Quilting markers

It is time to discuss marking pens for my quilts. Over the years, I have tried different ones ..... and there are pros and cons to every one of them. Currently, Crayola Washable markers are my favourites and this is how my hexagon quilt is being marked. Just simple straight and diagonal lines. Many years ago, I attended a week long class for making whole cloth quilts. My teacher was using Crayola washable markers and I have been a devout fan since then.

My teacher warned us though to don't use red or blue markers and don't apply any heat to the markings.

Me, being the rebel that I am, have used red and blue markers .... they just need a bit more coaxing to come out.

Crayola markers are great for dark fabrics using the darker colour markers. If the markings don't show up well, then I do use the Clover White Marking Pen. I do love the Clover Blue Marking Pen, but have had problems with the marks turning yellow on some of my light coloured fabrics (and I haven't even applied any kind of heat to the markings). The yellow markings do come out, but with a lot of coaxing using Oxy Clean.
One word of warning! If you do use any kind of washable markers, just be careful if you have used a permanent marker with your rulers or stencils.

I make my own stencils and do use a Sharpie permanent marker to mark the lines or design. After cutting out the stencil ..... be sure to clean your ruler or stencils before using your washable markers. To clean, use either nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol and a kleenex. If you don't clean your ruler or stencil, the permanent ink residue (that is left on the ruler and stencil) will transfer onto your washable marker nibs and then onto your fabric .... and trust me, you don't want to go there .... like I did, once, many years ago.

When you use these two chemicals to remove the ink residue, just be careful with your rulers as the chemicals will also remove the lines on the bottom side of your ruler. Just carefully clean the edges only.

To wash out the Crayola markings, use cold water and mild soap. Sometimes, you may have to put your quilt through a couple of cycles to get all the markings out. Some of my quilts have had the markings on for a few years and they still do wash out. If not, then I will use Oxy Clean to coax out the stubborn markings. I don't like to use the pre-soak cycle on my washing machine, just in case some of the dyes tend to run onto other fabrics. My fabrics are all pre-washed anyway, but some dyes still do tend to run a bit regardless.

As with everything else .......... test .... test ..... test .... Crayola Washable markers (or any other washable markers) on your fabrics before using.

Have a great day!