Somebody mentioned the other day about the fire risk in using drier sheets in our quilting. I started saving them but decided to test them before using them.
I held a used sheet over the sink & put a match to it. It immediately went up in flames so I dropped it into the sink under running water. I will never use them in my quilting. Most definitely not in kids' quilts. It sounded like such a good idea originally. I'll stick to light wt. fusible instead.

I read how we can layer the applique pc. right sides together with the fusible. After sewing it around & turning it right side out, cut the insides of the fusible out leaving a narrow rim around the edge of the applique. Be sure you layer them right to end up with the fusible rim facing the block. I did it wrong once & ended up with the fusible facing the wrong way. Duuh. That also prevents so much stiffness to the applique.

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.

For it to be a fair comparison, you need to do the same thing with the fusible.

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 am extremely allergic to drier sheets, even used ones, as is my none genetically related son. Many people are allergic to detergents and other scented items. Thank you for making us aware of the fire danger of reusing the sheets. I like being thrify but maybe we should all pass on this one.

the reason dryer sheet burn so easily is that they have a petroleum based wax in them; it is one of the things that bother people with chemical sensitivities the most.

Just use them to clean your iron instead. Cleans off build up on the iron and won't scratch the surface.

I have used them recently in some dog/cat donation quilts...they were used a couple of times before I stitched on them so that all the chemicals should have been out of them. I had saved 8 of them and used all 8 instead of 1 fresh one to get the last of the stuff out of them.
I really hope that those quilts will be safe......

I think she meant that she was going to make a 'sample' (tiny) quilt and check it.
BUT
I agree - anything will flame up if held to a fire.

I would think the quilt top and back would have to be on fire first before the sheet would flame up. Cotton will burn to ash, poly or other synthetics will not turn to ash but melt into a blob. It's horrible to think about someone being wrapped in a non cotton quilt and it catch on fire. That's the main reason I use all cotton for quilt fabric and batting.

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.

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

I don't use them because of all the perfumes and chemicals in them. That's enough to deter me, never mind the possible fire hazards. I like to save $, but not in this manner.

Thank you Oma66 for your test. I was thinking the same thing. That is why fabric for children's sleepwear is labeled as such- it is treated with a flame retardant so it will not burn so quickly. It is usually polyester & not great for quilting.

Ah, reality check. Thank you so much for this. :)

Like others have said - put fire to something...most everything will burn. I can't imagine a dryer sheet going up any faster than other interfacing, fusible or plain quilting cotton. Cotton batting goes up pretty quickly too. Though I haven't yet used dryer sheets in my quilting, I would not hesitate because of this. It's not like they spontaneously go up in flames or anything.

Thank you for posting this. I was sitting here thinking that they would all burn! I was going to try it but you saved me the trouble!

You are so right that I need to make a comparison. I just did the same test exactly the same way with the fusible & it was difficult to get to flame up. It took 2 matches to get it to flame up & even then it didn't flame up as quickly or as hot as the drier sheet.
I'm not suggesting anybody not use them but just wanted to share my experience with you. Using them seemed like such a good idea but, for me, I won't use them.

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.

Good for you for doing the experiment. I wonder if it's a difference in brands that made the difference in our tests. Mine definitely burned much faster & hotter than the fusible. At least it's making people think about it. I was going to take pix but the dryer sheet went up so fast I wouldn't have had time.

I hope others will carefully do this same test just to reassure themselves.

I agree. I think if you're terribly concerned don't use it in a child's quilt. Just think about how flammable hairspray is...and many of us use it every day without caution! ;)

That is a good point you made PatG, that one brand may burn differently than another brand. I do not currently use dryer sheets in quilting, but I did about 15 yrs. ago, using them in an applique design. I recently got one of those quilts back from my granddaughter to be repaired: the cotton was just about gone, but the dryer sheets were intact. There seems to be a danger in everything we use, everything we eat, and we really do need to educate ourselves so we are not sorry later. But...when we have nothing else to go to in products what can we do? It is a vicious circle isn't it?

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Oma, it's so nice to share our experiments since we're ea. getting such different results. I tried using another used dryer sheet today & it turned to flames immed. again & I had to drop it under a running faucet. I used Gain (with fragrance) brand. Maybe if others use different brands we could decide if that is why we got our different test results. Just be very careful though. Do it in a sink with running water. My Gain actually scared me at how fast it turned to flames.

Then I decided to cont. on with a pc. of thin batting I use from Wal Mart & I had a hard time getting it to flame up at all & then it put itself out. I have to admit that surprised me but since it's the one I use the most I was happy with the outcome. I didn't have time to test Warm & Natural but I plan to since I'm starting to use it more & more.

I passed my test info. on to the grp. mostly for fun but I think we've gotten and education from it. I'm not suggesting what anybody else should do---use dryer sheets or not---. At least we may at least think about it before using it. It isn't just putting a match to it, it's any heat source that can turn them to flames you won't be able to put out easily.

Ok, everybody. Back to quilting.

Pat

Most cotton quilting fabrics are also flammable too.So ,while I don't use the dryer sheet method;I still let the people I make quilts for that they are not flame resistnst.Just a thuoght.

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 never used drier sheets for this reason. When my daughter was young she had eczema and asthma-like problems. The pediatrician warned me to stay away from them. I would be concerned about giving away quilts with them inside.

For applique ;) Instead of using fusible web to make applique easier to turn. I hadn't heard of using dryer sheets until it was posted on here so don't feel bad! LOL* I think because they are lightweight they would be really easy to turn and less stiff on the back of your fabric...although I am a fan of fusible because, well, it fuses. ;)

Thanks for the experiments...I've been collecting used dryer sheets and not sure, yet, if I'll use them or not. This is just one example of why I love this Board...so educatioinal!

I never use dryer sheets so was not aware they were used in quilting. (?) I am allergic to fragrances so I would never use them in a quilt. I had heard fabric softeners make clothes flameable so was not surprised the sheets were as well.
(I use vinegar in my rinse water)

I dont even use dryer sheets in my dryer. They leave a wax on the dryer drum which gets hot and can ignight.

I've never used dryer sheets, but have use new coffee filters several times. I haven't tried burning them.

As a longarm quilter. I cant stand the dryer sheets when quilting. It is not the bulk, but the smell. used ones still emit the smell. Ruff on my allergies.

Thanks, as I don't do turned appliqué I wouldn't have heard of it, never mind I can keep mine for my iron

:-P

Did you try and see what happens to the fusible...It might do the same thing...just wondering..

DITTO

That's what I was thinking, it might do the same thing.