using used fabric softener sheets for foundation piecing
 

would like an opinion on using used fabric softener sheets for foundation piecing.... is it a good idea to use them for a quilt? or for small items only?
thank you

Too many of mine are too distorted to try and use. I would rather use muslin or paper.

Some people are concerned about residual chemicals left in them - not sure if that matters since I use them in my dryer, the chemicals are already in my clothes with no problems.

I have used the dryer sheet appliqué technique and I really like it. With this method you wash the dryer sheets before using them. Haven't tried dryer sheets for foundation piecing, but now I want to :) The dryer sheet appliqué is sturdy and my quilts have been washed successfully.

There have been previous posts on this subject. I prefer using paper printing out my instructions using EQ7. I just use cheap paper.

I have used them only once for applique flowers and leaves in the border of a quilt. I am pleased with the way it turned out but have not washed to quilt so can't answer to that.

Agreed. You are welcome to do a search and read many more opinions on the matter.

I made about half a quilt with fabric softener sheets before I quit. The smell was just way too strong and was making me ill, and I do not have any chemical sensitivities or allergies. And yes, the sheets WERE used and washed. I might have been able to get through it if I hadn't been pressing anything, but it's a quilt - pressing is almost mandatory when making a quilt!

I won't even use them in the dryer....can't stand them. DH puts opened boxes in the old cars that he has in the out buildings. Even mice hate them! Lol! So....my answer is no.
sandy

I use "Sewer paper" available at Home Depot or a similar store in the section that sell sewer pipes. It comes in a HUGE roll of about 30 yards for about $30 and beats anything I have ever tried for applique. I sew it on the back of the piece and then turn it. It is so easy to attach to my piece I am constructing. I simply love it!

I use the unscented dryer sheets from Seventh Generation. You can tear off a whole sheet or a half sheet. Half sheet will go through at least 2 large loads and another medium load. They are already perforated for ventilation I guess. I like to use these for scrappy bindings. The sheet are 6" wide and can be split in half for a 3" scrap binding like adding machine tape or register paper. They curl up so I just smooth them out and place under or in a book. My favorite for paper foundation is cheap tissue paper for gift wrapping. Usually comes in 20x30" sheets so that gives you 6 10" layer cakes.

When I first got into quilting I saved dryer sheets to use. I used some of them but then discovered there was paper made for foundation piecing and backing applique. I tossed the dryer sheets.

thank you all for your great and informative answers, I will not be using them

OK, have to tell on myself! I also heard of this method, so jumped in with both feet and asked my daughters to sacve their dryer sheets for me so I'd have a good supply before I started. I forgot, they use a different brand and "odor" than I do. I have always used unscented everything in my house! They don't!! Oh my!! The delicious "odors" coming from the bag they sent me. Needless to say, the smell never dissipated and I had to throw them away, I never told my daughters LOL.

Never tried foundation piecing, maybe someday! Good Luck!

I have saved mine and used in foundation piecing. Basically stitch and flip scrap pieces. The brand I used came out to about 5" X 7". They went together beautifully, quilted easily, and the quilt has gone through more washings than I can count. I love it!
I was going to do it for charity quilts but was told that any residual perfume could be bothersome for some children, so I didn't.
I now have 2 grandkids who are bothered by the perfumes in both detergents and softeners of any kind so I no longer use the sheets. I use lavender sachets instead!

I wouldn't use them in a quilt. I'm allergic to things that smell of perfume.

I have used them for applique backing. I think it's a good use to recycle them.

I don't use dryer sheets, but do use the color catchers from the wash. Yes, they have colors, but I try to match them up with the fabric (main color) that I am using. I just give them a light press, and proceed with my piecing. They do not tear well, so I only use them when I want the extra firmness in a quilt [such as a wall hanging] because I leave them in the quilt.

Ditto - the only time I ever used them was to keep mice away. Yuk to that smell.

I know a gal in my quilting club who uses them to make blocks for QOV quilts.

I use them for string quilts. They work great.

They are extremely flammable, so I would suggest NOT using them if you plan to leave the foundation in the quilt.

They are extremely flammable and many people are allergic to fabric softener. So I'd say pass them up and use either light weight fabric or paper as a foundation.