I've seen Eleanor Burns' method of using fusible interfacing for turning applique. I was wondering if anyone has tried used dryer sheets instead of the interfacing. I practiced on a heart pattern & it looks doable but was wondering if there is a negative to it. I understand it isn't fusible but I pinned it & it worked fine. The price is right!

I've done this (also with hearts) based on a tutorial I read here. It worked out really well. I didn't have any problems, but have read where you should soak your fabric softener sheets in water and kind of rinse them off as there may be greasy chemicals in them. I now have a big ol' stack of "washed" dryer sheets. :-)

i have used them for applique and ended up throwing my blocks out, the dryer sheet bled throw my fabric and stained ,but have heard other people have used thm with good results, guess its trial and error and maybe the brand, never used again but you are right it was very easy and is good recycable. good luck

The negative is the sheets should have been used 2 or 3 times. If there is fabric softener left in them they can leave greasy marks on the fabric.

Yes, make sure that they are well rinsed, they can stain some fabrics as there is an oil in them that is released in the dryer. You can even feel it on some straight out of the box :wink: :D:D:D

how stupid of me not to think about rinsing them first, duh now ill have to try it again.thanks for the tips

I forgot to say that I had put the dryer sheet in a mesh bag & washed it before I tried it. Thanks so much for the info. & I think I'll try it on a real project.

Thanks for the info :thumbup:

Do they bleed/ stain if you use the "used" dryer sheets ? From the dryer one time ?

Thanks for the information about the dryer sheets! Good to know.

Nonna - love your avatar!

I have often used dryer sheets but they have always been the already used variety and I haven't had any problems with them staining my fabric. The down side is that some people are allergic to the perfume in them and even the used ones are a problem. My LQS sells applique stabilizer by the roll and it's reasonable and lasts forever (about 12' wide by many yards long). This seems like the best option. I use this same stabilizer for all my quilt labels. Stitch a piece to the front of your label, quarter inch seam all around. Then carefully make a slash in the stabilizer, turn it encasing the seam of your label. Press. It's very lightweight and now you no longer have to try and turn in a 1/4' seam when attaching your label to your quilt. The pressed stabalized label can be stitched on by machine or hand and is easy to handle and adds practically no extra bulk.

According to a gal in our quilt guild who has done a lot of work with textiles, these are fantastic but not until they have been well-used and ready to throw away. I've used them and had no problems--but all that I've used were beyond being new. I just pressed them and stored them flat.

What a great idea! I'll try it next time I sew on a label. Thanks.

So run them thru the dryer more than once ?

thanks for all the info

Right on!!!!!

what is the name of your supplier on applique stablizer>
I bet a lot of people would like to know.
s.m.

It's a great way to "recycle". Don't use new ones......just the used ones......

Are you guys saying that you don't use the dryer sheets a couple of times. I just throw them back in the dryer with the next load until they are soft. I add a new sheet with the new load and wind up with a bunch of used dryer sheets.

I press them before using for applique. Also, years ago, the dryer repair man said to wash your filter/screen because the softener builds up and can cause a fire. When you try to run water through the screen you can see where the softener is because the water will pool there. I scrub with an old brush.

Are you guys saying that you don't use the dryer sheets a couple of times. I just throw them back in the dryer with the next load until they are soft. I add a new sheet with the new load and wind up with a bunch of used dryer sheets.

I press them before using for applique. Also, years ago, the dryer repair man said to wash your filter/screen because the softener builds up and can cause a fire. When you try to run water through the screen you can see where the softener is because the water will pool there. I scrub with an old brush.

Test your brand before pressing in your project. I found out the hard way that the ones I use will melt onto the iron.

Wow, lots of cool information!

Karen

I found that the dryer sheets didn't tear off very easily, and I ended up having to cut around the seam to get most of the sheet off.

Thanks for the comment re my avatar. My LQS had some water damage from leaking pipes. These were samples from Benartex that has some mildew spots & she asked me if I wanted to do something with them. SURE. So I cut around the damage & sorted the color families, hence the different sizes/shapes. No 2 geese are the same. She later showed it in her shop & said the Benartex rep was blown away with what I did with them. Was fun.

I USE MY USED FABRIC SHEETS FOR PAPER PIECING. THAT WAY I HAVE NO PAPER TO RIP OFF. AFTER THEY ARE USED I IRON THEM WITH A OLD HANKY OVER THEM AND TRACE THE PATTERN RIGHT ON IT.THEN JUST SEW

speaking of labels, I iron muslin onto a piece of freezer paper, cut out labels, fold my 1/4 in (or so) under, write the message, take the paper off and viola! the label is ready and easy to sew on. Sharon

I use them all the time...I save the used ones...when I have a bunch of used ones,I let them soak all night...next day I was ,dry, and iron...

Nonna2,
Our quilt guild uses the 'used' dryer sheets when we make strip quilts for charity. We cut them down to 6"x6", iron them and then sew the strips of fabric on them. Then, we square them. They work great and we haven't had any problems with the chemicals.Eiltcoq.

I usually use my dryer sheets twice, sometimes 3 times. By the time I'm ready to throw them out, they have no more softener on them and I use them for applique. It works like a charm and...cheap!

I re-use my Bounce Dryer sheets a couple of times then I have a bag I made for them to be stored in. When the bag is full, I give them a good soak in soapy water in the sink and then I dry them in the dryer. I have used them for applique many years and never had a problem. I do iron them before using & store them in a card board type photo box til ready for use.

I am probably washing them needlessly but just doing it to be on the safe side. ;-)

Great Idea!!!

Here in G.B. we were told not to use the sheets in our dryer because the cause damage to it, so it isn't an option for me, although i do use a stabiliser called stitch and tear easily, I love the tip about the labels - i will certainly be using that thanks.

I used them in dryer one time and I didn't do anything more with them and tryed them for app. and got powder residue from them was concerned about it wrecking my machine. Will try them again but will wash them. Thank you all for info

Dryer sheets have worked great for me, of course they already were in the dryer and were used.