I have a clover chalk pen the one with the wheel. I am marking my quilt with it. Some one told me to use hair spray and that will hold the chalk in place until I finish the quilt and then when I wash it, it will come out. Is this what you use when you machine quilt?

Hair spray works great on my pounce chalk marking. I'm not sure about the pen though.

I would think that if it works with the pounce it should work with the chalk wheel too. Someone also suggested lightly misting with water before you apply the chalk to help it adhere better and then clean up with water. Or wash it when you are done binding and all.

The mechanical chalk pencils stay longer than the one you're using. They are a little pricey, but work awesome!

What brand of mechanical pencil do you have?

also thanks every one.

Bohin (I think that's how it's spelled). It was about $12 and worth every penny. I marked a whole quilt border with out any lead breaking! The regular chalk pencils are a pain, can't keep a point on them. I don't get much further than a few inches before they break.

I use a Fons and Porter mechanical pencil . The white lead comes out easy, and the marks stay longer. Since I hand quilt, i need them to stay awhile.

We were having a discussion in chat on this topic...here is what I came out of it with...I bookmarked this site....was told these are great

http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=3273646

Quite a while back I asked for recommendations on marking tools. Ninnie and several others recommended the Fons and Porter mechanical pencil. I had a 40% off Jo-ann's coupon so I went and bought one just this weekend. I have to say it is without a doubt the BEST marking tool I have ever used (and I have tried LOADS). It marks the quilt beautifully with very little pressure. Has a very fine line but is easy to see. I am absolutely thrilled with it. However, Jo-Ann's only had one that with white ceramic "leads" and a pack of white refills. It works perfect right now because I am quilting a very dark quilt but does it come in other color leads for marking on a white or light background?