Quiltsbybarb

This is a great idea and you wouldn't have to worry about getting the markings out.

Oklahoma Suzie

I usually quilt with the pattern so I mark as I go along.

Leann

Thank you so much for your generous information. It may hang on my design wall for a while longer. With my last handquilted top, I used .25" tape until I got to the borders, where I used the blue, wash-away marker. I decided that I am ready for some fancier hand quilting designs.

As far as design/pattern, this is one of Deb Kauffunger's wonderful mystery quilts from her Quiltaholics.com site. It was at least 6 years ago and I am sorry that I don't know which "Weekend Whatever #" it was.

Thanks again for your kind words and suggestions.

Becca

I mark as I go because more than once I have changed my plans for quilting lines. I use a small sliver of soap for marking so I know it will wash out.

shaverg

They use to say mark the quilt top first. That never worked for me. I mark a space that fits in my hoop and mark as I go. I think more hand quilters mark a little at a time. I don't know many that mark the entire top anymore. Especially if you are using chalk. I have a chalk mechanical pencil called Bohin/France, I love it. It comes in white and green.http://www.thebestkeptsecret.com/cgi...cking5=froogle

Loretta

I always use a blue marker that washes out with water, but not the purple because it disappears almost immediately. The way I do it is I mark the quilt top before I sandwich it.

Tippy

How (or if) I mark a quilt for quilting depends on the design of the quilt and the quilting.. some I don't mark at all if I plan on following a design in the fabric or a geometric that follows pattern lines. I have used regular #2 pencils.. but with a VERY fine point. that way the thread covers the lines. I've never had a problem being able to see the lines. I've also used silver or white pencils.

Quilting Nonnie

I use a water soluble pen also. I tried all type of chalk markers, spent a lot of money, and didn't like any of them. They were always rubbing off before I quilted.

Thanks to Hula Hoop 1 for suggesting the pens...I ordered two right away.

On the side, my mom used to call the water soluble pens "spit pens." She sewed clothing and would just spit on her finger and rub out the marks! Of course she's the one who used to spit on a kleenex to rub a dirty spot off my face!

mpeters1200

My mom called them spit pens too, for the same reason. How weird.

I only mark as I go. I marked a whole one out once and the marks were gone by the time I got it all the way in my floor frame. NO WAY JOSE am I repeating that. I mark as much as I can work in once sitting at a time.

I either use spit pens and wash it out as I move it or I use plain chalk. It depends on the color of the fabric.

Birdie6153

I agree-mark as you go, and no,no, no pencil - use something erasable or disappearing.