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
