Quilt in a Day Forums

I would like to know what marking pens you all like the best. I have been using the "Mark B Gone" pen and while it does a good job it just doesn't last very long. It runs out so quickly and I end up having to go but another couple of pens to finish my project. What pen do you like? Thanks for any info.

I like to use the Generals Chalk Pencil that I get from the LQS. The white works well for dk fabrics and the blue works well used with a light touch on lt fabrics. It just brushes off with a childs toothrbrush. That is for handquilting. If I am going to do a lot of marking before I start to quilt, I will use a .5 pencil lead ina mechanical pencil so the lines are always thin. Just use a light touch when marking. I also buy erasers and erase all but just a faint line if need be.

I heard the ones from Crayola work wonderful. They do have to be washed out not just spritzed with water tho.

I like the little Clover chalk marker that has the little wheel. Refills are available, but they last a long time. The chalk just brushes off when you are done. It DOES collect on the walking foot as you are quilting, though - need to keep cleaning that off. Come in white and yellow for sure, and maybe also in blue.

I wonder if they make spray chalk? That would be great to use with setencils wouldn't it?

Sewbug - there is a spray chalk. I bought some, but have not used it yet. It is called Chalk Marking Spray (clever, huh?) and is by Sullivan. It says it washes off, so I imagine it does not brush off easily. I THINK I ordered it with a stencil from www.stensource.com
Sorry I can't give you a testimonial, but I wanted you to know that it is available.
Ann

Thanks, I'll look for it.

I took a sewing class a couple of weeks ago and the instructor/shop owner loves the Marvy Erasable Fabric Marker. One end is purple and the other end erases. The marks will disappear in 2 - 14 days, or you can immediately erase them. They'll wash out, and I think she said you can press over them and they'll still wash out. I haven't used mine yet. Oh -- as far as lasting, the instructor said she had a customer who had not been sewing for a couple of years due to illness buy a new pen when she started back to sewing, but when she got home she discovered the pen worked after all.

I also use the Ultimate Marking Pencil II - It's a 7mm lead (vs 5mm in the original) which washes out. If I can't see the lead marking I then go to my General Chalk Pencils - black and white depending on the project. I bought my first pencils a couple of years ago and still have them.

I went to the Paducah QIAD shop yesterday and bought the Clover chalk marker. I will probally use it this afternoon to mark some Christmas placemats I am working on. I'll let you know how I like it.