dryer sheets for string quilts?
I have used dryer sheets for string piecing and crazy patch blocks before and then I heard not to. So now I use old telephone books and tear off before trimming to size. BUT please tell me why I should not use used dryer sheets again. They worked really well when I used them before.
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I have never used dryer sheets for piecing, but I know lots of quilters do. I'm curious about the reason for not using them. Maybe it has something to do with the chemicals in them?
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I also like to use dryer sheets, especially for applique. In my home I only use the free and gentle sheets with no dyes or perfumes. They should be used and washed before you use them for applique or string piecing. Then I do believe (only my opinion) that they are fine. Some say the issue is the chemicals that are in the anti-static substance in the dryer sheet. I have read that they are bad for allergies. I have very bag allergies and have never had a problem using dryer sheets for applique. I use them on my clothes to begin with, so the logic of not using them for quilting makes no sense to me.
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The reason for not using dryer sheets is they bother people with allergies. If the quilt is for yourself or you use unscented sheets, then use what works for you.
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Well if allergies are the only reason, I think I will go back to using them. The ones that I have from a friend have been well used! And it will save me from having to tear off the paper. Thank you for your responses and I will check back to see if others have another reason not to use them.
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Melanie, I just went to your blog and enjoyed your tutorial on making a crazy patch the log cabin way, cutting in half and then your way of sashing and then putting them back together like you would a rail fence. Brilliant! Can't wait to do this will all my scraps! Thanks for sharing it.
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It is because of all the stuff that is added for freshness of your laundry. Keep using telephone books. At least you are keeping them out of the land fill.
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They will end up in the landfill anyway when torn away won't they? I'm lucky in that I haven't had any allergic response to fabric softener sheets
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Originally Posted by love to sew
(Post 7550488)
Melanie, I just went to your blog and enjoyed your tutorial on making a crazy patch the log cabin way, cutting in half and then your way of sashing and then putting them back together like you would a rail fence. Brilliant! Can't wait to do this will all my scraps! Thanks for sharing it.
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In 2014, I bought a copy of String Quilt Revival by Virginia Baker & Barbara Sanders. This book was one of those "Create with Nancy" ones with a DVD included. They use a non-woven nylon mesh stabilizer as foundation, which can be ordered from Nancy's Notions or the website of the authors. A short time after that I saw a discussion on here in which someone said they use the aisle runners bought in the party supplies section at places like Wallyworld. A friend keeps urging me to use the dryer sheets, and I have saved some, but so far not sewn onto one. All my laundry supplies are unscented and dye free. I prefer the look of string quilts above all others, and haunted Mary Johnson's site "Mary Quilts.com".
After a weekend of working on blocks for the cover quilt in Baker & Sanders' book, I came to the conclusion that string quilts are not as quick and easy as I thought. If quilts are stuffed with polyester blends and W&N has a synthetic scrim, I cannot see a problem with dryer sheets as stabilizer. Just be careful when pressing directly onto the synthetic with a very hot iron. |
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