Fabric markers recommendations
 

I’m getting ready to quilt my latest project, and I’m looking for recommendations for something to mark some wavy lines.

I’ve tried pens and pencils (both washable and wipe-away types) but I’m not satisfied with any of them. I can barely see the lines! I was at the store today and was tempted to buy a “soapstone marking pencil” but I figured I should get some recommendations here before I keep throwing my money away.

Many people swear by the Frixion pens. However, the company states clearly on the package that they are NOT to be used on fabric, so I question what future damage these pens will cause to the fabric. (I think about this when I see antique signature quilts that have holes where the signatures used to be - the ink has corroded the fabric. Will this type of damage be the same when using the Frixion pens? They haven't been around long enough to tell.)

Soapstone pencils work well. Chalk on dark fabrics works, too. I use pencils especially made for quilting (white, yellow and gray). I bought them at my local Walmart for under $5 for the three.

Hope this helps.

I use Crayola WASHABLE markers.

Do you mean that Crayola makes washable markers specifically for quilters/sewers? Or just use regular ol’ kiddie Crayola washable markers?

I bought the soapstone marking pencil and it doesn't work well. I too am constantly looking for the "perfect" marking pen. I don't think it exists! Anyway I have had good luck with the white Chaco chalk liner pen. It does mark well on dark fabrics, and comes off quickly because it's chalk.

Ok. I saw the Chaco and considered that also.

I wonder what people do when the quilt has both dark and light fabrics (like my current project). Hmm. This should be interesting.

I feel the same about not using the Frixion pens. I have the soapstone pencil and it sucks, don't waste your money.
For darker fabrics, I've used slivers of bar soap, it works very well. So does the chalk BUT keep the package instructions! I am amazed at how many people buy a marking product, don't keep the packaging, and can't remember how to remove the marks. The chalk markers become permanent once you iron over them - something to keep in mind.

I would never have guessed this! Thanks for the tip!

I continue to look for that perfect marker and have not found it yet. My latest success comes with the Frixion pens. I have used them and the ink disappears clearly for me. I don't do a lot of markings on my quilts at this point in time. Mostly I am stippling so no markings necessary. I always keep in mind what the manufactures says but since all my quilts are utility or bed quilts and not show quilts but to date I have seen no residues. I also wash all my quilts as soon as they are finished with extra washing soda and as I said to date have seen no residues.

My go to is the purple air pen and chalk