Originally Posted by SparkMonkey
I've got a small assortment of the basic "colored pencil" style of dressmaking pencils, and I hate them. They don't mark the fabric unless I mash it hard, and then it makes a fat line and distorts the weave of the threads. They do wash out, but they're basically useless if they're not going to mark easily.
I love handquilting, and I'd like to incorporate more complex stitch patterns into my quilts (I'd prefer to draw them on, rather than stenciling). I would like to find a pencil or chalk or something that can mark in a fine line, is *not* air soluble, and will wash out (obviously). I don't trust the washable ink markers, but if you can reassure me that they'll wash out completely, I might give it a go.
Any ideas?
I have been using the quilters gray pencil for years. I don't like any of the latest marking tools. They usually fade too soon or not at all, don't wash out and most are too hard to see. Got a good idea from a dressmaker the other day. She uses nothing but old fashioned school chalk in all colors as needed. She keeps a small pencil sharpener close and sharpens the chalk to a fine drawing line. I'm going to WM today for chalk. What have I got to lose?