Chalk is chalk, right? Right...???????

I found a HUGE deal at my local Dollar General - their summer/swim stuff was on clearance for 90% off! Which means these 50ct chalk boxes for $4.50 were only 45 cents each. And the 3ct with the holder (bought just for the holder) was originally $1, now only 10 cents.
I've only briefly tested this for removal from fabric. It seems to actually come off easier than the chalk from my chalk pen that was purchased at Hancock's. I know the blue from the chalk pen that I used on my flag quilt didn't remove easy, but I did have it marked heavy, and it eventually came out after washing with Oxyclean sprayed on the lines. I will try these and see if it works as well as I think it will. I'll mark lightly, NO ironing or heat, and wash as soon as possible after finishing. I think I may have found a great deal! If anyone else thinks so... you may want to check your local Dollar General for chalk deals.

Interesting. I'll take a look. Thank you!

How would you get a fine enough line for marking?

I do admit to being too cheap to buy a special quilt-marking chalk holder/chalk sticks. I've used colored chalkboard chalk that I sharpen in a pencil sharpener. I haven't tested how all the colors wash out, though. It isn't something I've done often.

I have an idea to try concerning that. I'm thinking of shaving it to make an edge when the edge gets rounded (it starts out with a sharp edge), and then saving the shavings to use on a stencil. I figure it would work similar to pounce, but I'd need to apply it with a makeup brush onto the stencil. No waste.

Sign of a true quilter is they are always thinking of a better or less expensive way.......:thumbup:

I almost bought some Crayola colored chalk the other day but it had a warning on it that it would stain fabrics... the white didn't have a warning.

I was told that you can grid up the chalk and use it in the pounce pad. I have never tried it but at that price I think I'll pick some up and try on a practice piece.

I've had that idea myself. I also wonder if a blackboard eraser will work if it's dabbed in colored chalk and then pounced on pattern.

cool. gonna check out my local store!!!

Somebody needs to invent a really large pencil sharpener, lol!

I thought that the chalk used for tailoring was a different formulation that allows the chalk to be removed easily. Might be wrong, but I would proceed with caution and do lots of testing with scrap fabric! Good luck. If it works, it will be a good savings.

I found the white chalkboard chalk a little difficult to come off fabric but worth a try. It came off except right where the needle went into the fabric, left a white dot. Will probably come out when washed but some wallhangings I don't plan on washing.

I would be cautious with the blue and red. I remember my kids having that sidewalk chalk stain their clothes-some never did come out.

Actually they tell you not to "pounce" the powder with a pounce pad. ??? I really don't know why they chose to call it pounce if that's not the way it works. You're actually supposed to just rub it across the stencil with a loaded pounce pad. I have a pounce pad too, but haven't used it much yet. It does work, though. The pounce pad was a recent acquisition that came with my new long arm. :) The lady I bought it from wasn't using it and threw it in. Lucky me! I love the way it works, and considered using my chalk trimmings in the pad, but was afraid maybe the powder would be too large grained. That was when I decided to try it with maybe a large makeup brush and stencil. Like a loose powder brush. It will be interesting to see the outcome. I'm just not to the stenciling stage yet on my current project (got sidetracked with a small upholstery job). Soon, very soon..... I'm anxious to try it out.

Test that chalk on some scraps before using on a quilt! I have seen too many clothese stained when kids are playing with it. It might not wash out easily.

I have used chalk many times and had no problem washing it out. I use regular chalkboard chalk and sharpen it. If it is something that I don't want to wash I use a damp washcloth and lightly go over the chalk lines. It has always work for me.