marking tool

[sewsoft]

What is the best marking tool to use for marking templates on the top of quilts for hand quilting? Please help I see so many to choose from and I want a tried and true product that will come out clean and not damage my work.

[janluna]

Re: marking tool

There are some water soluble blue pens. These can be erased or taken out by soaking the piece in cold water. If left to long they may fade though from the light and have to be reapplied. I just took a course in hand quilting and that is what our instructor told us she uses all the time. You can also use either grey or white pencil for quilting. There are other colors but she recommended only the grey or white. It's easier to erase and/ or washout.
I don't know what brand name they are but maybe Jenny would know. Hugs, Jan

[Texsam]

Re: marking tool

Just be sure you don't iron the quilt if the blue is still showing. Been there I use the chalks pencils and just started using the pencils from Fons & Porters, Sewline also has them.

[janluna]

Re: marking tool

Good point Shelia. Yes don't iron it. I forgot that. Boy am I dumb or what?

[Texsam]

Re: marking tool

Nah your not. I just remember that horrible moment.

[sewsoft]

Re: marking tool

Are the chalk pencils the same as a water soluble pencil? Id like to try to hand stitch on the top of a quilt but I have no clue where to begin. I've watched a video but the don't talk much on products to use.

[Dragonfly]

Re: marking tool

I dislike being a nay sayer but exercise some caution when using the blue wash out pens. If this is a quilt that you expect to be around for a long time, a family heirloom for example, something you have put many hours of love and hard work into, then don't use the blue pens! If it is a utility quilt that will be around for a relatively shorter time then they are fine.

I think I have mentioned this elsewhere but there is now some doubt about the blue pens, quilts that they were used on twenty odd years ago when they first came on the market are now showing fabric deterioration along the quilting line. It seems that while we rinse away the colour, the chemical stays in the fabric and is causing damage to the integrity of the fabric.

I prefer to err on the side of caution. I have been using the chalk markers, this does not go into the fabric and while it does brush off (which is what we want really), at least there is no lasting damage being done. It just means you need to mark your quilt in small sections as you work, not the entire quilt at one time.

[Texsam]

Re: marking tool

Are the chalk pencils the same as a water soluble pencil? Id like to try to hand stitch on the top of a quilt but I have no clue where to begin. I've watched a video but the don't talk much on products to use.

Yes they are water soluble. You can either use the eraser or a damp cloth to take off the marks. Or the marks will wash off.

I agree with Lynn about marking small areas as it will rub off.

[Dragonfly]

Re: marking tool

Are the chalk pencils the same as a water soluble pencil? Id like to try to hand stitch on the top of a quilt but I have no clue where to begin. I've watched a video but the don't talk much on products to use.

No they are different, the chalk markers are a loose chalk powder in a pen shaped device that has a little cogged/spiked wheel on the end that turns, dispensing a tailor's chalk line onto you fabric. I will try and add a picture later.

The pencil markers are a variety of different types, some wax based, I think these iron off, but not sure, some are various synthetic compounds (chemicals again). I tested these wash off pencils and was disappointed with the result, they don't wash off anywhere near as well as I would like.

[sewsoft]

Re: marking tool

Do you all also use the metal thimbles? Has anyone tried leather ones with the metal center or the leather adjustable ones? I thank all of you for your input.

[Dragonfly]

Re: marking tool

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This is a Clover product, but I am sure are alternative brands available. These are available in pink, blue, white and grey.

Hmm not sure why that first photo is so large, it seems to be refusing to be resized, sorry.

[sewsoft]

Re: marking tool

That looks like a really nice tool. This is safe for washing out and does no damage to the fabric over time right? Do you also use a metal thimble when hand quilting or leather?

[Dragonfly]

Re: marking tool

Do you all also use the metal thimbles? Has anyone tried leather ones with the metal center or the leather adjustable ones? I thank all of you for your input.

Sewsoft I think thimbles are a very personal choice, it depends what you were taught with or are comfortable using etc. I use metal thimbles, a fairly plain one on my left or off hand and one with a recessed top for my needle hand. The left hand one is on my index finger and my needle hand one is on my middle finger, this is what is comfortable for me.

I did try the little stick on ones while having my chemo as I had nerve damage and was contact sensitive, normal thimbles weren't comfortable, but I did not really like them. I guess it is what you get used to.

[Dragonfly]

Re: marking tool

That looks like a really nice tool. This is safe for washing out and does no damage to the fabric over time right?

Yes, this will brush off and any residual traces will wash out. It uses the time tested and trusted tailors chalk (not the wax type tailors marker). But like I said it has the draw back of not being overly 'permanent' so you can not mark an entire quilt before starting.

I use this for all my marking, like marking cutting lines when piecing 1/2 square triangles etc.