SusieQOH

Just water or the washer takes them out. I love those markers. A real game changer for me.

Peckish

First of all, I take it you plan on NEVER washing any of your quilts?? 😳

Second of all, if you use good quality fabrics, threads, and batting, and take the time to sew all seams securely and quilt it properly, your quilt will not "be torn into shreds and pieces" by washing. I'm flummoxed by this assumption and am curious as to why you think this would happen? Some shrinkage is normal and actually desirable to a lot of people, but if you want minimal shrinkage, then plan ahead and pre-shrink all your supplies before assembling the quilt.

I would not use the Frixion (heat-erasable) pens. There have been many, many reports of the ink not coming out, staining or bleaching the fabric even after washing. The manufacturer of these pens does not recommend use on fabrics. There are several products on the market that are designed specifically for marking on quilt tops: air-erasable pens, water-soluble pens, and chalk. A lot of show quilters use the water soluble pens, so that might be your best option.

eta: You can always use a sliver of soap to mark on darker quilts, but then there is that pesky washing thing....

thepolyparrot

I have the same trouble. I draw the pattern over and over either on paper or on a dry erase board to get it into my head and my "muscle memory" and even then, I draw the design on my quilt, sometimes.

Fabric Galore

I buy doodle pads from Walmart and I practice drawing my quilting patterns on them until I feel secure enough to sew it onto my quilt. Sometime it takes me 20 times or more to get it down to where it is more or less close to the pattern. It is never perfect but then neither are my quilts.

maryb119

I have used an air erase pen for light colors and a chalk pencil for dark colors. I also like Pounce pad to use with stencils.

DJ

I bought a pack of newsprint paper that I can run through the printer. I print my FMQ pattern on the sheets, put them on the quilt where I want to stitch (usually useing temporary basting spray on the paper), and quilt over the paper. It rips off easily. I'll use a tweezer here and there if some of the paper doesn't come off as easily.

I hope you find a convenient method that works for you.

I've used the Crayola markers and have found that I usually have to run the item thourgh the washing machine to get it all out.

juliasb

I use a mild laundry soap and wash on gentle.

sewingsuz

I have used all kinds of markers and still do not know which is the best for me.

CaleyH

Quiltwoman44, Not sure, but i would think that the first wash you want to do, is the gentlest you can make it. Cold water, no detergent, or anything other than water.

I'm also interested in what answers are out there.

SusieQOH

Caley, I wash my quilts all the time w/o pampering them and they come out fine. I use detergent, warm water, etc I've been making quilts a long time. Old quilts are a different story.