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cbridges22 01-27-2011 06:59 AM

My thought is if a flame is that close to my quilt where I am sleeping I am in trouble anyway so the moral of the story is don't smoke in bed and get out of burning buildings FAST!I will keep using my dryer sheets.

stitchofclass2 01-27-2011 07:08 AM


Originally Posted by oma66
I just did a test in my kitchen with dryer sheet, poly-cotton, fusible interfacing and 100% cotton. They all burned the same - quickly. The poly-cotton curled up in flame, the cotton burned the fastest and with much more flame, the fusible burned very quickly and the dryer sheet burned quickly, but not any quicker than the other three. As someone said, put a match to anything and it will burn. I used dryer sheets in quilting and was very alarmed when I read the post this morning, so I did the experiment myself. If you recently saw the damage a candle did to a quilters quilt in progress, you would see just how quickly a quilt will burn without a dryer sheet involved.

I am always thankful for new information and warnings. I am glad I saw the post so I could see for myself as PatG suggested. Thank you PatG for the suggestion and warning. However, since they all burned the same, I am not afraid of using the dryer sheets.

Oma! Sorry I am a bit dense. Do you only use USED dryer sheets or do you use NEW dryer sheets? I stopped using dryer sheets in my dryer when I realized that the residue blocked my filter screen. Thanks for the help.

Bill'sBonBon 01-27-2011 07:10 AM


Originally Posted by QultingaddictUK
Duh I know I must sound stupid but why and how do you use dryer sheets in quilting? The only use I know of them is how great they are for keeping your Iron clean :!:

I have used dryer sheets and the experiments are interesting,I will continue to use them. I wash with detergent, bleach and put them in a net bag wash twice before I use them.
Now to ans. your question Quiltingaddict for myself :-D only :!: They are already there,recyclable and really do a good job of stablizing(,except for Tee's) My own experiment. Also,If you are on a set income,retired as I am there sometimes just not enough of money to go around for expensive stuff as Tear away,bonding commerical stuff.
BillsBonBon

QuiltQtrs 01-27-2011 07:20 AM

Thank you, OMA for the more detailed information.

Suzy 01-27-2011 07:53 AM

The fire test you did was a good idea, we all found out that all material will burn. The reason they suggest 100% cotton for childrens quilts is that unlike polyester, the fabric won't melt and stick to the skin. Polyester will stick to whatever surface it is melting on where as cotton turns to ash. The fire retardant fabrics are good, except after several washings the protection is gone.

Good Luck

Suzy

lillybeck 01-27-2011 08:41 AM


Originally Posted by oma66
I just did a test in my kitchen with dryer sheet, poly-cotton, fusible interfacing and 100% cotton. They all burned the same - quickly. The poly-cotton curled up in flame, the cotton burned the fastest and with much more flame, the fusible burned very quickly and the dryer sheet burned quickly, but not any quicker than the other three. As someone said, put a match to anything and it will burn. I used dryer sheets in quilting and was very alarmed when I read the post this morning, so I did the experiment myself. If you recently saw the damage a candle did to a quilters quilt in progress, you would see just how quickly a quilt will burn without a dryer sheet involved.

I am always thankful for new information and warnings. I am glad I saw the post so I could see for myself as PatG suggested. Thank you PatG for the suggestion and warning. However, since they all burned the same, I am not afraid of using the dryer sheets.

Thanks for the info. I knew the dryer sheets burned fast but I have also seen batting burn when I have had some in the trash but, it is nice to know someone took the time to test it for us,

cherrio 01-27-2011 09:17 AM

stitchofclass2 wrote
Oma! Sorry I am a bit dense. Do you only use USED dryer sheets or do you use NEW dryer sheets? I stopped using dryer sheets in my dryer when I realized that the residue blocked my filter screen. Thanks for the help.


I scrub the dryer filter with soap and a soft toothbrush once a week. It allows air flow and makes for faster drying. The fabric sheets do build up a film there.

misseva 01-27-2011 09:55 AM


Originally Posted by gaigai

Originally Posted by oma66
I am always thankful for new information and warnings. I am glad I saw the post so I could see for myself as PatG suggested. Thank you PatG for the suggestion and warning. However, since they all burned the same, I am not afraid of using the dryer sheets.


That's what I suspected. Good for you oma!!!

I was just wondering the same thing. Seems to me the fusible stuff is basically the same thing as dryer sheets w/o the chemical addition. So - everyone who has used fusible interfacing is in the same boat as those who use used dryer sheets - huh?

misseva 01-27-2011 10:02 AM


Originally Posted by stitchofclass2

Originally Posted by oma66
I just did a test in my kitchen with dryer sheet, poly-cotton, fusible interfacing and 100% cotton. They all burned the same - quickly. The poly-cotton curled up in flame, the cotton burned the fastest and with much more flame, the fusible burned very quickly and the dryer sheet burned quickly, but not any quicker than the other three. As someone said, put a match to anything and it will burn. I used dryer sheets in quilting and was very alarmed when I read the post this morning, so I did the experiment myself. If you recently saw the damage a candle did to a quilters quilt in progress, you would see just how quickly a quilt will burn without a dryer sheet involved.

I am always thankful for new information and warnings. I am glad I saw the post so I could see for myself as PatG suggested. Thank you PatG for the suggestion and warning. However, since they all burned the same, I am not afraid of using the dryer sheets.

Oma! Sorry I am a bit dense. Do you only use USED dryer sheets or do you use NEW dryer sheets? I stopped using dryer sheets in my dryer when I realized that the residue blocked my filter screen. Thanks for the help.

I don't use dryer sheets any more because I get what looks like grease spots on my dark clothes - sooo I tried using a New ONE - everything looked good UNTIL I pressed my block - bummer - spots. Then I took my block to the sink & washed with detergent - still spots. Maybe they would work if I did like another poster and put them in a mesh bag and run them thru the wash cycle one or two times. Never thought of that. I wanted to use them in strip quilts. I hate cutting foundation pieces and the quilt top would be lighter if I could use dryer sheets.

gollytwo 01-27-2011 10:02 AM

Quilters have known for years to not use dryer sheets, used or fresh, in quilts or applique

misseva 01-27-2011 10:06 AM


Originally Posted by gollytwo
Quilters have known for years to not use dryer sheets, used or fresh, in quilts or applique

judging by the previous comments - not everyone.

finchelover 01-27-2011 10:32 AM

when I read the site the other day about using the drier sheets it brought back some memories. I smelt smoke several years ago and couldn't figure where it was coming from I went downstairs to check and coming back up I saw fire coming from back Of my dryer. We had to call fire dept. and was told "the dryer sheets are the most causes of house fire and told me not to use them" Just informing you all.

Tootsie 01-27-2011 10:50 AM

Well, I always like to do a little "investigation" so I found this site from Consumer Reports (a reliable source, IMHO): http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/a...view/index.htm

Of particular interest to me was this statement: "Avoid using liquid fabric softener on all-cotton clothing made of fleece, terry cloth, or velour. In our flammability tests, liquid fabric softener added to rinse water accelerated the burning speed of these fabrics. If you want a softener, use dryer sheets instead."

So for me, the bottom line on using dryer sheets (or anything else, for that matter) is use good judgement. There's a concept :-)

pamesue 01-27-2011 11:00 AM


Originally Posted by gollytwo
Quilters have known for years to not use dryer sheets, used or fresh, in quilts or applique

quilters in the olden days used anything they could fine, I have a friends who is very frugel and is the same as our ancestors

Candace 01-27-2011 11:07 AM


Originally Posted by pamesue

Originally Posted by gollytwo
Quilters have known for years to not use dryer sheets, used or fresh, in quilts or applique

quilters in the olden days used anything they could fine, I have a friends who is very frugel and is the same as our ancestors

They didn't use items drenched in chemicals like dryer sheets. Some people will even use LINT...excuse me...gack!

Pat G 01-27-2011 11:10 AM


Originally Posted by Candace

Originally Posted by pamesue

Originally Posted by gollytwo
Quilters have known for years to not use dryer sheets, used or fresh, in quilts or applique

quilters in the olden days used anything they could fine, I have a friends who is very frugel and is the same as our ancestors

They didn't use items drenched in chemicals like dryer sheets. Some people will even use LINT...excuse me...gack!

I've heard this, too, about using lint. It was suggested using it for stuffing things. It's already clean. I think about it when I clean my lint trap but still just toss it. I guess it could be used for stuffing animals or dolls.

Candace 01-27-2011 11:29 AM

Lint is made of a multitude of things including bodily hairs from ALL over (eww almost got sick), animal hair etc. I surely wouldn't want to "use" it for anything but to fill the garbage can with.

Surfergirl 01-27-2011 11:33 AM


Originally Posted by Candace
Lint is made of a multitude of things including bodily hairs from ALL over (eww almost got sick), animal hair etc. I surely wouldn't want to "use" it for anything but to fill the garbage can with.

I agree!

Pat G 01-27-2011 11:36 AM


Originally Posted by Candace
Lint is made of a multitude of things including bodily hairs from ALL over (eww almost got sick), animal hair etc. I surely wouldn't want to "use" it for anything but to fill the garbage can with.

Well said. The garbage can loves this stuff since that's where it should be.

Rosyhf 01-27-2011 11:53 AM

I just saw this hahahah...I just burned a big hole in my Diamond star quilt the other day and I didn't even do it on purpose. Of course the dryer sheet will burn and so will your quilting fabric or anything else you strike a match to hahahhahaha

I have used dyer sheets for ages and love them for my crazy blocks etc.

I usually buy the cheapest dryer sheets I can find and they don't have a lot of smell or stuff on them and when hubby gives them to me they are soft devoid of anything. I love using them and will continue.

I also use them for applique. I spray starch heavy, then I sew all around the design, cut a slit in the middle of the sheet and turn right side and starch and press again. It appliques beautifully, just as if you are using the expensive stuff....I don't spend if I don't have to and I like to recycle..

Having said all that, it is always a good idea to check everything out and make sure.

bluteddi 01-27-2011 11:54 AM


Originally Posted by Bill'sBonBon

Originally Posted by QultingaddictUK
Duh I know I must sound stupid but why and how do you use dryer sheets in quilting? The only use I know of them is how great they are for keeping your Iron clean :!:

I have used dryer sheets and the experiments are interesting,I will continue to use them. I wash with detergent, bleach and put them in a net bag wash twice before I use them.
Now to ans. your question Quiltingaddict for myself :-D only :!: They are already there,recyclable and really do a good job of stablizing(,except for Tee's) My own experiment. Also,If you are on a set income,retired as I am there sometimes just not enough of money to go around for expensive stuff as Tear away,bonding commerical stuff.
BillsBonBon

I understand recycing and keeping costs down. I haven't used the dryer sheets or coffee filters... but in a pinch... I would. I currently use some " wedding aisle runner" for stabilizer... it works great !! I found a huge roll of it at Goodwill for under $2.00!!!!!! U have to get inventive and creative in these tough economic times....!

patdesign 01-27-2011 12:17 PM


Originally Posted by misseva

Originally Posted by stitchofclass2

Originally Posted by oma66
I just did a test in my kitchen with dryer sheet, poly-cotton, fusible interfacing and 100% cotton. They all burned the same - quickly. The poly-cotton curled up in flame, the cotton burned the fastest and with much more flame, the fusible burned very quickly and the dryer sheet burned quickly, but not any quicker than the other three. As someone said, put a match to anything and it will burn. I used dryer sheets in quilting and was very alarmed when I read the post this morning, so I did the experiment myself. If you recently saw the damage a candle did to a quilters quilt in progress, you would see just how quickly a quilt will burn without a dryer sheet involved.

I am always thankful for new information and warnings. I am glad I saw the post so I could see for myself as PatG suggested. Thank you PatG for the suggestion and warning. However, since they all burned the same, I am not afraid of using the dryer sheets.

Oma! Sorry I am a bit dense. Do you only use USED dryer sheets or do you use NEW dryer sheets? I stopped using dryer sheets in my dryer when I realized that the residue blocked my filter screen. Thanks for the help.

I don't use dryer sheets any more because I get what looks like grease spots on my dark clothes - sooo I tried using a New ONE - everything looked good UNTIL I pressed my block - bummer - spots. Then I took my block to the sink & washed with detergent - still spots. Maybe they would work if I did like another poster and put them in a mesh bag and run them thru the wash cycle one or two times. Never thought of that. I wanted to use them in strip quilts. I hate cutting foundation pieces and the quilt top would be lighter if I could use dryer sheets.

Bounty are terrible for leaving grease spots, my dil used snuggle and they work fine. No greasy spots, only kind I use now. :-D

Mar_ie 01-27-2011 12:24 PM

What is a dryer sheet? Is this a bed sheet?

ann31039 01-27-2011 12:34 PM


Originally Posted by oma66
I just did a test in my kitchen with dryer sheet, poly-cotton, fusible interfacing and 100% cotton. They all burned the same - quickly. The poly-cotton curled up in flame, the cotton burned the fastest and with much more flame, the fusible burned very quickly and the dryer sheet burned quickly, but not any quicker than the other three. As someone said, put a match to anything and it will burn. I used dryer sheets in quilting and was very alarmed when I read the post this morning, so I did the experiment myself. If you recently saw the damage a candle did to a quilters quilt in progress, you would see just how quickly a quilt will burn without a dryer sheet involved.

I am always thankful for new information and warnings. I am glad I saw the post so I could see for myself as PatG suggested. Thank you PatG for the suggestion and warning. However, since they all burned the same, I am not afraid of using the dryer sheets.

burning strips of fabric is one test a textile plant does. it times how long it takes to burn, flame retardent fabrics take longer, but do burn. if a flame reatardent fabric is washed, then the retarder is gone. same with stain resistant. but fabric burns well.

misseva 01-27-2011 12:42 PM


Originally Posted by Mar_ie
What is a dryer sheet? Is this a bed sheet?

It's little sheets of non-woven fabric about the size of a facial tissue that has been treated with fabric softner. Used in the dryer.

Bill'sBonBon 01-27-2011 03:02 PM


Originally Posted by misseva

Originally Posted by stitchofclass2

Originally Posted by oma66
I just did a test in my kitchen with dryer sheet, poly-cotton, fusible interfacing and 100% cotton. They all burned the same - quickly. The poly-cotton curled up in flame, the cotton burned the fastest and with much more flame, the fusible burned very quickly and the dryer sheet burned quickly, but not any quicker than the other three. As someone said, put a match to anything and it will burn. I used dryer sheets in quilting and was very alarmed when I read the post this morning, so I did the experiment myself. If you recently saw the damage a candle did to a quilters quilt in progress, you would see just how quickly a quilt will burn without a dryer sheet involved.

I am always thankful for new information and warnings. I am glad I saw the post so I could see for myself as PatG suggested. Thank you PatG for the suggestion and warning. However, since they all burned the same, I am not afraid of using the dryer sheets.

Oma! Sorry I am a bit dense. Do you only use USED dryer sheets or do you use NEW dryer sheets? I stopped using dryer sheets in my dryer when I realized that the residue blocked my filter screen. Thanks for the help.

I don't use dryer sheets any more because I get what looks like grease spots on my dark clothes - sooo I tried using a New ONE - everything looked good UNTIL I pressed my block - bummer - spots. Then I took my block to the sink & washed with detergent - still spots. Maybe they would work if I did like another poster and put them in a mesh bag and run them thru the wash cycle one or two times. Never thought of that. I wanted to use them in strip quilts. I hate cutting foundation pieces and the quilt top would be lighter if I could use dryer sheets.

You can make liquid softener by putting your dryer sheets into hot water and letting them soak for a few hours. It is the Wet Clothes and Heat that release the softener . That is the reason I use only used dryer sheets and then with Detergent,bleach wash twice with them in a net mesh bag. you will not have the stains if you do it this way and they are nice and white. BillsBonBon

penski 01-27-2011 05:57 PM

thank you for letting eveyone know , i dont use them except to clean my iron off , but others are greatful to know this

Dee 01-27-2011 07:14 PM

Thanks for sharing the valuable info. Appreciate it.

IDquilter 01-27-2011 09:05 PM

Wow, thanks for the info on the dryer sheets.

kitsykeel 01-27-2011 09:51 PM

Help. What are you talking about using dryer sheets in your quilting. Where does it go, is it for applique or what? Am very confused.

Pickles 01-27-2011 09:59 PM


Originally Posted by Pat G

Originally Posted by Pickles

Originally Posted by luvTooQuilt

Originally Posted by debbieumphress
I use dryer sheets on a lot of scrappy quilts after they are used in the wash, then iron them. I think anything would catch fire if you lit a match to it. Used them fro years so maybe it's ok. I may have to do an experiement myself after one is washed. I also buy the scent free and that makes a difference. Good luck.

geez don't burn a quilt after all that hard work to make it!! :shock:

Id like to know what happens deb- so please post when experiment is completed.. Makes me cringe knowing your gonna burn a masterpiece of your.. eeek.. !!! yea i know its for the greater good.. may your quilt rest in piece... :cry:

I think she was talking about burning one of the dryer sheets after she had washed it not one of her quilts, at lest that what
I hope she meant. :shock:


I'm sorry if I didn't make this clear. Yes, I used a used dryer sheet all by itself. I ironed it & was ready to use it til I remembered somebody earlier saying they were a fire risk. That's why I tested it.
It isn't my intent to stir up anything but felt it was worth the safety factor. Doing the test myself left nothing to doubt about whether or not I would use them.

Pat G , I thought you made it clear also , no worry there at all,
when I replied above it was to luvTooQuilt ..I understood exactly
what you where talking about hon and thanks for letting us know about this Dryer Sheets.. :-D :thumbup:

sewwhat85 01-27-2011 10:06 PM

wow lot of info thanks

Sandee 01-27-2011 10:11 PM

The next morning I did try it on Pellon light wt fusable & the Pellon burned up just as qiuickly as the dryer sheets. Then I tryed it on some wash away for some reason & of the fusables I have, only the washable did not burn up, it just melted a little bit.

madamekelly 01-27-2011 10:22 PM


Originally Posted by Pat G

Originally Posted by Sandee
Thank you for the info. Unfortunately I just finished my 2nd quilt using dryer sheets. Now I am worrying about them.

I'm so sorry I didn't learn this earlier for you. I just did the test today & there is NO way I'd use them in a quilt now. I'm talking about instant flames. Please, everybody should try this very carefully so you'll see it first hand. Just be very careful.
If you're giving them away, I'd consider warning the receiver about how to handle them. Too keep them away from fireplaces, etc.

I applaud both of you for your concern, but cotton burns very fast too. The fabric that is flame retardant is specifically labeled as such, and is usually flannel. Does this help?

SewOK 01-27-2011 10:51 PM

Hancock Fabrics carries a sew in interfacing material that is extremely lightweight and is only 99 cents a package for 3 yards so that is what I buy and use for applique on quilt blocks. I've also used is for foundation piecing, when I did a crazy quilt block.

fishnlady 01-27-2011 11:23 PM


Originally Posted by Tootsie
Well, I always like to do a little "investigation" so I found this site from Consumer Reports (a reliable source, IMHO): http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/a...view/index.htm

Of particular interest to me was this statement: "Avoid using liquid fabric softener on all-cotton clothing made of fleece, terry cloth, or velour. In our flammability tests, liquid fabric softener added to rinse water accelerated the burning speed of these fabrics. If you want a softener, use dryer sheets instead."

So for me, the bottom line on using dryer sheets (or anything else, for that matter) is use good judgement. There's a concept :-)


I read the report and it says build up from dryer sheets is not the main problem and that the lint screen is fine if cleaned every 6 months but......I have to tell you that when I have used dryer sheets I take my lint filter into the sink and pour water into it and the water does not flow through so well because of build up of the waxy stuff in dryer sheets. And I do that about once a month. So I know it does build up fast and should be cleaned off a lot more often than every 6 months. I learned about the water test through another article I read about dryer fires.
Maybe my filter is more fine meshed than others but you all might want to test your filter screens if you use dryer sheets regularly.

rob529 01-28-2011 03:48 AM


Originally Posted by oma66
I just did a test in my kitchen with dryer sheet, poly-cotton, fusible interfacing and 100% cotton. They all burned the same - quickly. The poly-cotton curled up in flame, the cotton burned the fastest and with much more flame, the fusible burned very quickly and the dryer sheet burned quickly, but not any quicker than the other three. As someone said, put a match to anything and it will burn. I used dryer sheets in quilting and was very alarmed when I read the post this morning, so I did the experiment myself. If you recently saw the damage a candle did to a quilters quilt in progress, you would see just how quickly a quilt will burn without a dryer sheet involved.

I am always thankful for new information and warnings. I am glad I saw
the post so I could see for myself as PatG suggested. Thank you PatG for the suggestion and warning. However, since they all burned the same, I am not afraid of using the dryer sheets.

Thank for your in home lab.
Robin in TX

jpthequilter 01-28-2011 03:59 AM

I have been sewing a sandwich of used dryer tissues for years and years to make appliques, with absolutely no problems, and one I gave away even had a hole burned it it by a smoker...no fires! It is the lightest thinnest backing available, and makes making appliques ever so much faster and easier, and accurate, than other methods, especially needle turn where it is so easy to go the wrong directional path. JP

misseva 01-28-2011 06:11 AM


Originally Posted by kitsykeel
Help. What are you talking about using dryer sheets in your quilting. Where does it go, is it for applique or what? Am very confused.

Yes, it is for applique and for foundation piecing.

Rettie V. Grama 01-28-2011 06:13 AM

I use Stitch Witchery for the edges of applique.


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