What do you use to mark on fabric?

I bought these water soluble markers that are supposed to last about 24 hours on the fabric. Didn't last 5 minutes. :( Not sure the brand, but I bought them at Joann's and they are pink and purple.

I also bought a silver fabric pencil, which works fine. Except, I've used up nearly half the pencil on just one block! Darn thing keeps breaking on me.

So I'm wondering, what can I use to mark the pattern on my blocks? Any suggestion for good markers/pencils?

I use the blue water soluable pen, works great, the pencils always break on me too. And the purple one sometimes last till the next day and sometimes like you said only a few minutes! I have a white pen that I love for darks, they are kinda pricey, I think it was about 6 bucks , when you first make the mark it's invisible but shows up in a few seconds. Sometimes I use pencil but have heard that it doesn't always wash out.

I use 3 things. A blue washable fabric marker pen. And I also use a white pencil for darks, blue for lights. If you use an eyebrow sharper, you don't get a real fine tip that breaks. I hope this helped :)

I used of all things, the white tip pencil you get for going under your nails, you know the kind I hope looks like a pencil but has a white lead. Don´t know about washing out though, haven´t got to that part yet but I was desperate :D

Elle

I bought a purple one last week at Joanne's it was made by simplicity. It is water soluable and "disappears" in 24-48 hours. I am STILL waiting for the lines to disappear so I can iron my dang square!

Thanks for the tip about the eyebrow sharpener!

Has anyone used the graphite pencil? I saw one at Hobby Lobby today. I got the regular white fabric pencils instead, but am curious about that one.

Also, has anyone used the Fons N Porter white retractable pencil? I bought that too. Trying to find something that works for me.

I have a feeling the markers you got were air soluable, not water. I have no luck with them at all. I use whatever works in a given situation - water soluable, markers, chalk, pencils.

I use the blue water soluble pens. Just be careful not to iron until you have removed the marks or they may become permanent.
Jo

Ive spent way to much on useless markers. So far I like the disappearing ink ones but you have to quilt it the day you mark it or it goes away.
The chalk ones with the little wheel are ok for straight lines.
I also use pounce white and blue. Like the blue best. Use with the stencils that have a mesh instead of cutouts.

Me too! And still looking for the "perfect" marking tool!!

Ditto on still looking....I used to use the blue but bought a few that dried out REALLY fast and quit...just changed to the purple and am frustrated with the inconsistencies on my fabrics and the thin one is useless. Enlighten me LOL.

What is the point of an air soluble? If it disappears right away, why bother?

I checked mine, they were water soluble, not air.

Moonhoney2, you say you bought the Fons and Porter white retractible pencil. Have you used it yet? I've had my eye on that one and am really curious if it works well. I haven't found anything that marks on black very well.

Linda

I use a pen that disapears when it is ironed I have a light and a dark. I also use a chalk pencil that has about 10 different colored chalks in it

Would you mind sharing with us who your pens and chalks are made by?

Not yet. I was working on sewing this past weekend. Next weekend is basting the blocks and drawing the patterns. Possibly quilting if I get time. I'll let you know then. Unless I get to sneak some time in during the week to work on it.

I do not know how many of you have cats but mine love to play with my stuff. I am looking for my pens, pencils and chalk pencils so I can share with you. I love the chalk pencil set I have. It has lots of colors and you can buy refills when you use up a color. I did a search on chalk pencils and there were several reviews
[url]http://www.quiltersreview.com/article.asp?article=/review/product/010108_a.asp

I will get back later with the names of my products

I found one of them

Tricia, isn't it funny the things cats like to play with?

Thanks for the info on the chalks.

Deb

OK, I tried my F&P pencil. Couldn't wait. :lol:

Here is a pic. Not sure how well you can see the lines. But I like how it goes on. It doesn't seem to rub off. I haven't tried to remove it with water, but I will assume it will come off ok???

Does anyone know what will happen if I iron before I remove the lines? WIll they then become permanent? Because,um, I forgot that step in my excitement to try it. :shock:

If I am not sure what will happen with a product I use scrap and test it

Moonhoney2, That looks great. I'm sending my money in for it. Thats the best I've seen.

Linda

Hi,I use watercolour pencils,I have a mixed box and use whichever one is appropriate, Letty

if any of you'll find a good marker let me know..I'm TOO am looking for taa good marker