I don't do a lot of marking, but when I need to, I really like the markers that are air soluble. It's like magic ink. It goes on purple, and in 24 hours it vanishes mysteriously. I use those markers (by Unique) for some of my small works before I stitch. They don't go on smoothly... you have to scratch it on, but they do work. I like them because I don't need to heat or wash it to remove it. I did test it on white cotton first, and it did disappear completely. (Please excuse the crappy photo, from a store website.)
There is a great reference page HERE if you'd like to check it out.
I did mark an entire quilt with a blue chalk wheel marker once, and by the time I had finished 1/4 of the quilting, all my markings were gone. (Note to self: mark sections at a time.) The chalk just rubbed off as the quilt was handled during the quilting process.
I have also used masking tape when I need a straight-line guide. You could use this method to quilt from point to point. You simply quilt beside the tape. I did this with the poles, to keep my stitches straight. I couldn't fool with chalk because this piece will not be washed. I've also used tape to hold guides down, like this:
What about you? What marking methods have you disliked (and why), and what marking methods are you favorite (and why)?
Thanks for sharing! Quilters learn best from each other. ; )
~Monika
11 comments:
o far I've only used the chalk, which was TERRIFIC because you don't have to do anything about making it go away afterward. But like you said, it falls off with handling, so it wouldn't be good if you can't chalk section by section.
I DON'T like the use of pencil. I have a couple of quilts made by grandparents that have been washed several times, but those darn pencil lines persist.
I have only tried chalk.....and about 6 different kinds. I have not been really happy with any of them for larger work. They are good for marking small sections but you are right, I find they rub off quickly. I will have to try the markers, thanks.
I've only ever tried a fons and porter white pencil. I had to drag so hard to get it to make any mark, that I distorted the fabric.
My tip maybe obvious to all, but it was a big revelation to me. My walking foot kept stuck in the up position, which rather negated the purpose of using it. It finally occurred to me that a bit of lubricating oil might get things moving again. I put a few drops of oil on a q-tip and rubbed the q-tip inside the walking foot where the lever slides. Presto! No more stuck walking foot.
My favourite marking pencil is made by Roxanne's. They come in white and silver and they are chalk based. What I like about them is that they don't brush off really easy and so you can manipulate your quilt and not lose your markings. They will rub out with some effort. And they are reasonably priced. I also like Quilt Pounce for bigger projects. I use the ultimage powder that disappears once you apply steam from your iron. Very cool!
I recently marked a quilt using a light hand with a sharp #2 regular pencil. It was easy, effective, and washed out completely!
I have used chalk when I didn't need it to stick around very long. I also often use a regular mechanical pencil with a 0.5 or 0.7 mm lead in it, and a light touch. This is particularly good if it's going to be hidden by machine stitching.
I learn so much when I visit here; thank you!
I, too, have had bad luck with a regular lead pencil. It did NOT wash out, and no matter what I tried (rubbing alcohol, hairspray etc.), it didn't budge.
I try to avoid marking wherever possible because I dislike it so much, but when I *must* mark, I use a water soluble pen. The air-soluble ones don't disappear quickly enough for my liking and I spend days fretting. Maybe I use them with too heavy a hand?
I recently came by a white marking pen by Clover for use on dark fabrics. BRILLIANT.
I've tried masking tape, dressmakers pencils and pens, and the roller chalk, but my favorite is the chalk pencil that's red and has replaceable chalk "leads" that fit into the cartridge. I think Dritz makes them. Has anyone tried the ceramic pens, I think "Sewline" makes them. I want to try one, but they're like $11 each, and non locally, so I'd have to pay shipping too...
Hmmm just read some reviews of it, and many people have had problems with the marks not going away, especially with the colored chalks, which I almost never use. I like tracing paper too, then tear it away. Again, would love to hear about the ceramic pen...
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