What type of liquid starch is best for crafts?
How to Make Liquid Starch for Crafts
Are you tired of using store-bought liquid starch for your craft projects? Did you know that you can easily make your own liquid starch right at home? Homemade liquid starch is not only cheaper but also allows you to have more control over the consistency and strength of the starch.
In this article, we will show you how to make liquid starch for crafts using simple household items.
What is Liquid Starch?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first understand what liquid starch is. Liquid starch is a solution made of water and a starch-based substance such as cornstarch or potato starch. It is used as a textile finish to stiffen fabric, make it wrinkle-free, and even makes it water-resistant.
Ingredients
To make liquid starch for crafts, you will need:
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own liquid starch:
- Combine the cornstarch and one cup of water in a bowl and mix until the cornstarch has dissolved. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Combine the remaining three cups of water and vinegar in a pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. The mixture will begin to thicken, and you will notice that it has a glue-like consistency.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool completely. Once cool, transfer the liquid starch to an airtight container.
How to Use Liquid Starch for Crafts
Now that you have made your own liquid starch, it’s time to use it for your craft projects. Here’s how to use the liquid starch for different crafts:
Fabric Stiffening: Dip the fabric in the liquid starch and squeeze out any excess. Pin or hang the fabric to dry.
Paper Mache: Mix the liquid starch with white glue and water to make a paper mache paste. Apply the paste to your paper mache project using a brush or your hands.
Slime: Mix liquid starch with white glue and food coloring to make slime. The more liquid starch you add, the firmer the slime will become.
Tips and Tricks
- You can adjust the thickness of the liquid starch by adding or reducing the amount of cornstarch.
- If the liquid starch becomes too thick, you can thin it by adding water.
- Store the liquid starch in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.
The Benefits of Making Your Own Liquid Starch
Making your own liquid starch has several benefits, including:
- Cost-effective: The ingredients required to make this recipe are readily available and very affordable, making it a cost-effective option compared to the store-bought version.
- Customizable: You can customize the consistency and strength of the liquid starch to suit your craft project needs.
- Eco-friendly: Making your own liquid starch reduces the use of plastic packaging and reduces plastic waste.
Conclusion
Making your own liquid starch for crafts is a simple and easy process. With simple household items, you can have a cost-effective and customizable solution for all your craft needs. Follow the instructions given in this article, and you will be making your own liquid starch in no time.
Liquid starch is a safe, inexpensive and easy-to-make substance widely used for many craft projects including fabrics. It can be used in some gluing applications and for stiffening fabric, paper, and other craft materials. Making liquid starch is a simple process that is completed in under fifteen minutes.
To begin, gather together the necessary ingredients. You will need: one cup of cornstarch, two cups of lukewarm water, two tablespoons vinegar, and two tablespoons of glycerin. In a medium bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until the mixture is smooth. Place the bowl over a low heat and stir continuously until the mixture thickens, Approximately five minutes. When the starch has reached a thicker consistency, add the vinegar and glycerin, stirring until the mixture is smooth again. When the starch has been reheated and all ingredients have been added, remove the bowl from the heat and allow it to cool.
Your liquid starch is now finished. To use it, apply a thin layer to the material that you are hoping to stiffen. Allow it to sit for approximately two minutes before wiping off the excess. Too much liquid starch applied to a fabric or paper can cause it to dry out and become brittle. When the desired amount has been used, allow the material to dry overnight. It is important to store any excess liquid starch in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. When not in use, it is best to discard the starch after a period of seven days.
Making liquid starch is an easy DIY craft project that can be completed quickly and with common household materials. Once made, it can be used for many craft projects, such as fabric stiffening and glue applications, and can provide excellent results.