Help! Solution to marking a quilt!
#1
Help! Solution to marking a quilt!
I have been trying to mark my flimsy for quilting. It is a scrap quilt and there are lots of color variations. The only thing I have found that shows up is an orange chalk marker. The chalk is thick enough that it makes a line I can see. I use Dritz Chalk Cartridge. The difficulty is they only sell replacement chalk with a set of colors and there is only one orange piece. I have to pay over $8.00 to get the replacement chalk.
Does anyone have any ideas? Frixxion pens don't work because they are too thin so I have to go back and forth and back and forth. I can't use a chaco (rolling) chalk marker because I'm doing a Bishop's Fan design and the markers won't make a curve.
Would tailor's chalk work, do you think? Or any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Does anyone have any ideas? Frixxion pens don't work because they are too thin so I have to go back and forth and back and forth. I can't use a chaco (rolling) chalk marker because I'm doing a Bishop's Fan design and the markers won't make a curve.
Would tailor's chalk work, do you think? Or any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,079
I like using ultra washable markers from Crayola. Lots of colors to choose from, and, so far, all have washed out really well for me.
be careful with the tailor's chalk. some of them have wax as a base, and are very hard to wash out. those are meant to mark pieces in the seam allowances, etc. where the marks don't show in the finished garment.
testing everything is always a good idea.
be careful with the tailor's chalk. some of them have wax as a base, and are very hard to wash out. those are meant to mark pieces in the seam allowances, etc. where the marks don't show in the finished garment.
testing everything is always a good idea.
Last edited by mindless; 01-18-2020 at 02:57 PM.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,166
Are you hand or machine quilting? I work mostly with scrap quilts and have vision problems. Most people don't want to go to the fuss and extra work but with machine quilting I often draw my designs onto parchment paper I get at the dollar store (1x25 feet), sew through the whole thing and then rip out the paper. There's some disadvantages to this, one is that pencil and/or pen may transfer through to white thread and the little shreds of paper go everywhere, but it gives me the finish I want but can't see well enough to do.
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 203
Are you hand or machine quilting? I work mostly with scrap quilts and have vision problems. Most people don't want to go to the fuss and extra work but with machine quilting I often draw my designs onto parchment paper I get at the dollar store (1x25 feet), sew through the whole thing and then rip out the paper. There's some disadvantages to this, one is that pencil and/or pen may transfer through to white thread and the little shreds of paper go everywhere, but it gives me the finish I want but can't see well enough to do.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
I use ordinary white chalkboard chalk that I sharpen to a point with a big pencil sharpener. When you mentioned coloured chalk it made me concerned that it won’t come off when you are finished. It it best to test removal for any method of marking before marking a top.
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 253
I do love the washable Crayola markers, but the problem with using them is that you have to machine wash the quilt when you are done. Many people who gift their quilts don't want to wash them. They prefer the look (for gifting) of an unwashed quilt. What are your thoughts on that?
#8
I would also be very concerned that orange chalk will not wash out. I only use white chalk or the blue water soluble pens, and I prefer the chalk. I have some washable Crayola markers and will try them out someday.
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,327
I do love the washable Crayola markers, but the problem with using them is that you have to machine wash the quilt when you are done. Many people who gift their quilts don't want to wash them. They prefer the look (for gifting) of an unwashed quilt. What are your thoughts on that?
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
some colored chalk doesn't wash out well--I have trouble with both yellow and green. And had green Ultra Clean Markers not wash out either--but the owner said she'd starched it and that might have been the issue. I also use just plain white (steer clear of dust-free as it has a wax in it) chalk most of the time. recently at a machine quilters guild meeting we talked about using Golden Threads paper when needing to mark white fabrics with very specific designs.