You need to use a roller. BUT, if giving to a charity or selling, you must note that it is made in a home that is smoking/non smoking or has pets. Most of the time it is not a big deal, but I have a family member who is highly allergic so I know what can happen.

I have two cats and a dog. The dog isn't a problem but the kitties love the sewing room because it's also a sun room with windows all around. There is no way to keep them out so I just cover everything when I'm not working in there. I always wash and dry a quilt after finishing. I don't have much if any hair on the quilts after drying.

I am meticulous with a lint roller before I gift or donate any quilt (I have two cats who think every project is their personal domain). I roll it front and back several times until I am confident there is no fur anywhere. The minute that's done, I place the quilt in a plastic bag, in case any time lapses between my cleaning and gifting. Hair seems to always find its way back.

I think an item that has had pets on it should be washed before sending it on.

Even though the hair may have been removed, i still think it should be washed. Some people are extremely sensitive . I have found that my allergy level might be about a 1 with one cat - and almost a 9 with another.

We have had pets - and if I am giving or selling fabric - i advise that cats lived with us.

When I wash my quilts, I don't use fabric softener. It makes it easier to pick off any hairs that survived the wash.

My sister and I are part of a non-profit that give quilts to small non-profits that assist people in need (addiction, homeless, etc) We get quilt tops from members and if there is cat hair which my sister is allergic to, we throw the top in the dryer on air only and roller any hair that remains. this works for us. My dog i old and while hairy, he prefers sleeping on my bed or the carpeted landing/. Hard floors are not fun anymore. I have not had trouble with his hair on quilts.

If it's for a swap, I take care that the animals stay out of the sewing room (as it is, their activity in the room is very well controlled - they are allowed in the chair with DH). Anything else gets washed and dried. If necessary, a lint roller or other sticky tape to the rescue.

Thanks so much for not belonging to the "love me, love my dog" crowd. Those of us with awful allergies haven't chosen them, but we're surely stuck with them. :(

I get periodic treatments in a chemo unit, and some of the people there are very ill. I wouldn't risk it there. I think it depends on what charity your quilts are going to.

Cat allergies are known to be particularly difficult, and I know from firsthand experience that carpet and furniture cleaning can be not enough. Since you have dogs, though, maybe washing would suffice?

Again, thanks for even asking the question.

Hugs,
charlotte, with a "cold" every day of the year

Yes, that is what i use, tape rollers have many uses.

I wash yardage before I use it and wash after the quilt is done. We had long haired cats and the washing took care of it. They were allowed in the sewing room, but had their own "spots."