dryer sheets for string quilts?
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,369
How could dryer sheets be extremely flammable when they are made to go in a hot dryer? There may be many reasons for not using them but this one doesn't make sense to me.
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,487
I quit using dryer sheets after I read it coats the dryer vent which in turn in time clog up the vent with the lint. I normally use muslin for my string quilts as I usually have a bolt around here for that purpose. My better quality muslin I keep for backing and/or background on quilts.
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
Leave it to the smarty smart QB members to figure out all these interesting details. All those frugal, earth-conscious people out there who are using dryer sheets can rest easy knowing that scientific tests have shown that your quilts are not any more flammable than the rest of ours.
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Beautiful Wyoming
Posts: 374
I've never used dryer sheets for foundations, but I'm tempted to try it for applique. For string blocks, I use deli wrap from a restaurant supply. I've used the ones from MSQC and liked them, but deli wrap is the same thing and much less expensive.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...XSH5S1AMMJ3AKD
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...XSH5S1AMMJ3AKD
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,131
I like that idea of deli-wraps, thank you for the heads-up on them. My question is do they tear easily to remove, or as easily as the phone book pages?
#28
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Long Island
Posts: 24,820
some people say not to use dryer sheets because the stuff on the sheets flakes off and goes into the machine. mine are so overused, i use them more than once to make sure all the gunk is off. never had a problem. i also use them for applique, i stitched the goodside of the fabric to the sheets, slit the dryer sheet and turn inside out. works great.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 818
What I have been told is that fabric softeners are long-chain fat molecules with a polar end that electrostatically binds to fabric and cancels out the charge, and, over time, ends up as a gelatinous mass in a low water washer. Mine was taken apart recently, and it was really revolting. I have begun to use hot water when I safely can and avoid the dryer sheets I used to love. There are reasons there are so many products out to buy to clean up low water washers and eliminate odors. Fabric softener in any form is one.
Hugs,
Charlotte
Hugs,
Charlotte
#30
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 4,688
I don't use dryer sheets -- haven't found one that doesn't make me sick. For I fabric softener I use vinegar in place of liquid fabric softener. I have used tracing paper, Carol Doak's pp paper and a very light weight stabilizer (non-fusible). I understand why folks would want to use the dryer sheets, but the smell is never light enough not to bother me.
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