masking tape issue
 

I have been asked to complete a quilt with 12 embroderied blocks. It's at least 40 years old. The person who started it used masking tape around each block and when I've tried to remove it, there is a semi-sticky residue and it reaches into the block that needs to be used. Any suggestions on how to get it off safely. The thread work is very well done and I really want to complete the quilt for my customer. Thank you.

One thing of seen says to use alcohol gel hand sanitizer to roll it up and off, then use stain remover to wash. Also see to try dry cleaning fluid or acetone (if not synthetic fabric-acetone can melt synthetics)

I tried just typing in "how to remove old masking tape from fabric" into my computer search and I got several links that came up. Looks like they all wanted you to test the method first on an inconspicuous spot. Good Luck....oh, another thought if you have a place that frames embroidery, perhaps you could call and ask them. They must deal with a lot of embroideries that have been masking taped on the edges.

Internet search said to test with a paper towel over residue and iron with dry hot iron from paper towel side. Hope this helps.
if you continue with this project , sew the squares together, then try to remove the visible glue.. be sure to let your customer know what you are trying and get her permission to try your remedies.

I have used Goo Be Gone successfully on a couple of older quilts. I put it on and let it dissolve the glue. I do it very slowly and then wash on the gentle cycle of my washing machine then hang to dry. One of the tops was made in 1946 and the blocks had not been sewn together yet. The other was sewn together and was much more difficult. I can't tell you when this top was made. What ever you do be very careful and consult the owner.

can you just trim the block down to a smaller size?

if possible you might add "sashings" around each block covering the sticky glue residue... just a thought.

I haven't had masking tape residue, but the other day I put fusible interfacing on some fabric with the sticky side up. Fortunately I always use a pressing cloth so no harm to iron. I was able to get it off with very little effort by saturating the fusible interfacing with water and it lifted off fairly easily. I used ice on the residue which made it coagulate a little and I got off all the residue.

I use ice or ice water a lot for stain removal. The ice makes it glob a little and then you can get it off in chunks instead of spreading it around.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

I am curious. For future problem solving, did any of the solutions work?