osewme

I'm going to sort of piggy-back on the recent thread from nannyrick where she asked:

"After being totally frustrated trying to do FM feathers, I purchased a few stencils.
What a difference!! I realize this is an extra step to FMQ but it looks great.
Just wondered how many do this? "

My question is to those of you who do use stencils. What do you use to mark your stencils on your quilt? I've recently found those washable Crayola crayons that I like but was wondering if there is something out there that is better to use. I've always had a problem finding a marker that I really like for my quilts. I would love to hear the pros and cons of markers.

Thanks!

Bree123

The Crayola Ultra Clean markers & the Ultra Clean crayons are my favorites. They come out easily in cold water & all the different colors mean I can actually see the markings on the quilt top. Also, unlike the purple pen, they don't disappear halfway through the quilting process & don't magically reappear when the weather gets bitterly cold.

Onebyone

I use the Pounce with the powdered chalk. Stays on until I want it off.

quiltsRfun

I've used washable markers and frixion pens on lighter fabric. For dark fabric I recently got a pounce pad and chalk that irons off. It stays put better than the regular pounce or chalk.

ManiacQuilter2

Depends on the color of the fabric. On dark fabric especially borders, I like the thin line powdered chalk markers. White powder chalk comes of easily but NOT THE COLORS!!!. If the fabric is light colored, I use the blue be gone or the purple be gone. You can also use architecture grade tracing paper, marked them and quilt the design on the quilt. Then very carefully, remove the tracing paper.

roguequilter

i've used generals chalk pencils for years. i am reading about the crayola markers. you are the first one i' e seen mention using cold water wash to remove. thanks for that. i'm going to experiment w some markers i bought while christmas shopping for my little grand treasures.

Dolphyngyrl

sewline or clover pencils, clover air or water markers, and pounce, depends on my situation and what I am working on

letawellman

I've used the Crayola washables with success, as well as the blue and purple "quilting" markers (note that the purple disappears after only a few hours - or even sooner if the humidity is high). I've also used the chalk, but as someone else mentioned, the white is the better one to use - the blue chalk is sometimes difficult to remove.
And I have even used a regular #2 pencil, that has been sharpened to a very fine point. I use this if I'm going to use contrasting thread - the darker thread usually hides any pencil marks that don't wash out, but I've only had that problem once (I ironed it - won't do that again!!)

stillclock

i usually use pencils and have only ever had a washing problem once, and it was adress.. i think i probably ironed the pin tucks in process....

but lately i have to admit to using frixion pens. they work so well...but i am seriously uncomfortable with them. i suspect they will turn out to be a bad decision, long term and i certainly don't like the amount of waste i am making by using them. (i feel the same guilty ease about spray basting and might try the elmer's idea next time.)

aileen

Bree123

Yep, Crayola recommends warm water, but I would never wash a quilt in warm water. I soak in the bathtub with cold water & a bit of Tide Free (and sometimes a Color Catcher for my own piece of mind, but it's not really necessary). If there are any stubborn marks, I will very gently hand agitate. I find with the crayons I usually don't even need any soap, but sometimes those are harder to see because the color is less saturated. However, I LOVE the white Ultra Clean crayons for marking on very dark colored fabrics. After all the visible marks are out, I hang it or lay it flat to dry. Because I like to get my 100% cotton quilts shrunk until they crinkle before giving them to the recipient, I then toss it in the wash on gentle cycle/cold water with Tide Free and pop it in the dryer on low heat.

I've even ironed over the markers & still been able to get them out no problem. Because the crayons are wax, I would definitely avoid an iron with them because it will melt to your iron.