I have some fabric markers. Come over and I'll loan you some.

I used a permanent sharpie on a quilt picture. IT looked lovely until water splashed on it and it ran. Spoiled it and would not wash out. I had to completely redo.

I agree with what you're all saying about Sharpie ink spreading when you write on fabric. I DO know it is PERMANENT on fabric. Years ago, my daughter got some blood on her sheet and wrote next to it "Sore arm". The blood is long gone but the "Sore arm" is still there after years of washing!

No. I used a permanent sharpie in a series of tests for a signature quilt and after only 3 washings it washed completely out.

Recently I came across a link to a blog which tried out different fabric marker brands. Sorry, I did not bookmark the blog, but the brand, Nano-liner, was determined to be the winner. Hobby Lobby carries it. I haven't used it yet.

No, I have always used the Pigma Micron which you can find at JAF and any art supply stores.

After I had been president of our group, they gave me a signature quilt. Less than 3 years later, one block was completely blank that was supposed to have a name. It had never been washed. It took me a while to figure whose name was missing. I took my Micron pen to a meeting and had her re-write her name on it.

You can find Micron pens in any store that sells scrap-booking supplies or craft stuff.

I have used Gelly Roll pens without a problem. They come in many colors. To write on fabric, if it is more than a word, I back the fabric with freezer paper. Also Crayola crayons are permanent after heat setting.

I do too. I make swap blocks with Treadle On and use the Micron Pigma pens to sign the blocks.

My kids used to use sharpies to have all the dancers sign their T shirts after a ballet performance. After a few washings the so-called "permanent" sharpie was all gone! We lost the signatures of some famous dancers with the American Ballet Company from New York that way.... so I NEVER use a sharpie for my quilts. I use pigma pens made for permanent fabric marking, and set them with heat.