Sizing for years and I prefer the smell and the price. I was at a quilt retreat last weekend and a shop owner said she doesn’t allow Best Press in her classroom because of the stains it leaves on her ironing boards. My ironing board has a huge dark stain from my friend’s generous spritzing of Best Press. I think I will stick with Magic Sizing.

  90. I have used the Best Press lavender and cherry blossom scents. I didn’t care for either fragrance. I have used Magic Sizing for years and I prefer the smell and the price. I was at a quilt retreat last weekend and a shop owner said she doesn’t allow Best Press in her classroom because of the stains it leaves on her ironing boards. My ironing board has a huge dark stain from my friend’s generous spritzing of Best Press. I think I will stick with Magic Sizing.

  91. I love the Best Press also – the Beach scent or unscented. I also have some Cherry Blossom I want to try. It has really improved my piecing accuracy. I like to prewash my fabric to get rid of the extra chemicals, but it does make it a lot more limp, and the Best Press makes it more “firm” again. It’s kind of pricey, but worth it.

  92. I love the Best Press also – the Beach scent or unscented. I also have some Cherry Blossom I want to try. It has really improved my piecing accuracy. I like to prewash my fabric to get rid of the extra chemicals, but it does make it a lot more limp, and the Best Press makes it more “firm” again. It’s kind of pricey, but worth it.

  93. Nicole I dont think we get it in Australia I have never heard of it But it sounds good.
    Hugs Mary.

  94. Nicole I dont think we get it in Australia I have never heard of it But it sounds good.
    Hugs Mary.

  97. I have been using it for a year or so and love it. Thankfully it also comes in a gallon size that you can use to refill your sparay bottle. My husband doesn’t like the citrus one – says it smells like bug spray LoL – I really don’t think it does though – I think he probably really thinks it smells too girly for him!

  98. I have been using it for a year or so and love it. Thankfully it also comes in a gallon size that you can use to refill your sparay bottle. My husband doesn’t like the citrus one – says it smells like bug spray LoL – I really don’t think it does though – I think he probably really thinks it smells too girly for him!

  99. I like it too, but I have also tried Downy Wrinkle Release (which is a lot cheaper and available at Target) and it is just about as good. It has a bit of an odor too it, so if your sniffer is sensitive, the best press is the way to go, but if you’re looking for a bargain, I wouldn’t hesitate to give the Downy a try.

  100. I like it too, but I have also tried Downy Wrinkle Release (which is a lot cheaper and available at Target) and it is just about as good. It has a bit of an odor too it, so if your sniffer is sensitive, the best press is the way to go, but if you’re looking for a bargain, I wouldn’t hesitate to give the Downy a try.

  101. I’ve been using this for a couple of years now, and even when I have to iron my shirt for work! I enjoy it much more when I’m playing with my fabrics. I have heard just recently that a few people use it without steam when ironing. They seem to like it better this way. I haven’t tried it yet without, I love my steam! I have been known to spray a couple of light layers and press inbetween, when I want a litlle heavier starch. I do reach for this before the Niagra. I think you’ll be pleased if you try it.

  102. I’ve been using this for a couple of years now, and even when I have to iron my shirt for work! I enjoy it much more when I’m playing with my fabrics. I have heard just recently that a few people use it without steam when ironing. They seem to like it better this way. I haven’t tried it yet without, I love my steam! I have been known to spray a couple of light layers and press inbetween, when I want a litlle heavier starch. I do reach for this before the Niagra. I think you’ll be pleased if you try it.

  103. I have never seen it here in Canada… but Canada’s kinda big so it might be here somewhere 😉
    I want to try it if I can… but we’ll see, I might have to visit the USA soon lol 🙂

  104. I have never seen it here in Canada… but Canada’s kinda big so it might be here somewhere 😉
    I want to try it if I can… but we’ll see, I might have to visit the USA soon lol 🙂

  105. There is no comparison to Niagra. The Best Press is the absolutely best! I would never be without it again but I sure wish it was cheaper! Nancy in WI

  106. There is no comparison to Niagra. The Best Press is the absolutely best! I would never be without it again but I sure wish it was cheaper! Nancy in WI

  109. I love the Best Press. I took an applique class and we learned to use the Best Press with the no melt mylar sheets. We used a small paint brush and dipped it in the Best Press and applied it round the outer edge of fabric of the mylar shape to be appliqued and allowed it to dry. Then we used our mini clover irons to press the edges over, popped out the mylar shape and the piece was ready to be appliqued down. I always had used freezer paper in the past but not anymore.

  110. I love the Best Press. I took an applique class and we learned to use the Best Press with the no melt mylar sheets. We used a small paint brush and dipped it in the Best Press and applied it round the outer edge of fabric of the mylar shape to be appliqued and allowed it to dry. Then we used our mini clover irons to press the edges over, popped out the mylar shape and the piece was ready to be appliqued down. I always had used freezer paper in the past but not anymore.

  111. I use the pale aqua one- Caribbean Beach. I use it sparingly because of the price. I use it only on the final pressing of a block and on the final pressing of rows in a quilt top. Definitely helps the blocks to look smooth.

  112. I use the pale aqua one- Caribbean Beach. I use it sparingly because of the price. I use it only on the final pressing of a block and on the final pressing of rows in a quilt top. Definitely helps the blocks to look smooth.

  113. Use it, like it, will try to dilute it.
    Great comments. You learn something every day. I prefer it than the spray cans that don’t recycle well.

  114. Use it, like it, will try to dilute it.
    Great comments. You learn something every day. I prefer it than the spray cans that don’t recycle well.

  115. This stuff really IS a miracle in a bottle. I have the lavender scent and I LOVE it. I can’t believe how easily the wrinkles come out — literally one swipe with the iron and it’s crisp and wrinkle free! Now that I know you can buy it by the gallon, I will be doing so!

  116. This stuff really IS a miracle in a bottle. I have the lavender scent and I LOVE it. I can’t believe how easily the wrinkles come out — literally one swipe with the iron and it’s crisp and wrinkle free! Now that I know you can buy it by the gallon, I will be doing so!

  117. I buy it by the gallon. I love it! While a gallon is not cheap, per ounce it really is a huge savings.

  118. I buy it by the gallon. I love it! While a gallon is not cheap, per ounce it really is a huge savings.

  119. I am a sucker for new products and gadgets, some work out–some are a ripoff. I really am in love with Best Press. Yes, there may be cheaper stuff out there, but this sprays on light and my fabric doesn’t get saturated. I have tried may techniques to avoid stretching bias or distorting finished blocks, but when I press, Whamo!!I must have heavy hands pressing because my blocks are always bigger on one side than the other! Now I just spray all my fabrics with Best Press and iron all my fabric BEFORE I sew with them. Then everytime I press a seam, it’s already nice and firm and secure. No more stretched blocks. It’s absolutely amazing and it’s stays throughout the entire piecing process so I only have to do it once!
    PS This is not a paid advertisement :o)

  120. I am a sucker for new products and gadgets, some work out–some are a ripoff. I really am in love with Best Press. Yes, there may be cheaper stuff out there, but this sprays on light and my fabric doesn’t get saturated. I have tried may techniques to avoid stretching bias or distorting finished blocks, but when I press, Whamo!!I must have heavy hands pressing because my blocks are always bigger on one side than the other! Now I just spray all my fabrics with Best Press and iron all my fabric BEFORE I sew with them. Then everytime I press a seam, it’s already nice and firm and secure. No more stretched blocks. It’s absolutely amazing and it’s stays throughout the entire piecing process so I only have to do it once!
    PS This is not a paid advertisement :o)

  121. Oh, boy, am I with you, Nicole! I’ve tried using spray starch (by whatever name!) and it’s just ugly. No matter how you try, you get residue on the fabric and the faceplate of the iron. Mary Ellen’s is fabulous – and no residue. Worth every penny! One of the local quilt shops provides refills of your bottles for a reduced price. What more could a girl ask for? :o)

  122. Oh, boy, am I with you, Nicole! I’ve tried using spray starch (by whatever name!) and it’s just ugly. No matter how you try, you get residue on the fabric and the faceplate of the iron. Mary Ellen’s is fabulous – and no residue. Worth every penny! One of the local quilt shops provides refills of your bottles for a reduced price. What more could a girl ask for? :o)

  127. I am another odd ball. I have used the Best Press, and tried to love it, but could not get over the price. Even with a 50% coupon it is WAY more expensive than Magic Sizing at less than $1 a can.

  128. I am another odd ball. I have used the Best Press, and tried to love it, but could not get over the price. Even with a 50% coupon it is WAY more expensive than Magic Sizing at less than $1 a can.

  131. I have used best press for about a year. I just bought fiver bottles (two for me and three for friends) from I Have A Notion. I also bought myself a sampler pack (6 scents in 2oz bottles). It is expensive (and even more so here in Hawaii) but worth every penny. I would love to buy it by the gallon, but the shipping to here would be outrageous!

  132. I have used best press for about a year. I just bought fiver bottles (two for me and three for friends) from I Have A Notion. I also bought myself a sampler pack (6 scents in 2oz bottles). It is expensive (and even more so here in Hawaii) but worth every penny. I would love to buy it by the gallon, but the shipping to here would be outrageous!

  135. I tried it on a whim a few months ago and I am on my second bottle! I am going to keep in mind the 50% off at Jo-Ann’s for future use! 🙂 It’s great for nice crisp seams and edges. I am also an obsessive ironer of clothes and bed linens (yes, I know I am weird!) and I love it for that, too!

  136. I tried it on a whim a few months ago and I am on my second bottle! I am going to keep in mind the 50% off at Jo-Ann’s for future use! 🙂 It’s great for nice crisp seams and edges. I am also an obsessive ironer of clothes and bed linens (yes, I know I am weird!) and I love it for that, too!

  137. I’ve used Best Press quite a bit but, good Lord, it’s expensive … even when buying the gallon size or using a discount coupon. I love the light body it gives my quilt blocks during construction and appreciate the unscented version. But since it *is* so expensive, I find myself deliberating on whether “this block” is ‘worthy’ of using Best Press on it. Which is, of course, absolutely ridiculous. I hadn’t heard that you could dilute it 50% with no ill-effects, but even then, it’s still expensive.
    Then, on a whim, I bought a can of Magic Sizing at Walmart for 97¢. The advertising on the label said the same things that Best Press did, so I thought I would give it a try. I was *amazed* … and in a good way. Magic Sizing also gives a light body to my construction, just like Best Press. I may like the non-aerosal Best Press spritz bottle better, but for 97¢, I’m not going to complain about Magic Sizing’s aerosal.
    I’ve also used spray starch but never quite liked the outcome.
    For my money, I think I’m going to stick with Magic Sizing for a while .. or until some really unpalatable situation arises.

  138. I’ve used Best Press quite a bit but, good Lord, it’s expensive … even when buying the gallon size or using a discount coupon. I love the light body it gives my quilt blocks during construction and appreciate the unscented version. But since it *is* so expensive, I find myself deliberating on whether “this block” is ‘worthy’ of using Best Press on it. Which is, of course, absolutely ridiculous. I hadn’t heard that you could dilute it 50% with no ill-effects, but even then, it’s still expensive.
    Then, on a whim, I bought a can of Magic Sizing at Walmart for 97¢. The advertising on the label said the same things that Best Press did, so I thought I would give it a try. I was *amazed* … and in a good way. Magic Sizing also gives a light body to my construction, just like Best Press. I may like the non-aerosal Best Press spritz bottle better, but for 97¢, I’m not going to complain about Magic Sizing’s aerosal.
    I’ve also used spray starch but never quite liked the outcome.
    For my money, I think I’m going to stick with Magic Sizing for a while .. or until some really unpalatable situation arises.