What do you recommend to mark vintage quilt blocks?
 

I was given some quilt blocks made by my husbands grandma and great grandma. I have made a quilt top with them and am now at the marking stage to start hand quilting it. Since I don't have any extra fabric to test I'm not sure what type of pen/pencil to use to mark the quilt (I don't want any markings to be left behind). Do any of you have any experience with old fabrics? Any recommendations? Thanks so much for your help. My mom's friend looked at them and guessed that they were made out of old clothes and scraps, definitely not 100% cotton.

I am unsure about what goes into those special pens, and tend to shy away from them. I use ordinary chalk. 47 cents a box. Can't go wrong.

Chalk is OK. It tends to come off if I mark very far ahead of things, though. That could just be me.

Slivers of soap work well on dark fabrics. Remember to keep your fingers away from your face while quilting things marked this way. I've soaped my eye pretty good.

I've also used Crayola washable markers and wash away quilting pens on old quilts, too. There was no problem with either of these.

Try a few marks in a inconspicuous place and see what you can live with.

or maybe soap sliver

I'd vote for good old chalk. Usevthe lightest color you can see. I would stay away from blue. If you are doing just straight lines, how about masking or painters tape? Friend of mine uses small pieces of the blue tape all the time. Repositions frequently before needing a new piece.

i never thought of sharpening the chalk... great idea!

You can also use painters tape if doing straight lines.