Frixion Pens
 

I have some but rarely use them, but when I do
they are dry out ! and won't work.
any suggestions would be great ! or should I
buy new ones.
thanks :)

if you were using them to mark your quilt tops then i would recommend you replace them with something else.
the maker of Frixion pens has "put out the word" that they are not designed for temporarily marking fabric.
they also don't guarantee the ink will wash out completely.

they provided this information when they found out so many quilters were using them and reporting problems.
i used them, too. luckily i never had any issues but some did.
i guess we got too excited too quickly. [img]images/smilies/eek.png[/img]

Yes, the lines can come back later.

I only use them on seam allowances where the marks won't show later. Store them so the ink tip is pointing down.

I have only ever used the to mark lines that will not show on quilts. Of course they work well for the piecing this way. If they are dried out you may have to get new ones. I love them for piecing that doesn't show. Never had a problem and I would recommend them this way. I have not had any problems. I don't think that with what I have read that I would use them anywhere they would show on a quilt.

I would use something made specifically for fabric and quilting. Everyone always talks about the lines they leave, but my big concern is that per the manufacturer, they're not safe for fabrics. What happens to those lines in 5 or 10 years, even if they are under a seam? What if the fabric disintegrates?

I used them a lot especially when making HST because I wind up cutting on the diagonal line I drew. I also used it to mark pleat position but that was a dot.

I'm wondering what they are actually made for?

Jim

I have never tried those pens. I use Crayolas washable markers, and haven't had any problems

frixon pens are made by Pilot, they are an erasable pen- many people would rather use a pen instead of pencil but want to be able to erase mistakes so pen companies came up with erasable pens- Frixon is one. They were never meant to be used by quilters- they were made to write on paper, and erase if you need to. Someone at some point a few years ago used one to mark a block ( or something) then they ironed it and the mark disappeared- they became excited by this- shared the news and it spread like wild fire- all of a sudden quilters started buying them and using them to mark quilts- then became upset with the company when lines reappear or light lines were left on dark fabric
they were never meant for this use- they were made to write on paper- a smooth writing pen in many colors which could be erased

I also use them only in inconspicuous places. People on the QB have reported problems with the ink staying.