dyer804

I purchased a Dritz chalk holder with different colored chalk pieces to use to mark stitch lines. I tried it on a scrap and it seemed okay. I guess I must have pressed harder on the real thing as it still shows even after I have rubbed the lines repeatedly. The chalk lines are yellow. Do I dare try to wash them off with a moist cloth or will that only "set" them? The quilt is for me so I could wash it if that is the solution, I'm just worried that whatever I do will make them permanent. Please help! Thanks

leatheflea

I had a dritz and threw it away. Ruined my quilt. Lines wouldnt go away after being washed 5 times. I used the blue, pink and the purple. Hope you find the answer.

janRN

I've had this same problem with the yellow chalk. Try brushing it with a soft toothbrush (I got a bunch at the dollar store). All the other colors brush off easily, but I don't use the yellow anymore. Hope this helps--I hate when that happens.

Peckish

There are some chalks that become permanent with pressing. I have a chalk pencil with different colored removable chalk leads. The package instructions warned against pressing before washing. I'm not sure there's anything you CAN do if this is the same kind of chalk.

Holice

I don't have the solution only bad news. I don't recommend ever ever ever ever using yellow The mfg claim is not true that it will come off. I tested some from one mfg a number of years ago and I could not even bleach it out
Now having said that. My onky suggestion is first contact the company and tel them what the package says and the results.
Then try with very soft toothbrush and something like Shout or other stain remover or one of the stain removing sticks.
See if you can repeat the process on another fabri before trying on your quilt.
My devilish nature might say to rip it out and requilt it with yellow thread......but then that wouldn't be nice.
Another recommendation is to brush or erase any chalk marks before washing. Chalk will cake and the more you remove the easier it will be for the wash to do it's thing.

AFQSinc

OH MY GOSH, Dyer! I had the same problem this week with the table topper I just posted. It happened to me in the tan colored sashing. Please see my pic post:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-132285-1.htm

I had already washed (but not dried, thank goodness) it when I discovered the marks did not come out. I washed a second time with some Shout stain remover on the sashing. Then when that was done I made a paste of baking soda, Dawn and white vinegar and applied to the areas. Rinsed very well until water was clear and suds free. Then I made another paste of Oxyclean and water. Applied to the sashing, let it sit for a bit and then washed again. I let air dry to see if any marks remained. A couple did but they were so faint I'm not sure anyone would see them if they didn't know they were there.

The Oxyclean did bleach the fabric a bit. I thought it would which is why I applied every treatment to every inch of the sashing - even if there were no marks. As a result the color is even. The original color of the sashing was a light, light tan with a white polka dot. The difference is not huge but originally it was a bit warmer.

You can try the Oxyclean but be very careful. There was not too much difference in the other colors.

I too tested the chalk on my fabric. AND I used it last month on a white border with no problems. I have no idea why this happens but you can be sure I will not be using anymore yellow chalk from any manufacture. Someone at my LQS said that the set from Bohnin did not stain the fabric but I will never trust another yellow again.

Good luck to you. I know how terrible this feels.

AFQSinc

Double post.

dyer804

Thanks all of you for the suggestions. I am discouraged but glad that it is mine and not a gift. Live and learn, no yellow ever again. I will throw the yellow away. Do you think that the white and other colors will be okay?I haven't washed the quilt yet. Should I try washing and air drying it or try something else first?

LivelyLady

I threw mine away too! I ruined a baby quilt by using the yellow. I hope everyone heeds our warning.

Holice

i believe every quilter who has problem with yellow should write the company and tell them so. I don't know why yellow is included in all the packs.