Hi, what is the best product/way to mark a finished quilt top? I want to do decorative stitching with my machine maybe even free motion and I'm not sure how to go about it.

I have seen iron-on transfer patterns, transfer pens, and other stuff. I bought a quilter's marker-like pen that promises to wash out or just dissapear, but it does dissapear before I have finished sewing along my pattern.

I have a design in a pattern book that I want to put along a boarder but am not sure how to get in onto my quilt so I can see it to stitch over it. I am good at free hand drawing but am just not sure.

How do you guys do this?????? Do you use a stencil and trace it on??

HELP lol!

I use fabric chulk. comes in many styles, can buy it at a fabric store , my girl friend owns a cleaners and she uses that , it comes right off when you want , and does not stay on .. if you can not find one in the store , go to the cleaners in your area and they can tell you where to get it..

PS: that chulk is better than the quilters marker, it stays until you do not want it lol it is the best

I just bought a Pounce on-line, but haven't received it yet. I'm hoping that will the trick. It is chalk on a sponge, that you pat over the stencils. Do a search on-line and you will see what I mean.

This past weekend I went to a quilt show in Modesto, CA. While there, I bought a marking pen, made by Pilot, called FriXion ball. The marks are removed by friction; either by rubbing with the end of the pen, or by ironing. I watched a demonstration and it was amazing. I intend to give it a try on my next quilt project.
ETA: These pens are available from various office supply stores, Amazon, etc., in several colors. And no, I don't own any stock in the company. :mrgreen:

I want to try the Frixion ones!

Me too!! Thanks for the info :)

The Frixion pens are AWESOME! I bought a couple at the Houston quilt show and then got more from Staples. You will love them. I have several colors but I use the black and orange the most.

Are you using the Frixion highlighters or pens?
What happens if you don't remove it all and it is washed?

I like Golden Threads Quilting paper - draw on the paper, tape or pin it to top (works well for borders), stitch over all, rip paper away.