I started my search today to find what pens are best for permanently marking a friendship quilt. Found some great suggestions, thank you!

However in my reading about pens, I discovered I should not use white fabric! I have already made pinwheels in a variety of colors, with white as the alternate color in the pinwheel. The alternating blocks are are also of the same white fabric. These are the blocks to be written on. The white is a white fabric is white-on-white with small dragonflies. I bought everything at my local quilt shop, so nice quality fabric.

What will my problems be with the white fabric? Should I abandon the idea of this quilt as a friendship quilt?

Thanks for your help.

I didn't ask the question but have the same project idea for my daughter. I was having issues with writing on the fabric neatly and your response will help me with solve that issue! Thank you so much.

my favorite pens are the black fabric markers you find in Michaels or JoAnns in the TSHIRT paints aisle. Sharpie markers wash out...I have had trouble with others bleeding. try out a few with the fabric you are using and wash the block. See what works for YOU

A very fine grade of sandpaper placed under the block will 'grip' the fabric so it doesn't stretch while being written on. You could make a paper frame to place over the blocks, which only allows writing to happen 1/2" or so from the edges. That way you don't have to mark or tape each piece. These ideas will work best if someone is sitting at the table to set up the blocks for signing.

Congrats on the wedding! :o

Also, Sharpie markers are NOT permanent. They will be totally gone after a few washings. Always use pens that are made for fabric, like Pigma. Then be sure to heat set them with the iron.

i keep my pigma pens in a special place so they are not used for anything else.

I have used 200 count Southern Belle muslin, love the way it looks and feels. There is also 200 count muslins by Moda and Kauffman Kona.

I have used white muslin for a family reunion and it work out great.. I am not sure why white is not recommended, I worked at a LQC and saw many guild friendship quilts made with messages on white squares .

I reread this post and It's not white fabric that posters are not recommending it's White On White,and they are right.

This is a great idea! How do you deal with the number of blocks compared to the number of guests? Many weddings have over a hundred guests and sometimes a few hundred. What size blocks do people use?

As I was reading through this post last night, I panicked when I read that you should not use white on white fabrics. After checking with DDIL, the pigma pens worked fine on mine. I had washed the WOW before using, as the rest of the quilt is reds and blacks (which HAD to be washed before using in a quilt for a teenager). I don't usually pre-wash my fabrics. So I'm thinking that testing is the key.

Linda in MO