Dryer Sheets
 

I thought it was USED dryer sheets that worked for foundation piecing but could be wrong. Some of the chemicals and scent would have washed away but don't know if all is gone.

The recent post said not to use either washed or unwashed dryer sheets as the used one's still had chemicals in them.

I wouldn't use the dryer sheets for a baby quilts. I guess you could add fusible to the same list. The adhesive is full of chemicals and doesn't wash out. The hospital usually has the chemical or allergic sensitive patients in a control environment so no donated items are in their room anyway.

I believe that over a very short period of time, the stuff washes out of the dryer sheets. It's not much after being used the first time, and I hand wash them and dry them again in the dryer before using them. They work so perfect for applique pieces, I don't want to quit using them. A few people are sensitive to products like that, so if making a quilt for a specific person who has that sensitivity, then I wouldn't use them. But for most people I don't believe the scent issue is an issue at all. Use common sense in all these things. It's like baseball stadiums saying they're going to stop selling peanuts because someone in the stands "might" be allergic to peanuts. All these extreme measures are just getting to be too much!!

If you want to use them, maybe include a content message on your label? Like "Made with recycled dryer sheets and scraps of new (or recycled) fabric using (whatever kind of batting you use) batting and 100% cotton backing." That way you can use them and any recipients will be aware of them.

I like them to use for applique. The chemicals and scent does not bother me because I only give my items to family or friends that I knowI agree they should not be put in babies items.

I started the thread about dryer sheets. I do not recommend using them- used or not- out of consideration for others because of chemicals- not just fragrances. There's no reason to use them because I can use inexpensive interfacing to achieve the EXACT same result for applique. Dryer sheets are just spun polyester mesh or scrim interfacing that is impregnated with chemicals. Interfacing is very cheap. I'm not going crazy and saying don't wash the fabrics and quilts in detergents that might be a problem for someone. They can rewash if needed. I'm just saying don't hide chemicals INSIDE the quilt. It's NOT just about the scent and whether or not you can smell it, and it's hardly an extreme measure. If someone has a chronic headache, eye watering, breathing problem, or itchy skin or rash- who would think it was a reaction to something INSIDE the quilt? Seems like an unnecessary and avoidable risk if you are gifting a quilt meant to make someone feel good. I'm a retired Nurse Practitioner, and have heard agreement from many folks here on the Board. Common sense says go ahead and reuse the dryer sheets for a second load, dusting, maybe wall hanging, etc., not inside a quilt or quilted clothing.

Someone I know had discoloration to her quilt from the (used) dryer sheets. I did not hear what brand, if it matters. I can't use any scented sheets anyway, so that does not apply to me. Our pricey new couch came wrapped in about 15 yards of poly scrim I plan to use that for foundations. Something I have used previously is well used and well washed elderly bedsheets.

If they work for you use them. It's really no one's business but yours.

They belong in the garbage.

Better yet if you go camping and build a campfire, they make great fire starters. Just put them in an empty toilet roll and toss in the fire. This keeps them out of the landfill.

The primary reason I don't use them is that they are extremely flammable, even after being washed. If you want a shock, go outside and set one on fire. It will go up like a torch, and in the blink of an eye, there will be nothing left but ash. Yes, I'm probably too security conscious, but this is just too scary for me! I use alternatives that are not so scary.

Just my opinion!

I spoke with a woman at a quilt show last year who uses used dryer sheets in her appliqued quilts, she said they are sturdy but soft enough not to change the weight or softness of the fabric and they are easy to sew through. She has been using them for years and said she has never experienced any problems.

I agree with this thought, it is no ones business. On another note, you know the lint you take out of the dryer, from your clothing, try lighting that on fire. Gone in a minute, burns very easily, too. The flammability issue is important,but the thing is cotton burns, too. No getting around that. The sensitivity issue is bad for those that suffer from it, there are those that claim sensitivity to scents but it is more a matter of not liking the scents. And that I disagree with.

I use coffee filters for applique, I find they work ok for me, then tear away. But I am a self tought sewer and there maybe a better way.

They are flammable
 

One issue is the chemicals but the biggest one is that they are flammable and melt at higher temperatures than the dryer.

I tried them awhile ago... on a doll quilt...but, I used them at least 4 times before sewing on them.
I am not currently using them, due to all the info on the board...and I agree...you can just use the cheapest interfacing you can find or I have found a stash of flannel blankets at my Aunt's house and took a stained one home.
After washing and drying I cut it up into 10 1/2" squares. I avoided the stained area and tossed that.
It looks like this was a hospital blanket, as it had the hospital name in the edging.

dryer sheets
 

I have used used dryer sheets for string quilts for years with no problems.

Not related to quilting. Fabric sheets cause jock itch for men. Not a good situation.

given how many "chemicals" are used to make the fabric, the thread and the batting, why make a quilt at all if you are that concerned about the chemicals? THe Military tested dryer sheets to see when the chemicals went away, as they leave behind a residue on the clothing that can be seen through night vision goggles. After 3 washings the chemicals were gone....SO, take your used dryer sheets, run through a HOT water cycle in the washer and call them useable!

I use used dryer sheets to clean my lint screen for the dryer with each laundry load. For foundation strip piecing, I buy inexpensive muslin at Joannes and cut it into 12.5 or 15 inch squares. I can see where inexpensive bed sheets would be good for that purpose. Some people use newspapers, but I don't like that method because you must remove the newspapers when the squares are done.

This sounds like a great idea. Used sheets are cheap at the thrift stores. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

I have a stack in my sewing room and when I get some gunk on the iron, I run the hot iron over the used dryer sheet(s). It generally cleans all the gunk and makes the iron shiny again. Then they go in the garbage.

I have never seen the need for using dryer sheets at all, not even to dry clothes. Started out from the days when I was too poor to afford much of anything much less dryer sheets! Now I don't see the need for them at all - just adding chemicals to my clothes and more garbage for the landfill.


Try using gift wrap for a foundation. When I needed 15" squares this worked great. Paper tears off easily. Next year after Christmas buy a cheap roll or two and keep for quilting!

Why buy it?
Why not recycle the used paper?

I say use what you have and what you like and what you can afford. If you want them extra clean I bet a wash in original dawn dish soap would remove most of the residue.

I have read on here that they are flammable. That would keep me from using them!

But isn't fabric flammable????????????????????

I do not think either the cotton or the dryer sheets would survive a fire. The funny thing is I do use the lint out of the dryer and used dryer sheets to start my garbage fire. Both are a sure fire way to get a fire going.

I have fragrance allergies - especially to perfumes that have any musk as a base. I see so many physicians offices and dental practices that now say they requestt a fragrance free environment and will ask any person with obvious "perfume smells" to reschedule. I don't use fragrance free everything (original scent Tide doesn't effect my allergies). It is a hit and miss process for me, so I avoid them as much as I can. Remember the marketing phrase "better life through chemicals? Well, duh, look what has happened with the rise in cancer and diseases.

Perfume was solely invented to cover up the smell of unwashed bodies - and now successful marketing makes the insecure person "feel undressed" if they don't spray chemicals all over their body. The chemicals in dryer sheets are very toxic to everyone eventually, why even use them? I remember when fabric companies used formalyhyde in 100% cotton. I used to have breathing difficulties in fabric store.

Unless you have some terrible allergy, I doubt you are in any danger from dryer sheets. After all, whatever chemicals are in them at the start of the drying cycle are in your clothing, linens, etc., when they come out of the dryer.

However, if you are really scared of the dyer sheets, try using paper stabilizer. That can include old phone book paper if you are an avid recycler. You can also use new paper towels, which tear away very easily. You might also go to your local newspaper and buy an end roll--the roll that's too short to use on the presses. You will have to cut it to size, but it is great for string quilts--no print on it and no chemicals except what's in paper to start with. Or buy the cheapest copy paper you can find. froggyintexas