String Quilt foundation - dryer sheets?
#11
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,559
This was something that I worry about, too.
Years ago when I was a baby quilter, I tried this. My goal was to make turning under some applique leaves and petals easy on myself by sewing the fabric to a dryer sheet, then cutting a slit in the dryer sheet, flip the fabric through the slit to the right side, and then press the edges and voila! the applique edges are turned under and ready to go.
Well. By the 10th or 11th leaf, the scent from the used dryer sheets was making me nauseous, and I am not sensitive to chemicals and scents. I abandoned the dryer sheets and went with a wash-away product.
Years ago when I was a baby quilter, I tried this. My goal was to make turning under some applique leaves and petals easy on myself by sewing the fabric to a dryer sheet, then cutting a slit in the dryer sheet, flip the fabric through the slit to the right side, and then press the edges and voila! the applique edges are turned under and ready to go.
Well. By the 10th or 11th leaf, the scent from the used dryer sheets was making me nauseous, and I am not sensitive to chemicals and scents. I abandoned the dryer sheets and went with a wash-away product.
#12
The national brand dryer sheets use to last by 4-5 uses. Now I am lucky to do one load with them. They are now very flimsy after one use. I only use them in the dryer to keep down static electricity.
I don't use them like the above people do.
I don't use them like the above people do.
#13
This was something that I worry about, too.
Years ago when I was a baby quilter, I tried this. My goal was to make turning under some applique leaves and petals easy on myself by sewing the fabric to a dryer sheet, then cutting a slit in the dryer sheet, flip the fabric through the slit to the right side, and then press the edges and voila! the applique edges are turned under and ready to go.
Well. By the 10th or 11th leaf, the scent from the used dryer sheets was making me nauseous, and I am not sensitive to chemicals and scents. I abandoned the dryer sheets and went with a wash-away product.
Years ago when I was a baby quilter, I tried this. My goal was to make turning under some applique leaves and petals easy on myself by sewing the fabric to a dryer sheet, then cutting a slit in the dryer sheet, flip the fabric through the slit to the right side, and then press the edges and voila! the applique edges are turned under and ready to go.
Well. By the 10th or 11th leaf, the scent from the used dryer sheets was making me nauseous, and I am not sensitive to chemicals and scents. I abandoned the dryer sheets and went with a wash-away product.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 818
I think dryer sheets could surely be used as stabilizers, but you'd need to be sure the coating was truly out of there. They don't recommend them as cleaners for irons for nothing. Warm the iron and the oily stuff helps dissolve the gunk.
hugs,
charlotte
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Delaware
Posts: 1,025
I make lots of string quilts and use Easy Pattern or Pattern Ease ( which ever one is in stock). It is used to trace multiple pattern sizes so you do not destroy the original. I feels similar to a dryer sheet but without added fragrance or chemicals. It is 45" wide, inexpensive, does not need to be removed after sewing strips, washable and lightweight.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Winter/South Florida;Summer/anywhere & everywhere North
Posts: 578
I've made lots of string quilts with used dryer sheets. I'm sensitive to chemicals so I hand wash the used sheets with a dab of Dawn dish detergent. It just takes a few seconds in the bathroom sink and then spread them to dry on the counter. They dry in a few minutes and no ironing necessary.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Belen, NM
Posts: 1,353
I am committed to recycling and am using dryer sheets with applique. I have been saving some ends and pieces for a string quilt and am anxious to try them as a foundation. I do recommend using them MORE than once before recycling though. You want to be sure all the fabric softener is out of them. Any remaining chemical could leave a spot on the fabric.
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