Product Description
Best Press - Scent free |6 fl oz (177ml)
Mary Ellen’s Best Press is a clear pressing spray formulated as a starch and sizing alternative. The Scent Free version delivers a crisp, smooth finish without fragrance, making it suitable for shared studios, workshops and anyone sensitive to perfume. Supplied in a 6 fl oz / 177 ml spritzer bottle, it produces a fine, even mist that spreads easily and dries quickly under the iron.
Unlike traditional aerosol starch, Best Press is designed to avoid the common drawbacks of flaking, clogging and the chalky residue that can appear on dark fabrics. The liquid remains clear as you press, helping seams lie flat and blocks square up cleanly. A light sizing effect lends fabric a little extra body without making it stiff or board-like. For patchwork this can improve cutting accuracy, tame bias edges and support consistent seam allowances; for dressmaking it helps hems and facings press neatly and reduces rumpling during handling. The scent-free formula keeps the focus on your cloth rather than the bottle.
Quilters often use a mist of Best Press before cutting to stabilise fabric and during block construction to set seams. It is equally useful when pressing appliqué shapes, preparing bindings, or restoring a fresh finish to a quilt top before layering. On natural fibres such as cotton and linen, the spray helps the iron glide and encourages a smooth, crease-resistant handle. The bottle is comfortable in the hand and the trigger gives good control, so you can apply a light veil for everyday piecing or a little more for structured tasks like shirt collars and bag tabs.
A small “stain-shield” additive in the formulation offers light resistance to everyday marks while you work. As with any finishing product, we recommend testing on a fabric scrap first—particularly for items intended to be washed infrequently or made from delicate blends. Store the bottle upright and keep the nozzle clean to ensure a consistent, even spray.
Scent Free Best Press is a quiet, dependable helper: it supports accuracy at the cutting table, calm seams at the machine and a tidy, professional press at the end.
Other Details
How Makers Use It
- Mist quilting cotton before cutting for accurate, fray-resistant strips.
- Set piecing seams and square up blocks with a crisp, flat finish.
- Prepare bias binding and appliqué for clean turns and sharp edges.
- Refresh quilt tops and garments to reduce handling creases.
- Add gentle body to collars, cuffs and facings without stiffness.
Practical Tips
- Shake lightly; apply in a fine mist and press with a hot, dry iron.
- Build up in light passes rather than soaking the fabric.
- Test on a scrap for colourfastness and finish, especially on blends.
- Keep the nozzle clear; wipe occasionally to maintain a smooth spray.
- Store upright and away from direct heat or sunlight.
