Have I ruined a quilt>

[ctherrie]

I spent a year making a copy of a vintage appliqued quilt. I did the applique by machine. The top turned out great I added a border with a vine and some flowers I had used in the blocks. Here is where I went wrong, I didn't have much experience marking quilts and I used a graphite pencil. Now I don't think the marks will come out and in some places they are quite dark. Does anyone know if it is possible to get the marks out or have I ruined the quilt. I had found a product on line that is suppose to take it out, not sure it would work has anyone ever used a product like that. I am so mad at myself for doing this that I don't even want to start quilting it cause I think I may have ruined the quilt. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[sunsup]

Ctherrie, don't give up yet. I'm sure I've read about this problem and I believe there is a cure, but I'm not sure what it is. I know "magic eraser" works on some things. I'm sure more knowledgeable quilters will be along soon.

[Joannequilts]

I've used pencil alot when I mark quilts to hand quilt. When the quilt is all quilted and the binding is on, I wash it, and not with any special soap, just in the machine like any other load of laundry. All the quilts I make are made to be used alot, so if it's going to come apart, I want it to be BEFORE I give it away! lol!
Anyway, the pencil always comes out.
The reason I told you how I wash it, is because some wash their quilts in "quilt soap" on a gentle cycle and I'm not sure that would take out the pencil marks--never done it!

Joanne:0)

[ctherrie]

JoAnne,
Thanks for the info. I was told the pencil would not come out maybe i was misinformed. I agree with you about washing quilts, I make quilts to be used and loved. I guess I will get brave in a few weeks after I get my bathroom repainted and pull out the top and finish it.

[Joannequilts]

Ctherrie, well mine always came out, but you never know! At any rate, I would definately finish it and wash it. Then, if the marks are still there, deal with it then--our grandmothers used pencil all the time!
You could use a regular pencil eraser first, before you wash it, I usually do that anyway. And I've heard of products to remove pencil lead, but never used them.
I'd love to see a picture of your quilt!!
Joanne:0)

[sewcarolyn]

oh don't despair...I did something similar over Christmas break. We used a Tide stick on it and 95% of it came out then we gently rubbed liquid detergent on the remaining and washed (warm water) and then only a slight amt was left on the white in 1 place repeated the Tide stick and then it was only a faint mark.

not fun...

[CaroleJ]

Oh, I feel your pain....I was told a regular pencil would come out...NOT! That project is still sitting here, a UFO with pencil marks on it...

I have had much better luck using Roxanne's Quilter's Choice pencils, in white and silver.

Good luck! Keep scrubbing!

[Oasis]

Like Joanne, I use the pencil eraser.

[Suzquilts]

Isn't there some sort of fabric eraser? I think a friend gave me one at one time but have never had occasion to use it.

Suz

[sewbug]

Many pencils now are not made from lead or graphite! You never know what it used. Try the new Windex Clear. A guild member said it worked liked magic on her pencil marks.