Quilt Marking ToolsYou Can't Have Just One Quilt marking tools come in a wide variety. Thank goodness! Every quilting project has it's own unique steps. Some quilts need no marking. Some are marked after the quilt is layered in a sandwich. While others call out for extra special quilting that is planned and marked before basting the quilt. No one single quilt marking tool works for every situation. We'll discuss the following ones: Blue Washout MarkerLove it...hate it...there seems to be no in-between with this quilt marking tool.
Fine line, top Thick line, bottom This water soluble marking pen comes with either a fine or regular tip. It is easy to see on many fabrics and washes out with water. You use a light box to transfer the design to the quilt top, so mark the design BEFORE you baste your quilt. Since the marks need to be washed out, test for bleeding fabric before using this marker. How to UseYou will need a light box or light source (i.e. sliding glass door) to mark the design onto your quilt top.
Light Box Hint - If you are having trouble seeing the design through your fabric, turn off your overhead light, leaving the shades/curtains open in the room. What to Watch Out ForThere are horror stories about the blue washout marker that just won't go away. We have used it for almost all the quilts in the Generations Quilt Patterns line and have had no marks re-appear in the past five years. Heat and not completely removing the ink are the culprits when the marks re-appear. Keep your marked quilt away from any heat source. That means no ironing once it's marked. Don't leave it in a hot car. Don't use hot/warm water to remove the marks. Heat will set the ink. Storing Your MarkersThis type of marker seems to go dry quickly. We suggest using several during the marking process, rotating markers as needed. When not in use, store them in a ziplock bag laying horizontal to 'recharge'. Washing InstructionsPlease read the specific instructions on the blue washout marker you've purchased. In general, the marks are washed out with cool water. Just spritzing them with water will make the blue in the marks disappear, but all you've really done is moved the chemicals to the batting. They are still in your quilt, waiting to reappear with time and heat. Wash your quilt in cool water, no soap or detergent to completely remove the markers. Again, do read the instructions that come with your specific pen. Golden Threads Quilting PaperThis is a golden-colored tracing paper that comes on 12, 18 or 24 inches wide rolls. Handy as-is for long border designs, or cut to size for blocks. To transfer the quilting design to the paper:
Chalk MarkersThere is a whole other group of quilt marking tools that are made with chalk. The problem with chalk has been it wears off, making it necessary to mark AFTER the quilt is basted. This is a problem for more intricate designs. But manufacturers listen. New formulations are available with more staying power. To learn more about chalk-based marking tools go to Chalk Pencils. Then return to "Quilt Marking Tools" to continue on in this "Beginning Quilting 101" tutorial. There are many more quilt marking tools on the market. Try them out, share with a friend. See what works best for you! Table of ContentsThe Tools and Supplies |
