If it's your cutting line, you shouldn't be worried if it washes out. It's in the selvedge anyway. Just a thought.

If hand quilting you can stay on line and No 2 pencil marks will become a shadow that isn't noticed. If machine quilting and you miss lines the least bit they are going to show. They do not wash out. As a test I tried everything in the house and scrubbed with a toothbrush and the lines remain.
Bon
:)

I've heard of a washable graphite pencil that is used for marking quilts. And have also heard good results can be had using a regular #2 pencil if the fabric is starched first so the lead is on the starch and not imbedded in the fabric.

SharonG/FL

Here is a link that might be useful: Interesting info

That is interesting on the graphite pencil. For the cost, I might have to try one. I normally use the heat/water erase pens for my hand work. I hope to do some stencil work and would like to try something new.

Robbi

I use a number 2 pencil to lightly mark quilt tops and it always washes out. Never thought about it before Sharon's post, but I use a lot of starch, so maybe that's the reason lol!!!!
And I never iron over the markings before I wash the quilt.
Rosa

There is alot of talk about using the Frixion gel pens made by Pilot for marking quilts - Do some research before you use them - the ink never really goes away or washes out - it disappears with heat and returns with freezing temps.
I read where a lady living in the midwest tested it over the winter buy putting her finished quilts in her car & yup-the markings returned only to disappear again.
These are being promoted at quilt shows.

Here is a link that might be useful: about Frixion Pens

Thank you all. That is very helpful information to have. I think I may try using a regular pencil to mark on fabric that I quilt so long as I am not using it for applique or stenciling. Not in the habit of using starch, might have to get some of that.

Best to you and many thanks,
Sandra

Great tips girls!! Use starch and don't iron!!! Why didn't I think of that!!!! Thank you Thank you! You just changed my world!
Bon
:)

I have a Frixion pen with black ink but would never use it to mark a quilting pattern. True, the ink disappears when ironed but the only thing it's good for, in my opinion, is to be able to see a cutting line easier.....and that is what I use it for when my eyes are bothering me.

SharonG/FL

Sandra I use a lot of starch and glue on everything lol!!!!! I even starched the denim blocks I am making. Starch makes it so easy to match seams, easier to baste, and easier to quilt. And THEN I wash it all out!
Years ago I used one of the blue pens that washes out, I marked an area and didn't finish quilting it for months (years?? lol) and some had disappeared but most of it was still noticeable. I tried everything to get it out and it always came back. Sooooooooooooo, I learned the hard way to use a light hand when marking and wash it out as soon as I can.
First I have heard of the Frixion pen!!
Rosa

Thank you all. Is very helpful to know about this stuff especially the starch. I will have to read up on the graphite pencil. Thank you bunches for your input. :-)

Best to you and many thanks,
Sandra

Thank you for that info about the starch

I don’t starch and I use a mechanical marking pencil for my embroidery designs on 100% cotton. I mark as faintly as I can and if I make a mistake or need to get rid of any markings, I use a “Fabric Eraser” to softly erase the marks. Yep, it says “Fabric Eraser” on it! Can’t read the brand on my mechanical pencils (2 of the same) but I’m pretty sure I got it at a quilt show or quilting online shop. It can store leads and has a little click piece down near the bottom that automatically advances a lead when the other is used up.

I have only used a pencil to mark things that will be in the seam allowance. I may have to give Sharon's suggestion a try. I did try the Frixion pen on some scrap fabric, and it does reappear if it gets cold.

One thing I did like the Frixion pens for was redwork with a red pen. I used it lightly but was able to see the lines better and should it get cold and come back, it's red! I see they have various colors now, but I just used it for some redwork I was playing with.