Rebecca_S

I have a quilt top in progress that I will want to mark a lot of long, straight lines for quilting.

When working with drywall or planks, if I want to mark a long straight line I will use a carpenter's chalk line, which is basically a string covered with powdered chalk that you can snap and it will leave a line. Has anyone tried this before on a quilt top? Do the chalk lines come out in the wash, do they leave excess chalk powder?

ScubaK

They have those for quilters now as well...
I would use quilters chalk or at least try it on a sample first.
Kirsten

Barb in Louisiana

My husband has gotten the red chalk on tee shirts and I like to have never got it out. The red dye left a light stain on his shirts. I don't know about other colors.

Edited to add: I wonder if the pounce powder could be used in one of those carpenter's chalk lines?

Rebecca_S

They ones we have can be refilled with any powdered chalk, one has blue and one has white. I haven't noticed that either of those colors have problems coming out of work clothes.

ckcowl

Test first to make sure its going to come out, I've found with chalk sometimes it is easier to remove it by brushing, water sometimes sets the color. Into have used chalk lines but with quilters chalk, not carpenters chalk. What ever you use for marking you should Always test to make sure it will come out

gigi712

I have the one they make specifically for quilters, it's white chalk and rubs off easily, but it makes a very good line. I wouldn't use the ones carpenter's use. Just MHO.

ManiacQuilter2

I used those things for marking grid lines on scenery backdrop. I wouldn't try it. Just get some 1" wide painters tape and using every ruler your have, mark you center line in both direction. I use a Clover Hera marker.
http://www.joann.com/clover-hera-marker/9620873.html
No chalk or ink, it just makes a slight dent in the fabric and batting that you can see. Always keep checking that your lines are true and accurate to you center line.

ghostrider

For straight line quilting I just use the seam guide (the bar thingie) with my walking foot. It also attaches to the shank for use with any other foot. No marking or tape to worry about putting down or getting out.

Buckeye Rose

If I need the long and straight lines, I use a piece of door trim (what goes on the wall around the door) and a washable marker. The trim can be found in any lumber store or somewhere like Menards or Lowes. Mine is 8 foot long and easily stores behind the door to my sewing room. But before I use anything to mark my quilt tops, I always test on scrap pieces to make sure the marking will wash out (I use CraZart washable markers).

QuiltnLady1

I use the blue painters tape for straight lines if I am doing long straight lines -- haven't tried the chalk.