Good Morning, Quilters!
Last week, I shared my step-by-step method for marking a grid on quilts. The post generated a lot of conversation about marking tools. (Be sure to read the comments!)
Marking our quilts is one of the biggest challenges quilters face. Marking the quilt can be very time consuming and there is nothing more disheartening than being unable to remove the marks once the quilt is complete! For these reasons, I use a minimal marking method. I would much rather spend my time doodling to learn a motif on paper than marking it on my quilt and following the line. The added benefit: I don’t have to worry about how to remove the line!
However, there are times when marking a quilt is essential to the design.
THE BEST MARKING TOOLS?
In previous posts like Quilt Marking Tools and Does the Perfect Marking Tool Exist?, I outlined a few of my criteria for the best tools.
Marking tools must be:
- Easy to see
- Easy to erase (but not too easy)
- Strong enough not to break frequently
- Long lasting (not dry out quickly)
MY FAVORITE MARKING TOOLS
My favorite marking tool is white chalk. It is easy to see and easy to erase.
I love the Dritz Chalk Cartridge-(white chalk only). There’s a similar set by Allary that is half the price that I’m sure would be great, too!
I also use the Sewline White Ceramic Pencil or the Fons and Porter white ceramic pencil.
MARKING TOOLS FOR LIGHT FABRIC?
Most of my quilts are medium or dark fabrics, so white chalk works well.
Marking light fabrics pose a different challenge.
I have good luck with the purple disappearing marker. It is easy to see and easy to erase. However, the marks sometimes disappear within a few hours-so quilt fast!
For straight lines, I like to use painter’s tape.
Beyond that, I don’t have a favorite marking pen or pencil. HELP!
WHAT ABOUT POUNCE PADS?
I have tried pounce chalk pads with limited success.
A pounce pad is loose chalk in a sponge like applicator that is rubbed over a stencil. The process was amazingly fast and easy to see.
The difficulty– the chalk smeared before I was finished quilting a very small quilt.
OPEN LINE FRIDAY
What about YOU?
Have you used a pounce pad? Did you like it? (please include brand)
Do YOU have a favorite marking tool?
How do YOU mark light fabrics?
Do YOU have any quilt markers you won’t use? What happened?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Signed,
Your Minimal Marker,
Lori
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60 comments
Kahtie Banks
I like to use small pieces of White Dove bar soap on most colors. It irons right off…and comes off in the washer too. I like the Fons & Porter chalk mechanical pencil for light colors. The color “leads” do wash out if they aren’t ironed. But I seriously hate marking to quilt. I love to Free Range quilt 😉
Amy Roth
TONS of great advice! I’ve got some of the Crayola washable markers, but I haven’t tried them yet. I like the blue markers but also the mechanical pencils. Honestly, I use them mostly for making registration marks. If I mark the whole design, I get flustered, and screw up more, when I get off the lines. If I need more extensive marks, I typically use a chalk (which can be brushed away) or an air erasable marker.
Sandra
I often use a sliver of white bar soap. In fact, I have a jar of them in my sewing room. It’s easy to use and easy to erase. If the fabric is light, I usually use the blue quilt marking pen. I spray the markings with water as soon as I have finished quilting. I do not launder or press the quilt until it has dried and I’ve made sure there is no blue residue.
Susan Spencer
On light fabrics, I’ve gone back to a mechanical pencil–used to use a #2, but a mechanical pencil has a better line. Years ago, I “discovered” Crayola washable markers, thanks to Irma Gail Hatcher–I marked a king-sized sampler using them–from yellow through black (after testing, of course!)–and LOVED them! I could SEE the lines, and they washed out with no problem. Eight markers for about $3–best deal ever!
Chris K.
I really wish there was an iron-off that would be safe and visible on both light and dark fabrics. I like to be able to change my mind after marking. I’m glad to know about the ultra wash Crayola markers. At least I can redraw in a different color.
Joy French
I read above that some people have problems with marking coming out even when they use the made-for-fabric-marking blue water soluble pen. I wonder if the difference comes from whether you are a pre-washer of your fabric or not. If you do not prewash, then chemicals left in your fabric undoubtedly react with the pen you use which could be why quilters get different results. What do you think?
Leslie Schmidt
This sounds plausible to me, Joy. One never knows how chemicals might interact.
Becky Thompson
I rarely mark the front of my quilts because I have a Quilt Butler robot and he does all the work. But I DO mark the back of my fabric while I’m piecing to keep the order straight when sewing together the rows and blocks. I use the standard Dritz blue water soluble marking pen and it comes out even after I iron my blocks/rows. I hear some say that it doesn’t, but I’ve not had that trouble. Before my Butler, I have used the pounce – both white and blue, and what a mess! And I did like the Clover chalk wheel in white.
Cathy B
Lots of great info, loved reading all of it. I have trouble with any type of liquid blue marker and avoid it. Also, I used to have great success using a #2 mechanical pencil until it wouldn’t come out once. Did get most of it out with a product called grandmas spot remover. I like the frixion pens and the sew line markers. The frixion pens need to be ironed with steam to permanently be removed. Haven’t had trouble with them yet…
ANGIE TERRY
Many years ago, on one of my first quilts I traced wavy lines with a standard pencil. DO NOT DO THIS!!!!! After many washing, the pencil lines are still visible! Learning experience.
Karen
“Chubby Crayon ” is my go to on dark fabrics. Similar to Pounce products but in a stick form. It does not rub off, but is ironed off. It does make a wide line but can be sharpened. I use it when machine quilting, more to give myself direction. It I don’t care for my design, I iron it off and start over.
Anne Taschereau Mamers
Does anyone else use a sliver of bar soap. I have used this for years hand quilting and machine quilting. I was just told about the Heirloom wash out marking pen. This was at a ruler demo with machine rep. She said it was her favorite, it does have a lovely fine nib and liquid that you can see to know how much ink you have. I have not tested it myself yet. But do like the concept. I do use several of the above mentioned products. The only bad experience was with a frixon pen the first line down the center was the only line that never came out…who knows why! Still loving your blog Lori!
Kerry
Definitely avoid Frixion pens unless it’s the cutting line. I used them to mark my first ever fmc quilt. Some were fine, but white lines appeared on the red fabrics. Not used them for marking a quilt top since. I do like the purple disappearing ink, although it does disappear quick when we have humid weather – which is most of the summer! I used it on my first hand quilt and I’ve not had any issues with that. I think it’s Clover. Then I do like chalk – but the chalk pen with the red grabbing holder has different colours – orange or yellow is a pain to rub out.
Brenda @ Songbird Designs
Wow, such varied and great information! I have a few I like – Crayola Ultra Washable markers, white ceramic marking pencils, and the blue and purple erasable markers. I read or heard once (can’t remember exactly where but maybe Lisa Calle??) to add 1 tsp of baking soda to 8 oz of water to spritz out the blue or purple markings that didn’t air erase. I’ve used this technique several times and have had no problems with marks. I only use Frixion pens when piecing for drawing lines to stitch on or around!
Pat in WNY
If I’m doing simple walking foot patterns on dark fabrics I love using soap slivers for marking. Usually they will have disappeared by the time the motif is completed, but if not they will be gone with a quick rinse. Sewline ceramic chalk marker is another favorite though I haven’t tried any of the colored chalks, only the white and gray.
June Neigum
Late on commenting but I was wondering if I was the only one that used soap slivers. Yes they can break easily but they are free after you have used them in the shower till its time to toss them into my sewing room not the trash. I have them all over. Sewing machine, ironing board, quilting machine and cutting table. Great for straight line marking. I have never had trouble with residue or washing out as it is soap.
Judy Chastain
I’ve had really good luck with the Crayola Ultra-Wash markers. I did a quilting pattern on white fabric using the orange and yellow. They washed out completely. That tip came from my favorite Romanian quilter, Geta Grama!
I also like the purple disappearing marker and the blue fine line marker (Mark-b-Gone) that’s removed by spritzing it with water or dabbing with a wet cotton swab.
I do like the Dritz Chalk Cartridge and the Clover Chalk Wheel for darker fabrics. I got them because Lori recommended them, and I used them on a quilt along.
Mary
For dark fabric, I use Stabilo Aquarellable white pencils #8052. They mark beautifully, stay on through a lot of handling, and wash out completely. You sharpen them with a regular pencil sharpener, and you can draw a thin line very easily. Good product. My hand quilting friends turned me on to them, and I love them. For light fabrics, I use the washable blue markers. I used to use Frixion pens, but didn’t like the fact that they left visible “ghost” lines on dark fabric after ironing them.
Suzanne
My favorite for darks is the Fons & Porter ceramic pencil. I like the accurate lines you can make with it, it erases easily and any residue washes out nicely. It CAN break if you’re not careful but I’ve learned how to advance it just so much and been successful with it.
I never use the Frixion pens on darks anymore, I learned that lesson the hard way.
But I like using them on lights & whites. I apply them carefully and sparingly and don’t have a problem.
I have big hands and “fat finger disease”; and I’m always smearing chalk so the pounce stuff is frustrating. I don’t use it. I’m not fond of tailors chalk either. It’s constantly wearing down to the point where I can’t get a thin, well-defined line. I have to sharpen the edge with a razor blade to make it work and that’s simply a pain plus it wastes the chalk.
As for the blue “water-removable” stuff – no way. I’ve tried it and had a terrible time getting it out. Some of it never came out which ticked me off big time. Never using that again!
So I’m sticking with my Fons & Porter ceramic pen and Frixions.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
quilter1522
Wow, great open line Friday question and responses! I try to keep my machine quilting as free motion as possible, but when I need to mark I use a 3-1 (white, pink, gray) chalk pencil by Sewline, or hera marker.
Kathy Nyquist
My “go to” marking tool is the Air Erasable marker by Clover. It works best on light to medium color fabrics – prints and solids. I tend to mark a quilt for sections I am going to do over a couple of hours, and it lasts for that length of time. I am careful to not press any sections while the pen marks are still showing’; I don’t want to take a chance on having the lines become permanent.
My second favorites are Fons & Porters white chalk and Clovers rolling powder wheel.
I’ve used Frixxion pens with no problems.
Msrge
I use pretty much the same tools. I do refill the wheel marker with the pounce product stays quiet well for me on my stationary longarm. I do use the iron off product.
LAURIE BIUNDO
What about the blue water soluble markers? I use them all the time and love them.
Pamela Reim
I agree on the pounce chalk; only the “Miracle” chalk stays on long enough & goes away quickly. Otherwise my quilt is saturated with chalk by the time I’m finished. I love my White lead mechanical pencil, whatever the brand. And I do use Frixion pens on things or areas I won’t stress over, recognizing that the chemical residue doesn’t just “go away” when ironed. But for art quilts with many pieces & fun projects I love them. and a good ( or throwaway) mechanical pencil is my always go-to tool as long as removing the marking isn’t needed.
Jo
Gel pens! I buy them from China and they are astonishingly cheap – you can but 20 red blue white and red pens for under £10 (UK) and they mark brilliantly and stay put but iron off completely. They are from a FB company called Madame Sew. The only thing is that some colours dry out quicker than others, the red/pink is probably the best. Don’t be – as I was – tempted to buy lots of them, just a few, use them and buy more. They are a 100 times better than any chalk pencil and I’ve tried them all! Even using a red gel pen on white fabric leaves no mark once you’ve iron it off. Absolutely amazing, cannot recommend highly enough.
Susan
Google Madam Sew. Available at Amazon. Great reviews but seller response to a question indicates that in extreme cases marks could come back with freezing.
Anne Taschereau Mamers
Sometimes if you can open the end of the marker and drop just a drop of water in you will get a little more milage out of your marker!
Granny G
Interesting. Could you provide a link or something so we can check them out ourselves?
Many thanks!
Lynn
I learned about and bought two terrific tools a year ago at a class on free motion quilting. They both are removable with cold water. The blue, unlike Frixon, does not leave residue. Both are super easy to use and are available on Amazon: DMC U1539 Embroidery Transfer Pen, Blue and Stability 8052, white pencil.
Robbie Carpenter
Have you ever heard of a product called “Sew Clean”? It’s a spray and it will take out the marks left by anything I have tried except blue chalk! Jamie Wallen and Pam Clarke both recommend it. They say to spray it on a sponge (saved exclusively for this) and then rub it on the lines. Also, the Bohn chalk pencil with refillable chalk is by far my favorite.
Chris K.
I bought some and it didn’t work for me. I didn’t try a sponge, though.
Rowena Gallagher
I have three markers, all chalk based. The sewline propelling pencil which has pink chalk so shows up on light and dark (my favourite as the line is fine and there is no need keep sharpening the ‘lead’). A Prym chalk wheel – this has an attachment guide so a line can be drawn an accurate distance away from another shape. And a pen similar to the Dritz pen which I don’t find easy to use as it regularly needs sharpening, although this came with multiple coloured chalks. All seem to brush out of the fabric easily after sewing. I’m in the UK so some of these may not be available elsewhere.
Ann Lindquist
I recently used the white Iron-off Pounce to do an overall design on my table runner. It stayed in place much better than the brush off kind, but I found out that using the brush attachment on my vacuum was enough to remove most of the powder and I didn’t “flatten” by quilting. On the negative side: I found it extremely messy. A professional quilter once told me she uses a spritz of hair spray to prevent the NON Iron-off powder from rubbing off or being bounced off by the hopping foot for stencil use.
I have used about every chalk and pen available and my favorite is still Frixion or Crayola Ultra-Wash markers which have washed out completely on every quilt I have used them one……….and they are bright enough to see. I even use the dark purple! Last night I tried Roxanne’s chalk pencil and I really, really, liked that on the dark green I was using for a border. It is supposed to wash out completely but I used an old nylon stocking to rub most of it off, so we shall see. The chalk doesn’t have any oil but slides across the fabric and is easy to see. The main problem I have is seeing my lines after spending all that time to marking!
Sadie Jumper
Love, love, love the Crayola Ultra Wash fine line markers. I tested them on a wide variety of fabrics before taking my heart in my hands and using them on a quilt top. The only color that was problematic in my testing was the orange. Everything else washed out like a dream.
Gayle M
I hope this is my solution! I will give this a try of course on a test piece first!
Constance H
I happily use Crayola Ultra-Wash markers also and they _do_ wash out completely, even black on a white material!
Mary B
My favorite marker is the Fons & Porter white ceramic pencil. It removes easily & I’ve never had it leave a ghost line. The line is very thin, so most of the time I don’t even worry about removing it. The thread usually covers the line completely.
mommaquilts
I still go back to Pepper Cory’s description of “interpreting” directions from marking materials. If it says do not iron, you need to be sure the item does not come up to the temperature of a warm iron–stay away from hot cars, direct sunlight, leaving an item under the light of the sewing machine to answer the phone….
Mostly I like 1/4″ quilters tape and the Chacoliner in white. I’ll use Golden Threads quilting paper if the design is too intricate for my muscle memory.
BARB EMERSON
The Clover yellow chalk wheel does not come out! Be careful!
Constance H
I have had issues with both yellow and blue on light fabrics, i.e. not coming out. I read you need to use vineger to make it go away. Nope! Not happy with those.
Gayle M
Yes I had a nightmare experience with the yellow!
Mrs. Plum
Somewhere, either in a talk or on a blog, I learned that markers are chemicals, and will leave a residue on quilts. Frixon pens, in particular, will reappear when subjected to cold temperatures. (Shipping a show quilt in the winter?). I’ve had good luck with blue washout markers, as long as I use water to remove them from the quilt before heat or soap touch that quilt. Lori, like you, I try to do as little marking on my quilts as possible. It seems easier to avoid the issue altogether than deal with the aftermath.
boe77
My granddaughter had fun with friction pens. First she marked the fabric, then used the iron to remove the marks. Next she placed the fabric in the freezer for a short while and got the marks to come back.
Jinnie
I came across this link:https://quiltskipper.com/2015/08/frixion-pens-all-you-need-to-know/ 5sorry, but I Don’t know how to make a link in the comments!) and decided against using a frixion pen.
Cynthia Lacy
Thanks for the info, very helpful. I too was not happy with the ghost marks, so I now mostly use a water soluble marking pen. May try the purple air pen then I won’t have to wet the top.
Gayle M
Very interesting link on the chemistry of the Frixon pens! I will be careful of my use of them!
Helenanne Judisch
I have had the Frixon pen leave a ghost line on batik fabrics after heat was applied. However, I was able to remove ghosting by washing the quilted pillow. I have continued to use them for some of my projects depending on how much marking I require. I have quilted large amounts of cursive writing into my quilt tops and sometimes need to write out the entire passage to work out the spacing in order to have the quotes fit correctly and fill the space completely. I test the pen on a scrap of the fabric before using it and make sure it will wash away if it leaves a ghost mark when pressed. Two of the pillows were done on Orange and other dark colored batik fabrics, another was quilted with white thread on a project that was mostly white upholstery fabric. They have all lasted about 5 years without problems of the markings coming back once the project was washed after quilting.
Barb Despen
When I was at the Fall Paducah show, I bought a pounce pad and chalk from Hancy Creations after watching a demo. One tip for preserving the lines while you work was to spray with Best Press after pouncing. This is for the chalk that you wash out, as the Best Press will wash off too. Not sure about the iron out kind…would have to test how that works. BUT, I have yet to use the stuff I bought, so can’t speak from personal experience! I am leary of marking too, and so often use Golden Threads paper if I need a marked design. I usually don’t mind tearing out the paper…do it while watching TV.
GrrannyH
I haven’t tried spraying with Best Press, but I have sprayed with aerosol hairspray. I am still testing to see if it is best to spray before or after pouncing.
Linda Bergerson
I read many comments by Frixion pen users. I love them but one caution, especially on dark fabrics, be careful not to “scratch” a permanent line into your fabric. Scrubbing the fine, hard point of the pen over and over trying to get the ink to show up can leave a permanent scratch on your fabric.
I have both white and blue “pounce” and don’t like either one. They are hard to see because the edges are “blurred” and the powder smears and disappears too fast. Again, a caution, CHECK YOUR INSTRUCTIONS – my white powder says it irons off, my blue does not, it must be washed out. I believe it is the older powders that don’t iron off; I am not sure if the newer blue packages now say they iron off.
Pam Straub
There are pounce pads that do not use chalk. It is an iron-off powder that stays where you put it. However, the blue from the same company does not iron-off and does not stay where put. So marking light fabrics is still a problem. I’m trying putting cinnamon in a pounce – I’ll let you know how it works. My grandmother used cinnamon on a string that you could “twang” on the fabric for a straight line. Also, I’ve used Frixon pens that also iron-off and they come in 8 colors. HOWEVER, at the Houston Quilt Festival the stencil booth had a disclaimer from Frixon that they were not developed to use on fabric. I have never had any problems with the lines remaining after ironing.
Barb H.
I use Frixion pens a lot for marking quilts as well as my hand embroidery. I’ve never had any problems with the ink lifting the dye off the fabric,but yes, the lines do come back if the ink gets cold. You can simply make them disappear by using heat again, but they get permanently erased after being washed.
BARB EMERSON
I guess it’s important to NOT put your quilts in the freezer. 😉
Kathy
Frixxion sometimes lifts the dye in the fabric when heated for removal. Test test test!
Sadie Jumper
I’ve especially found this to be true for batiks.
Jo
The Frixion ink also comes back if the fabric gets cold…and can leave a shadow, so I don’t use it.
boe77
The Hera marker works well also. I found it did a very good job on straight lines.
Kathy
Do they work as well on a print as a solid?
Kathleen Marshall
I find the Hera works better on dark or medium fabrics. If used on a print I have difficulty in the lighter portions. Certainly works best for straight lines.
Kathy
I like the General chalk pencil. It’s white chalk and brushes off easily.
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