Bonin chalk marking pen
 

I just bought one of these a couple weeks ago and the one I got came with both white and colored chalk refills. I've used the white on a table topper I made as a gift and it came off nicely, but I'm a bit nervous to try any of the colored chalks. If you have tried this, have you had any problem getting the colored chalks to come out after you've finished quilting? I have a lap quilt to do that has a lot of off white in it that white chalk isn't gonna work on and if color was left behind, it wouldn't be good. (I brought my quilting with me to a cabin we go to, so don't have scraps to test on).

Thanks, Tartan. Kinda what I suspected. I was going to mark my top while we're on vacation, but maybe I'll just meander it instead. I only brought my sandwiched quilt so I don't have anything to make a sample out of with me.

I have had poor results with colored chalk markers....the color won't come out ,despite many strategies.

I agree with above. Colored is difficult. Suggest multi pastel chalk pencils from General Pencil Co. Available in LQS and sort supply stores or Michaels or other craft stores that sells art supplies.

what about fine point washable markers? I have no experience with these but have seen them suggested

I've not used their brand of colored chalks. I've used others (sorry don't remember name but they are the big fat colored chalks) and have never had a problem getting the chalk out of either the fabric or the thread with those. I hand quilt and use thread heaven so not sure if that helps with the thread issue with the chalk or not.

The ease of colored chalk removal can also be affected by whether or not your fabrics were prewashed. Some chalks adhere to the sizing and other chemicals used to 'finish' the fabric. If you prewash, the markings are easier to remove.

I've never heard of thread heaven. What is it?

Thanks all for your input. I think I'll very carefully try maybe the yellow and see how that goes. This brand isn't supposed to have any wax or anything in it and the white just brushed off easy as could be. It just dawned on me (duh!) that since I haven't trimmed my projects yet, I CAN actually do a test sample, albeit a small one.