I have found a great pencil for marking fabric

**DottyD** · 08-05-2012, 11:32 PM

AT LAST I have discovered a very nice pencil for marking fabric. It is called Prismacolor and I have a silver
shade (753 metallic silver) It really glides on the fabric - uhmm I do not know if it washes out - as I haven't tried.!
It is very nice to use though in places that won't be seen --- seams etc !!

DottyD. England, UK. Where the Olympics are just SO exciting !

**Holice** · 08-05-2012, 11:56 PM

if the lead has wax in it, which I believe it does, then it won't wash out.

**QuiltE** · 08-06-2012, 03:23 AM

Holice .... what suggestions do you have for a marking pen/pencil that is not permanent and has a thin marking line? And ideally, that it disappears and/or is removable without washing.

**SandyQuilter** · 08-07-2012, 05:24 AM

For over 30 years, I have used a mechanical pencil with a 0.7mm or 0.5mm size lead. The trick is to find a BH degree of softness. The standard lead that comes with mechanical pencils is too hard, so you need to buy one that is a refill to get the BH. It is a soft lead. Next, DON'T push hard onto the fabric. A fine line that is only dark enough for you to see is the trick. I've never had trouble with a pencil line showing and I use it for embroidery too. I've taught for many years and my students don't have a problem with this marking too dark, as long as a light hand is used when tracing. Sometimes the old methods can be superior.
SandyQuilter

**Holice** · 08-06-2012, 03:42 AM

I use three or four pencils
I have had good luck with the newer ceramic mechanical pencils. I use the white lead one on black batik and it brushes out very well.
Also.....the Multi-Pastel chalk pencils made by General Pencil Co. They can be found usually (if not in quilt shops) in the art pencil sections of most craft stores. I use the white and light gray and sometime the dark gray. I avoid any chalk pencil that has color in it, especially the yellow. My theory is that a colored pencil might have a lot of color pegment in it. I also use the black washable graphite from General. The name is Sketch-n-Wash. It has a thick lead but sharpens good and will also rub off and erase even on white and off white fabric.
Now having said this......there are other pencils on the market that indicate washable. Always test before using to make sure they perform as you want. There are other colors in the mechanical ceramic pencils but I have not used them due to their color. I also use the soft white erasers but be sure they don't have any petroleum in them. The A-1 from General does not have oil so doesn't smudge. I als use the pink pearl rubber eraser as it leaves a clean erase.
I also use the lint brush found usually in the pet department of the stores. It is a black oval plastic type material. This is working well as a brush and eraser.
With any chalk type pencil, I do recommend that as much of the surface chalk be wiped off before washing as chalk will cake. I used the dark gray Multi-Pastel on a light tan fabric and had to spray with spot remover to get it all off but it did come off. I also recommend sharpening often as it keeps the points sharp and less breakage in the lead.
The Multi-Pastel is chalk and clay. The clay gives stability to the chalk. Quilters have also said they occasionally put the chalk pencils in the freezer to re-hyderate the chalk and makes it easier to sharpen.

**craftybear** · 08-06-2012, 02:03 PM

thanks for this information Holice

Originally Posted by Holice

I use three or four pencils
I have had good luck with the newer ceramic mechanical pencils. I use the white lead one on black batik and it brushes out very well.
Also.....the Multi-Pastel chalk pencils made by General Pencil Co. They can be found usually (if not in quilt shops) in the art pencil sections of most craft stores. I use the white and light gray and sometime the dark gray. I avoid any chalk pencil that has color in it, especially the yellow. My theory is that a colored pencil might have a lot of color pegment in it. I also use the black washable graphite from General. The name is Sketch-n-Wash. It has a thick lead but sharpens good and will also rub off and erase even on white and off white fabric.
Now having said this......there are other pencils on the market that indicate washable. Always test before using to make sure they perform as you want. There are other colors in the mechanical ceramic pencils but I have not used them due to their color. I also use the soft white erasers but be sure they don't have any petroleum in them. The A-1 from General does not have oil so doesn't smudge. I als use the pink pearl rubber eraser as it leaves a clean erase.
I also use the lint brush found usually in the pet department of the stores. It is a black oval plastic type material. This is working well as a brush and eraser.
With any chalk type pencil, I do recommend that as much of the surface chalk be wiped off before washing as chalk will cake. I used the dark gray Multi-Pastel on a light tan fabric and had to spray with spot remover to get it all off but it did come off. I also recommend sharpening often as it keeps the points sharp and less breakage in the lead.
The Multi-Pastel is chalk and clay. The clay gives stability to the chalk. Quilters have also said they occasionally put the chalk pencils in the freezer to re-hyderate the chalk and makes it easier to sharpen.

**Freddie** · 08-06-2012, 04:14 AM

Have no time for quilting. I am watching the Olympics. Did I see you in the stands?

Originally Posted by DottyD

AT LAST I have discovered a very nice pencil for marking fabric. It is called Prismacolor and I have a silver
shade (753 metallic silver) It really glides on the fabric - uhmm I do not know if it washes out - as I haven't tried.!
It is very nice to use though in places that won't be seen --- seams etc !!

DottyD. England, UK. Where the Olympics are just SO exciting !

**DottyD** · 08-06-2012, 04:36 AM

Originally Posted by Freddie

Have no time for quilting. I am watching the Olympics. Did I see you in the stands?

Ha Ha !!! No, I wasn't there !! I would have LOVED to have been at Wimbledon - but lots of controversy - re tickets and I have been incensed at how many empty seats there were !! I would also loved to be at the Athletics and the Diving and Syncronised swimming - all very exciting !!
DottyD.

**burchquilts** · 08-06-2012, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by DottyD

Ha Ha !!! No, I wasn't there !! I would have LOVED to have been at Wimbledon - but lots of controversy - re tickets and I have been incensed at how many empty seats there were !! I would also loved to be at the Athletics and the Diving and Syncronised swimming - all very exciting !!
DottyD.

Me personally? I'd have liked to be in that motorboat with David Beckham... LOL!

**DottyD** · 08-06-2012, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by burchquilts

Me personally? I'd have liked to be in that motorboat with David Beckham... LOL!

http://www.goldmedalmel.typepad.com/...dfasdfads.html

Ben Ainsleys boat for me !!! DottyD.

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