I am getting married August 13 and would like to have guests sign and or draw on a fabric square instead of a guest book and then put them into a quilt. My question is will sharpie permanent markers work and do I need to treat the fabric squares with something before hand to stop the markers from bleeding? I want to stop the signatures or pictures that may be drawn from distorting, or from fading on the first washing. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Check out these pens http://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Fabric-Marker-Pens/ct/580 I've used them on several quilts and love them. Before I used them on a quilt (because I was leery), I drew and wrote on fabric and washed/dried it a few times. Came out great. BTW congratulations!!!

People have posted that Sharpies will slowly wash out.

I used "Dritz Quilting" Black Fine Line Permanent Fabric Pen. Even though it says for signing quilts, It bled and I even backed the fabric with freezer paper to stabilize it.

I only trust Pigma pens or Fabrico markers. Sharpies do wash out.

sharpies also bleed and don't allow a fine line. I've used gelly roll pens with great success. they come in a ton of colors-though don't get the glitter ones that need rubbing to change color. I've also used other fabric markers which come in different widths. Believe it or not, Crayola crayons work beautifully and only need ironing (with absorbant paper) to be set. Again, the choice of colors is wonderful.

I only use the Pigma pens and have never had a problem.

Thank you for your responses. I will bring the sharpies back and find fabric crayons or the markers.