clover chalk marker won't disappear
 

I used this to mark quilting lines on a table runner:
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...RODID=prd29309

I used a blue one and the lines are still there! I've put it in the washer on rinse - still there. Soaked in the sink with OxyClean - still there. Now what?

It's in the thread on the quilt line, but also on the fabric where I sewed away from the line I'd marked.

This is my mother's Christmas present! Help! Help! Help!

Okay - I googled "chalk quilt marker that won't disappear" - or something like that and got a suggestion of vinegar. Nope.
So far - rinsed in washer, soaked in OxyClean, rubbed gently with vinegar, sprayed with Clorox's version of Spray and Wash - for colors, washed gently in machine with Arm & Hammer's detergent with OxyClean. The quilt lines where I did NOT sew - changed my mind - are gone, but the ones where I did sew the thread is now blue. Faintly blue, but blue - on my pink fabric. Guess it's going to stay that way. It's a table runner, not a quilt - so not quite so much time/money invested, but ... I certainly won't be using blue chalk again - unless it's on blue fabric - and then I won't be able to see it so ... what's the point?

It's a bit more obvious in person than in this photo - but it will be okay. The runner is still wet from the washer so it's more wrinkly than it will be.

Now that is an interesting lesson. While I do test my marking method on a scrap of my fabric before I start I would never have thought about testing it on the thread too !

I'm sorry for your frustration, it is a lovely table runner.

did you by chance press the item after marking it? heat setting can cause the chalk color to (set)
anyway- the one i had the same problem with (pink chalk) came out when i finally simply washed the item- not soaking it- not rubbing it- but i put it into the washer with other items- and washed it-with detergent and a normal cycle- checked it when it came out and sure enough it was all gone.
then i dried it.
you can contact Clover- their web site has tips on removing the chalk-they offer help- and if you don't find help you can call customer service and they will talk to you (although today being cyber monday it may be hard to get through on the phone. i recommend visiting the web site. and for future projects- be sure to not set the chalk, mark as lightly as possible and still be seen, and wash the item when finished-sometimes i'm afraid people set there markings when they are trying so hard to remove them- but don't just wash them out. i have a friend who has had good luck using Magic Eraser's to remove markings. good luck

A friend of mine swears by a product called Sew Clean. She got it at our LQS, maybe you could google it.

I use pure soap and don't have any trouble.

When I went to the website using the link you provided, I clicked on the reviews for this product. Several of the reviews made the comment that the white came out easily, but that the colors did not come out so easily. Yellow was mentioned more than once. If possible, it's good to check these reviews. Sorry about your runner. I know your mom will love it regardless. How could she not love it - her daughter made it for her - and it is very pretty!

I feel for you! I spent weeks trying to remove pencil marks from a quilt, and the best suggestion I got was to use a product from the dollar store called "Amazing Cleaner". That did the trick.

I had problems with the yellow Chaco liner. I emailed them and they suggested 5parts water with 1 part vinegar; dab on with soft cloth; then rinse with cool water. This worked with the yellow; may work with the bllue. Good luck-that is so frustrating after all the hard work you put into this project--it's lovely BTW.

Since it is "only" a tablerunner, and not so huge, maybe a soft toothbrush on those threads with some oxyclean on it?? No experience, just a suggestion.

Oh my gosh, I feel your pain! I had this happen also and when trying to get the lines out..the thread bled! I never
thought to check my thread..was using red. I ended up washing with three color catchers and it helped but still was a
faint pink spot on white....ugh

Dear JanTx

I am SO SORRY that you suffered the same problem as I did. I posted my problem on this Thread:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t-t167327.html

The vinegar worked a little bit but when I called Clover Customer Service (they are only 20 miles north of where I live). they suggested using a Mr. Clean Sponge. THAT took a bit of the color OFF. I just HOPE that the chalk will eventually come out. I also used a Blue be Gone marker and it came out with just a misting of the quilt. I had used the Clover white chalk and NEVER had a problem with it coming off. I am as ANGRY as you must feel. Their number is on their website. Call them and complain. I noticed a disclaimer on Fons And Porter Blue chalk powder chalk but no additional helpful information. PLEASE FELLOW QUILTERS !! DO NOT USE CLOVER BLUE, RED OR YELLOW POWDER CHALK !!!

I have noticed that a lot of the different markers become heat set if you iron over them before washing or spritzing. Therefore, I think it is best to avoid the iron and use rollers or bones to flatten the material if you are not ready to wash it out. I'm sorry that doesn't help your present situation but thought I'd put my two cents worth. I don't think it looks too terrible in the photo - it may give an over-all shadow effect?

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Thanks for posting. This is an eye opener for many of us. The good thing is that your mom will love the table runner no matter what. Happy Holidays.

OK, I would sew over those lines with a decorative stitch. that should hide it well enough. don't give up. so sorry that happened. i know yellow is difficult to get out, maybe blue too. why they sell those colors i don't know.

That was a real eye opener! I never would have dreamed that it would stay in the thread! Hope the blue comes out for you.

Never thought of sewing OVER the blue-ish thread! That may work - if I can sew EXACTLY on the stitch line. Thanks.

I made the same mistake with blue chalk once. I never used it again. One option is to take out the thread you quilted it with and use coloured thread to quilt on the chalk lines. Once the chalk gets in the cotton thread, I've never been able to remove it. I hope you have better luck.

blue chalk is notorious for doing just what yours did. I never use the blue.....white or yellow will come off with a swish of a lint brush......throw the blue stuff away!!!!!!

The owner of my LQS has always told classes use white chalk only, so I've never tried a color. I have read that the heat of the sewing machine needle can set the color just like an iron, for what that's worth.

Deb

I tried marking with white chalk, but ... couldn't see the lines. That's why I went to blue. :(

Try to vacuum it off as soon as it is stitched. Wetting may set the color.<o:p></o:p>
I dilute red and blue with white chalk or baby powder.<o:p></o:p>

I realize this is years later, but I just had the same problem with the Clover pink chalk and tried everyone else's suggestions to no avail. Finally, because I had just treated a cooking oil stain on a dress, I tried Dawn dishwashing liquid and it worked! I applied it undiluted directly to the fabric, let it sit for awhile (at least 10 minutes) and then rinsed it out. When it dried, I was so relieved to see the chalk marks were completely gone. I hope this helps anyone like me coming along in 2015 with this problem.
Bonnie

I have found that soaking in plain water for an hour or so before washing works too.

Can you get a pink permanent marker and go over the lines? I'd try it on a scrap first,though!

Shout spray was the only thing that helped me with removing pencil lines so I'll never use pencil again. I was rooting around looking for alternatives and read this thread. Perhaps a "hera marker" is my only choice. Thanks for the heads up.