Another week in the Workshop. We have some new participants, so make sure you take the time to check them out!
My question this week has to do with marking quilt tops for quilting. I've done this three times in about 100 quilts. The first time it worked, but I don't remember what I used. It was on this quilt. The second time the blue marks didn't come out. The third time I used tape to mark straight lines because I was afraid the marks wouldn't come up. And that's why I love free motion quilting!
I do, however, need to think about marking some upcoming projects. So, what are your favourite marking implements?
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21 comments:
Hi Cheryl! I don't really mark my quilts, so I am of no help. I usually use the seams at a guide or do an all over the place quilting that doesn't matter.
I don't usually mark my quilts, but when I do I've used both tape and the purple disappearing pen that you can buy at your LQS (mine also has an eraser on one end that take out the marks if you don't wait and I think you can use water too).
So far I like the pen better because I find the tape can get in the way and is sometimes hard to get perfectly straight - I'm also often worried that I'll accidentally sew through the tape and end up having to pick all those little perforated pieces off!
I prefer not to have to mark the quilt top (cause I'm lazy that way) - use the seam lines as a guide for straight line quilting - but IF I have to mark a line because I don't dare to "eye-ball" it then I use a Clover Hera Marker. This nifty tool leaves a crease like mark on the fabric, stitch over it and you cannot see it, or use iron to remove. LOVE it.
Rita
I try to plan for no marking that isn't free form. But sometimes I need a more specific shape so I'll use a white mac tac shape which can be repositioned lots of times.
I have also used the seam lines on the quilt top when I have to sew straight, but I don't do that very often.
If you plan to machine-wash a quilt after you finish it, you might consider Crayola Washable thin line markers, which are readily available and cheap. I've never had the slightest problem with using them on cotton - I don't even do test swatches any more. The only catch is that they don't show up on very dark colors.
When I need to mark I use Roxanne's Quilter's pencils. The white chalk ones always come out easily. The gray/silver color needs to be washed to come out, and even then it doesn't always come out great (I think it's because I tend to mark really darkly or I just don't feel like I can see the markings while I sew).
If you have dark fabrics, a hera marker, which only makes a crease and no marks, works fairly well. I think it works better if you wait to mark after you've sandwiched, while I definitely prefer chalk in advance.
I've also used the purple air-erase markers to mark quilts, but you need to do this a little at a time because it won't last more than one day. And you need to test in advance that it will come out (which is tough when you use lots of different fabrics).
I've had trouble with the blue washable markers coming out. Recently, if I want to mark something, I use a hera marker. I have found that with blue tape, I tend to sew a teeny tiny bit on the tape and it frustrates me. A friend marked her darker quilt with chalk and it worked really well, so I was going to order some on Amazon. I like seeing everyone's answers, and I'll post a WIP later today. Ah, sashing.
I don't usually mark my quilts either, but occasionally need a base line for feathers or want to quilt a specific shape. I find that the clover chalk pencils that come in a set of three work really well and come out easily. I know of several quilters that use the Press 'n Seal plastic wrap - you mark your quilting lines with a permanent marker on the wrap, then stick it to the quilt, stitch, then tear away.
One of the handy tips I picked up for marking shapes is to cut them out of contact paper, then stitch around them. You can re-use these shapes several times, even on flannels and doesn't leave any residue. Works for hand quilting, too!
Funny, I *just* posted about a disappearing/washable marker and put up photos of how it worked (http://cuttingedgequilt.blogspot.com/2011/01/disappearing-marker.html). I've heard that if the markers on the fabric is heated (ironed or left under the light of the machine too long) it won't come out - maybe that's what happened to yours?
Cheers,
Christine
I have also had an unfortunate experience with blue chalk pens! I thought I did something wrong - perhaps it is the color.
I switched to blue painters tape instead (I guess I am going to have to quilt straight lines from now on) as I give myself less of a headache that way. You can still make some cute things using different size tapes.
I also tried one of those "pounce" things (basically a big sponge that is supposed to transfer chalk through the stencil opening that you have laid over the quilt). I didn't have any luck with it. When I pounce my hand, lots of chalk dust. when I pounce the quilt, not so much! It seems idealic, if only I could get the darn thing to work!
I've seen (but not used) a tip to use freezer paper and iron it on to your quilt top, stitch through it and remove.
I have used the blue water-soluble marking pen with great success. I also just tried the Clover pencil last night to mark for some embroidery, and that worked well, too.
Thanks for the question. I got a lot of ideas from your readers.
I've seen light pencil used, which seemed to do well. That's what I've done before when "decorative" quilting is needed. I've seen blue pen or pencil used, but it sure made some wide lines in places. I didn't see how it turned out after it was washed.
I don't usually do any "in the ditch" quilting. Instead, I prefer the "outline quilting, where you quilt each piece inside the seam 1/4 inch. I just "eye" it along the seam and it seems to go well. One time I used that 1/4 inch removable tape, and it just annoyed me. LOL So I just eyeball it.
I've used the felt tip water soluble blue markers with great success. As a previous comment noted, just don't iron the ink because that can heat set it. I also use a hera marker for long organic wavy lines. I totally didn't believe it would work and was astounded when I tried it. It really is almost magical!
I've used tape before, and it's more trouble than it's worth, in my opinion. I love my hera marker, but sometimes it's hard to get a good line once the quilt is basted. I'm in love with these chalk pens from clover: http://www.clover-usa.com/product/0/4710A/_/Pen_Style_Chaco_Liners. They leave a nice, clean line, and the chalk easily rubs off when you're ready.
I've used the blue pens (but I've had some wash out and some not so I test first now), hera markers and the clover mechanical style pencils as well as the ones with chalk in the barrel and a little wheel on the end. I haven't really had a bad experience with any (non washing blue pen aside) and I'm lazy so when it comes down to it I usually use what I can lay my hands on first, or use the seam line and a stitch guide.
My new favorite marker is the Sewline pen with interchangeable lead (graphite, colors, white chalk). Love it! It's easy to use and leaves a great line, even on darker fabric (I did a tutorial here:
http://aroundtheblockdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/slight-change-of-plansand-fabric.html
Hello! Would you add me to your list of Workshop in Progress Participants, please? I would love to be part of this, it is a wonderfull idea. My blog is Dreaming in Patchwork and you can find me at www.patchworkdream.blogspot.com
i was going crazy with a quilt i was making until i discovered the sewline mechanical marking pencil. it is the best! i really love it. you can buy them from the fat quarter shop if you want to check them out.
I like the Hera marker but I have recently discovered that I can get the same result with my old dull, won't cut anything, pizza cutter. the quilt has to be on a hard surface while you mark it just like for the Hera marker, I can mark a whole small quilt top at one time if I am going to quilt it that day. The crease disappers by itself. You can see me marking my quilt top here http://gigisroom-ruth.blogspot.com/2011/01/progress.html
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