What do you like to use to mark a hand embroidery design?
 

I'm testing a blue remove with water marker, currently. I tried a pigma that matched my thread but want more flexibility if I want to change the design. Looked at some graphite and chalk pencils at Joann's today but the packages were very clear about making sure all of the marks were out before ironing. Haven't tried a frixion or crayon a marker yet. I don't think a silver Roxanne's pencil will show up.
Would love to hear others' opinions.
Thanks,
lots2do

I use a water soluble graphite art pencil called Derwent Sketching Light wash HB (English) or Technalo Caran d'Ache 779 #B (Swiss made) art pencil. I find them by googling the name and buy from the cheapest source. If you use a light hand, they mark quite well and come out when the piece is washed -- so I use them often for marking my quilting designs for handquilting. You can make a thin enough line that the embroidery thread covers the line completely.

Jan in VA

P.S. I believe General makes a water washable pencil as well.

Thank you both. I'm going to google the pencils first and will probably try a frixion, too.

I have been using my Frixion pens to mark the embroidery designs and they come out with ironing just fine.

Where do you gals find your designs for redwork emb?

Lots of gals use Crayola Washable Markers they make for kids. The kind that wash out of their clothes when they draw on themselves. They work great.

Sewline ceramic lead mechanical pencils.

I use same as happyquiltmom. The lead pencils come in different colours. Lead, white and yellow I know about. There is a rubber to use at the opposite end. And refills for all. One pens and a mixture of refills is how a group of us work.

i also love the sewline ceramic pencils (Fon's & Porter has one out too-the leads are interchangable)
they have a variety of lead colors-make a nice fine line that shows up & you can erase it (with attached eraser-or a separate fabric eraser) or they wash out- but the line is fine enough that the threads cover it. this has become my favorite marking tool-for embroidery, marking quilting lines and applique. they are smooth, easy to use & for me have always washed out- removed without incident.

I've recently discovered transfer-eze. It comes in 8.5 X11" sheets. Its a water soluble film. You put your design in the printer and the transfer eze in the paper tray and print. Then peel off the film & press onto your fabric. It needles easily--not gummy. When you're done, you soak the piece in cold water & it dissolves. So much faster than tracing! I've used several times w/no issues.