Marking on white
 

I will be hand quilting on white fabric. Does anyone have any suggestions for tracing the stencil pattern on the pieces. Anything I should do or avoid.

do you have a hera marker?

Whatever you decide to use, test on scraps first to see if the marks come out/off.

Avoid ball point pen - someone used that - it was a very bad idea. Many people also say to avoid using yellow, blue, or pink pencil/chalk type markers

One can get pale gray General Chalk Pencils - I've had good luck with the white ones rubbing off other fabrics.

I've used a lead/graphite pencil - very lightly so you can barely see the marks. I made heavy/dark lines ones once on a quilt top - thinking that the lines would rub off or be easily erased - Not!!!

Some people have had good luck using the Crayola washable markers. I have bought some, but not used them yet.

My favorite disappearing marking pen is the Frixion pen. My favorite color to use on white is pink. They stay on until you remove them with an iron. If it gets removed, and you want it back, just get it cold again. I marked one quilt and the pink came back when I took it outside to go to quilt guild. It kept coming back for about 2 weeks, but then it was gone permanently.

I use the Frixion pens also. I got a little lazy once, and didn't test out some fabric first, and the markers did leave a mark, but overall I have had excellent success with these pens, and they come in a large variety of colors. Markings come off when ironed. (Or heated).

test first on scrap fabric!!!!

I have used Crayola markers on white and natural muslins (as well as colors) and they have washed out easily and quickly.

I use a #2 lead mechanical pencil. Definitely go lighter than darker with your marks because they can be difficult to get out but I've always, ultimately been able to get them out.

Thanks to all who responded. A lot of good ideas.

I use Crayola washable markers on all colors. They wash out easily when I wash the finished quilt.

Avoid pink, yellow and green chalk! And I've had problems with Green Crayola UltraClean Washable Marker once--had used before and only thing different is that client had started fabric first.
My favorites are water soluble blue line pen or the purple air erasable pens--test both first and once done, be sure that first "wash" is without detergent.

I do as Tartan mentioned, with the exception of the Hera marker. I have never heard of it. Will have to check that one out.

Don't just test washability on the fabric, test on the THREAD. I once had markers wash out of the fabric but cling to the thread. I'm always very reluctant to mark on my fabrics except with chalk that will brush off, and this was one of the few times I tried something else. Fortunately it only shows if I go looking for it. Or maybe I've gotten used to it and don't notice it any more.

Good idea - I usually don't even think about the thread!

I love blue and black Frixion pens, but find that orange, pink and red can leave a white "ghost" image behind.

I love LEONIS 5 Air Erasable Marking Pens Pink


. get them on Amazon. They disappear on their own, or if you want to speed up the process, you can spritz with a little water.

Hera markers are great for making a straight line in your quilt. It's a tool that makes a crease. For other designs I use chalk mostly.

On white I use Roxanne's grey/silver pencil. It doesn't harm the fabric over time.

Great idea. I would never thought of that.

Thanks to all for suggestions. I bought a couple of items mentioned from my LQS. I bought some from Amazon. I will test each one on my white and on my thread. Y'all were a goldmine of info.

Do you plan to wash the quilt when finished. That will somewhat determin what marker you can use.

Yes, I will wash my quilt.

Be careful with the crayola washable. I used recently on a baby quilt..the green washed out but the orange did not.

I've had problems with light green chalk. Frixon has worked for me on most fabric but I did have a bit of a problem with white. Test your fabric with what you have before the quilt is marked. Good luck. I'll be checking back for what you decide to do.

These are my favorite as well. I wouldn't be without them. They are also more economical than the ones found in quilt shops and they don't dry out as fast. They also make a water erasable blue one.