Okay, so I have to applique handprints on my newest project. I am ready for the appique process but have a problem. When I started this project, my MIL was going to embroider the names of the kids on their handprints with her embroidery machine. She has since passed away. I don't own an embroidery machine and can't buy one now, but it's on my wish list! I don't know anyone else with one either.

When I first started quilting, a friend let me borrow her "fabric markers" and I colored in some iron on labels. I can't seem to keep track of the friend now, but I was wondering if anyone had tried Sharpie's or something to write something on the quilt and make sure it stays put.

Any ideas? There is a Hancock's in the area, but their prices are sky high. If I can use a Sharpie, then I can just buy some at Wally World.

There is a good possibility that the ink will wash out--or some of it. I used a fine point, non fabric marker for a label and the ink bled all over the label. Might want to try a scrap first.

I think a sharpie would also bleed AND be permanant

I found that if I use the fine line sharpies that they don't bleed as much and so far have not had any trouble. I set the ink with my iron. You can also buy a pigma pen. They sell them at most quilt shops. I think that I paid about $4 for mine.

WM has the pens/markers for fabric that are permanent. They did have them, anyway. I remember seeing them for around $4 each, and I think they had two tips, one finer than the other.
I'm not sure if those are what my Grandma uses or if she uses the Sharpies. Try Sharpies on a scrap first, and iron it, then throw it in the washer a few times ...see how it works out.

I use a Micron Pigma pen, and although it was more costly than others I have had it for years and it's still going strong. It dosen't run or fade. I have a label that was made in 1996 and is as good as new.
Also if you iron some freezer paper to the back of the fabric you wish to draw on this stabilizes it and makes it alot easier to draw. oh well that's my 2 cents worth :D

please don't use a sharpie. i am afraid they contain acid and that will eat into your fabric in future yrs. may take a generation, but we are quilting for our future family.
only archival quality markers should be used on our precious quilts. better to use nothing than use something that will damage in the future.
we all work too hard to take a chance.
unless the company that makes sharpies can promise that they are acid free, we should stay far away from them.

So what are pigma pens? There is one Walmart left that still has a quilting dept. It's 30 minutes away so I don't want to trek over there if they don't have it. I'll call them first if I know what I'm looking for.

Look in the scrapbooking department for permanent fabric markers. They are in the same price range as Sharpies. Michael's crafts sells them individually or in sets. Joanne's does too, at least in the bigger stores. Our Hancock store finally got some, but only in sets. WM SuperCenter here only sells packaged sets, but call ahead, because stock varies.

I would suggest using Pigma brand pens as they will last, not bleed and are acid free so will not rot the fabric. I used them to have people sign a quilt for a wedding. I recommend that you iron freezer paper to the back of the space where the signature will be so as to stabilize it for an easier writing surface. Remove the paper after the signatures are done.