How do you mark black fabric?

[Caroline T.]

Trying to mark the border on a quilt for FMQ - using a plastic stencil (is it still FMQ if you use a stencil?), have tried:

Frixion Pens - too dark

Crayola washable markers - even yellow won't show up

Disappearing ink pens - purple too dark, and pink won't even show up.

Pounce Chalk - Oh Lordy, let's not go there, yes I tried and then read many of the past threads about that stuff (anyone interested in two free Pounce Pads, one each blue and white, and I'll even throw in a few Pounce stencils - send me a p.m.)

Soap - found to be messy as most of it clung to the stencil & gooped up the slots, maybe I need a not quite so soft of a soap (I tried Ivory)?

Have pink, white, and light blue fabric pencils - don't know what kind they are, but the marking stuff feels like soft crayons, but to get the tip into the slot of the stencil I have to sharpen it really sharp, and then the tip breaks under the slightest pressure.

I'm close to resorting to tracing the stencil onto paper & making enough copies to tape them all the way around & stitching thru the paper!

Any other suggestions, that won't leave me bald from pulling my hair out?

[bubba]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

I have only marked a dark purple and used my white chalk pencil, marking lightly.

[Carolnnc]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

I use tailor's/seamstress chalk. It is sharpened on each side so you get a good thin line and you can use a paring knife to re-sharpen the edge. It's also a good size so I can hold on to it. It fits very well in the grooves of a stencil and also washes out easily. I have also taken stiff toothbrush and removed the marks if I didn't like them. I have white, pink and blue and at least one works on all the fabrics I've used.

[Caroline T.]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

I have only marked a dark purple and used my white chalk pencil, marking lightly.

If I were to mark the entire border, does it hold up to the constant manipulation of the quilt during FMQ, or would I need to mark small sections as I go?

[shirleyknot]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

I still use the old fashioned silver quilters pencil from Wal-Mart. It still works. It doesn't rub off like chalk, but it always washes out.

[bubba]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

If I were to mark the entire border, does it hold up to the constant manipulation of the quilt during FMQ, or would I need to mark small sections as I go?

Yes. You could also use one of those rolling chalk things. I have a great one in the shape of a heart that I got at one of the Puyallup sewing shoes, but I know they sell it at Shibori. It is Japanese and runs about $12, I think, but you won't ever have to refill it! I bought new chalk after about three years and opened it up to refill and you could not even tell I had even used it!

image.jpg

The blue one is from Dritz and the black one is from Chalkoner. I can't remember if I got it at Sew Expo or the one coming up next month, but I do know what booth it's from!!

[DeniseSm]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

I use the Fons and Porter mechanical marking pencil. The marks will last for about four days before they gradually fade away. Stands up to lots of quilt manipulation without being rubbed off. Sewline also makes their own version which I have heard works just as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Porter-Mechanical-Fabric-Pencil-White/dp/B001UAKL4Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477440650&sr=8-1&keywords=fons+porter+marking+pencil

[Caroline T.]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

Thank you girls, after reading all your recomendations, off to my LQS I went. The owner was kind enought to spend time with me explaining which marking method is best for different applications, and after talking with her, she recommended the chalk pencil.

Seems one of the problems I was encountering was because my quilt was already sandwiched and spray basted (middle already quilted) so I was essentially trying to write on a soft surface. So I pulled the border portion off the batting, slipped a ruler between the top and batting, and now had a firm "writing" surface, and the chalk pencil worked very well.

Bubba, I'm so looking forward to the November Quilt/Sew/Craft show, I'm such a gadget junkie that I know I'll be like a kid in a candy store, and am trusting you to be my #1 enabler! Hopefully I can find one of those rolling chalk thingies

[bubba]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

Bubba, I'm so looking forward to the November Quilt/Sew/Craft show, I'm such a gadget junkie that I know I'll be like a kid in a candy store, and am trusting you to be my #1 enabler! Hopefully I can find one of those rolling chalk thingies

Are you going on Thursday? That will be the only day I can go. Friday is chemo and the next day after we are both usually sick.

[Caroline T.]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

Yes to Thursday, I think Enumclawgrandma is going that day too, and a few others in that thread indicated Thursday also.

[bubba]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

I'll be the designated enabler then!!

[toggpine]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

I am loving the Chaco Liner (the blue tube thing in Pat's pic.) for marking all sorts of fabric. It comes in multiple colors, and makes a nice line. If there is a lot of manipulation the marks can fade/brush off.
The Fons & Porter mechanical pencil can do a pretty good job. Again it needs a firm surface for best transfer of marks.

I'm in for Thursday! Even if it's just mostly window shopping!

[bubba]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

I am loving the Chaco Liner (the blue tube thing in Pat's pic.) for marking all sorts of fabric. It comes in multiple colors, and makes a nice line. If there is a lot of manipulation the marks can fade/brush off.

That heart marker has an even finer line and also brushes off!!

[Monique]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

Have fun ladies. I also use the Fons and Porter mechanical pencil.

[Carol336]

Re: How do you mark black fabric?

Yes to Thursday, I think Enumclawgrandma is going that day too, and a few others in that thread indicated Thursday also.

I think I'm going to be there Thursday also....where/when are you all meeting up