Removing Transfer Markings?
 

I recently purchased appliqued blocks for a Bridal Wreath quilt. Some of the blocks have very distinct transfer markings showing on the white background. I have tried my old and true methods of removing markings (hair spray, proxide when appropriate) and they have had no noticeable affect on the pencil transfer marks. I was told this quilt was started in the early 1970's a believe before the washable transfer pens became popular. Any suggestions? The work on the blocks is esquisite, and it would be a shame not to put these blocks together as a quilt. Thank you, Marion

Retro Clean has done wonders on old quilts for me. I've not tried it on pencil marks, but it has removed those ugly brown age spots on 50 year old quilts. If you look it up, you might find some reviews on it discussing pencil marks.

A rubber may remove them but rub gently and try to use a soft one. I would also try a wash in oxyobleach if ghat didn't work. Good luck.

There's also a new product called Blue Line Eraser. It is a liquid used to remove quilting marks. A lot of people have said it is a miracle worker.

Try this product called Sew Clean (available in some quilt stores and online). It did wonders when I needed to remove pencil transfer marks.

Good question.... I will be watching this thread.

I don't believe those marks can be removed since they were printed with heat set ink. This subject has been discussed extenencisly on the Quilt History List on Yahoo. It is my recollection that they can not be removed and eventually fade with washing. You might search the net for subjects such as quilt restoration.

Removing Transfer Markings
 

Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions. I was able to use hairspray to "lighten" the lines, but I might just need to let time remove the rest. The person who appliqued the blocks was a master, and I couldn't resist buying these blocks at the garage sale. Thanks again, Marion