Marking Patterns on Quilts
#11
#12
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,585
First of all, I take it you plan on NEVER washing any of your quilts?? 😳
Second of all, if you use good quality fabrics, threads, and batting, and take the time to sew all seams securely and quilt it properly, your quilt will not "be torn into shreds and pieces" by washing. I'm flummoxed by this assumption and am curious as to why you think this would happen? Some shrinkage is normal and actually desirable to a lot of people, but if you want minimal shrinkage, then plan ahead and pre-shrink all your supplies before assembling the quilt.
I would not use the Frixion (heat-erasable) pens. There have been many, many reports of the ink not coming out, staining or bleaching the fabric even after washing. The manufacturer of these pens does not recommend use on fabrics. There are several products on the market that are designed specifically for marking on quilt tops: air-erasable pens, water-soluble pens, and chalk. A lot of show quilters use the water soluble pens, so that might be your best option.
eta: You can always use a sliver of soap to mark on darker quilts, but then there is that pesky washing thing....
Second of all, if you use good quality fabrics, threads, and batting, and take the time to sew all seams securely and quilt it properly, your quilt will not "be torn into shreds and pieces" by washing. I'm flummoxed by this assumption and am curious as to why you think this would happen? Some shrinkage is normal and actually desirable to a lot of people, but if you want minimal shrinkage, then plan ahead and pre-shrink all your supplies before assembling the quilt.
I would not use the Frixion (heat-erasable) pens. There have been many, many reports of the ink not coming out, staining or bleaching the fabric even after washing. The manufacturer of these pens does not recommend use on fabrics. There are several products on the market that are designed specifically for marking on quilt tops: air-erasable pens, water-soluble pens, and chalk. A lot of show quilters use the water soluble pens, so that might be your best option.
eta: You can always use a sliver of soap to mark on darker quilts, but then there is that pesky washing thing....
Last edited by Peckish; 02-25-2021 at 10:48 AM.
#13
#14
I buy doodle pads from Walmart and I practice drawing my quilting patterns on them until I feel secure enough to sew it onto my quilt. Sometime it takes me 20 times or more to get it down to where it is more or less close to the pattern. It is never perfect but then neither are my quilts.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 4,394
I bought a pack of newsprint paper that I can run through the printer. I print my FMQ pattern on the sheets, put them on the quilt where I want to stitch (usually useing temporary basting spray on the paper), and quilt over the paper. It rips off easily. I'll use a tweezer here and there if some of the paper doesn't come off as easily.
I hope you find a convenient method that works for you.
I've used the Crayola markers and have found that I usually have to run the item thourgh the washing machine to get it all out.
I hope you find a convenient method that works for you.
I've used the Crayola markers and have found that I usually have to run the item thourgh the washing machine to get it all out.
#19
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 289
Quiltwoman44, Not sure, but i would think that the first wash you want to do, is the gentlest you can make it. Cold water, no detergent, or anything other than water.
I'm also interested in what answers are out there.
I'm also interested in what answers are out there.