Tools – who knew there would be so many to consider as a quilter?! Today I wanted to specifically cover the top 5 erasable marking tools I use for quilting.
While there are plenty of sewing notions out there that are cute and novel, you don’t need to bring most of those in. That statement rings true for marking tools too!
So, how do you know which ones to pick up?
That’s exactly what I’ll cover for you in today’s post:
- I’ll start by sharing my sewing notions philosophy so you understand the basis for which I evaluate new tools.
- I’ll cover the top 5 marking tools I turn to on the regular.
- I’ll share when I use each of them.
- I’ll also cover the pros and cons of each.
My goal is to give you a good overview so you can decide which marking tools are the right fit for your quilting adventures.
Let’s dive in!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.
My Sewing Notions Philosophy
Before I dive in, I wanted to briefly touch on how I approach purchasing notions.
If you’ve followed me for awhile, then you know my sewing notion philosophy is to only stock those that are absolutely necessary or get the job done remarkably well. Since I live in the city, space is at a premium and my quilting notions need to do double duty or make a significant difference in my process for me to bring it into the studio.
With that in mind, let’s dive into my top 5 erasable marking tools!
Top 5 Erasable Marking Tools
Here are the top 5 marking tools I turn to time and time again!
1. Air Erasable Pen
What is it?
The air erasable pen is pretty much as it’s described, it’s a pen that eventually disappears when exposed to air for a certain period of time.
I’m not sure of the exact of time it takes for those markings to disappear (typically 2 to 10 days), but they do vanish!
When does it get used?
I reach for these pens on the regular, but my main use for these is marking up my quilt tops when I’m machine quilting them.
The markings give me visual targets to keep my quilting lines matching up. It’s pretty genius!
They also work great for tracing templates, marking lines on the back of your HSTs, HRTs, and the flip and stitch method.
Pros of using one
- The air-erasable pens come in various tip thicknesses so you can trace, or mark based on the level of detail you need.
- Multiple uses: marking quilt tops, tracing templates, and marking stitch lines.
- Super easy to use!
- Comes in a couple of colours to help your markings appear on different coloured fabric.
Cons of using one
Since the markings do eventually disappear, you need to be quick to work with your project before those markings vanish.
How do I know this?
Because I had to mark my Ecliptic quilt twice because I left it for too long between marking and quilting. Oops!
So, avoid this issue by marking the day you plan on relying on those marks!
2. Ceramic Pencil
What is it?
Not to be confused with a lead pencil, the ceramic pencil is made from a combination of refractory materials, clays, and colorants. The one I have on hand is white, which is perfect for marking darker fabrics.
The markings can be removed with either the Sewline Eraser or by dabbing them with water.
When does it get used?
I pretty much only bust this one out when I’m marking dark fabric. So, that includes tracing templates, marking stitch lines for piecing, and plotting quilt lines (the latter has only happened on a couple of occasions).
Pros of using one
- Super easy to use.
- Works amazing at marking darker-coloured fabrics.
- Fine tip means more accurate tracing.
Cons of using one
The main con I could think of was that you might need to mist or dab the markings to get rid of them if it’s in a visible spot on your final project.
3. Chalk Pencil
What is it?
A chalk pencil is exactly as it sounds, a pencil that features chalk instead of lead!
When does it get used?
I used to use these mainly when I first started sewing and was making pillows, aprons and zip pouches.
Nowadays, I tend to use these when I’m garment making. I’ll use one every now and again to mark my stitch lines for piecing a quilt block, or to trace a quilt template, but since the chalk can smear, I find it less reliable.
Pros of using one
- Easy to use.
- Gives a prominent marking that’s easy to see.
- Relatively inexpensive.
- No fear of the markings leaving a permanent mark.
Cons of using one
They can be messy! You can’t overlap pieces as the chalk can smear and smudge easily. This leaves you with a possibly inaccurate line to follow.
4. Erasable Frixion Pen/Marker (use with caution)
What is it?
The Frixion Pen and Markers are super cool how they mark your project and then the line(s) disappear with the heat and friction of your iron!
When does it get used?
I mainly use these pens and markers for tracing templates or marking stitch lines when making half-square triangles, half-rectangle triangles, or doing any flip and stitch. Oh, and for marking my binding too!
I’ve also used them when sewing garments and needing to trace around patterns or mark any notches.
I have them in several colours to make it easy to mark up lots of different coloured fabric.
Pros of using one
- Easy to use.
- Love seeing those marks magically disappear when pressing.
- You can choose between the pen for thinner line markings or the markers for more prominent/thicker lines.
Cons of using one
They can bleach your fabric! How do I know this? Because it happened to me when I was using one to plot my quilting lines. I was so sad and had to scrap that project, which led me to share this cautionary tale with you.
The lines can reappear! I’ve heard horror stories of fellow quilters sending their quilts for quilt shows and the lines reappearing because the quilt got cold. Whaaa? They’ll disappear again if you hit it with an iron, but probably not the best scenario to find yourself in. This is why I now only use these pens and markers on areas where it won’t be visible in the finished quilt.
Definitely proceed with caution if you plan to use these in your quilting practice.
5. Hera Marker
What is it?
Ah, the trusty Hera Marker, where would I be without it?!
This is a plastic ‘knife’ that has a soft, slim edge that’s perfect for creating a crease line in your fabric without damaging the material.
When does it get used?
This is probably my most used marking tool when it comes to plotting my lines for machine or hand quilting.
I love it because I know with 100% certainty that it won’t permanently leave a mark.
This cannot be said for most of the other marking tools on this list.
Pros of using one
- Peace of mind knowing your lines will eventually iron out – no fear of permanent markings.
- Re-usable, which appeals to my sustainability preferences.
- Super easy to use!
- Can be used to mark straight or curved lines, with or without a ruler or template.
- Inexpensive
- Easy to store and transport.
Cons of using one
The lines can be quite faint, so if you’re working in a poorly lit area or your eyes aren’t as sharp as they once were (Hi! That’s the case for me 😉) this can be extra challenging.
Summary
Whew, who knew I had so much to say about erasable marking tools! To sum it up, my main go to is my Hera Marker, as I love that it’s easy to use, doesn’t leave any permanent damage, and is sustainable. The next runner up are my Frixion pens, which I just find so easy to use and see my stitching lines for piecing and tracing. Just a word of caution to avoid using these on any part that will be visible in your finished project. The air erasable, ceramic and chalk pens/pencils are perfect companions to have in your sewing tool arsenal for when you’re working with darker fabric or need to mark the top of your quilt and need something a little more visible than the lines the Hera Marker creates.
For more sewing notions inspiration, check-out:
I hope you found this round-up helpful! I remember wondering why there were so many options to choose from, and I now realize that it comes down to where/when you plan on using them. As is often the case with quilting, there’s no right or wrong here, just what feels right to you 😊
Your turn!
I’d love to know what marking tool(s) you love reaching for when you’re stitching up a storm! Share them in the comments below so we can all get in on the fun 😉
Happy quilting!
xo,
Shannon
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I use white bar soap slivers on dark fabric. They iron out, and since it’s soap, wash out. I’ve converted seasoned quilters in my guild with my little slivers of soap in my travel case. Try it, you’ll take chalk off your list for sure!
I LOVE this, Kathie!! Thank you so much for sharing your tip about soap slivers. I’m definitely going to give that a go!
Wow what an incredible trove of information, both in the post and the comments! I use chalk pencils and frixion markers, but found this post because I was looking for better options because I’ve had the issues you mentioned for both of these options happen multiple times! Thank you for writing this post with the pros and cons laid out so clearly along with your anecdotes – a perfect mix of information, explained in a way that has left me with no questions, just excitement at buying some of these options to try out for myself!
So happy the post is resonating with you! I always love and appreciate how supportive we are in the community!
Just wondering doesn’t soap bars contain oils of some form in them usually.how do they not show up on fabrics? Just wondering. Cause oil marks normally comes up when melted. As most soap bars these days contain oils and moisturizer.
That’s a great point, Sheela! I haven’t tried the soap marking method, but I’ll update the post when I do.
It would be better to test the soap on fabric and see how it washes out before using it. I can’t imagine a soap bar like Ivory would cause any problems though.
Great suggestion, Mea!
Agree with your entire article but would like to add this “con” for both the air erasable marker and the “marker” style Frixion pen – they dry out very fast – even with the cover closed tightly. I have had both be completely dry the first time I used the.
Such a good point, Mary! And also explains why my other brand of erasable pens stopped working after the first use – ha! I was wondering what the heck was going on as I kept reaching for a new pen in the pack. I will say my Frixion pens have lasted longer than other brands that I’ve tried.
The Hera marker is my go to, no worries about possible problems getting it out. Second choice, chalk.
We twin, Marilyn! Thrilled to hear you love your Hera Marker too. I’m with you about loving that there’s no worries about possible problems getting the markings out 😉
I like to use the Crayola washable markers (fineline ones). Much cheaper and they don’t dry out as quickly and wash out easily as well! And with the different colors I can use usually find one that works with just about any fabric.
That’s genius, Bridget! I hadn’t tested those out but I’m certainly happy you have, and that you’ve shared that tip with us! Thank you 🙂
We had a great discussion at our guild meeting just this past month regarding Crayola Washable Markers. Some members gave these great reviews. Use the ones that say Ultra Clean Washable Markers fine line. Found them at Walmart, 10 colors in 1 pack. I think I paid around $7. Messing around I put a dark purple marker scribble on a pale mint green scrap and just used water to hand scrub and it worked!
I love hearing this, Debra! Thank you for the tip on reaching for the Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers. I’ll pick up a set next time I spot them!
I’ve had problems with the green, blue, orange and red Crayola washable markers washing out fully (I tried it on a scrap piece of muslin in hot water with All free and clear detergent). The red and blue left behind the most marking afterwards but the other two left a slight yellowish tint. So, be careful using these as well.
Good to know, Mea! What is it about Red and Blue that seems to be the biggest culprits?! Noted!
I use blue painters tape to mark straight (or mostly straight) lines for quilting. I sew next to the tape edge. It pulls up easily and is reusable a surprisingly long time.
I must be buying the wrong kind of painters tape, Lois! Everytime I’ve tried this, my tape was anything but stable 😰 it kept shifting on me. I’ve heard many other quilters swear by this approach, too. I’ll have to give it another go!
When your Frixion lines reappear you can use a hairdryer as well to get rid of them. I got that advice on a quilting course.
You’re 100% accurate that you can get the Frixion lines to disappear after they reappear, Ruth! I think the challenge is when you send your quilt to a quilt show and the lines reappear on route! I’ve heard that happen to a few quilters. This is also something to keep in mind if you’re gifting a quilt that’s had the top marked with them.
I have various markers for quilting, one I find best for marking HST or any form of fine lines would be the fine chalk pens. I also have used the Roxanne pencil as well they work well and they do come off with rubber and with water.
Also I have tried using crayola washable pens have tried them in different colours on test fabrics just to see what they were like it was very interesting to see the results some colours just totally wash out but not all I found the reds and yellows don’t . But then it was only a soak for a few mins not a total fabric wash.
For making dresses I use slightly different marker . Due to the delicate matter if the materials. The marker I use are good quality chalks and a pencil and I use a transfer paper to transfer my drawings . Using a wheel marker and chalk to make the markings.
Thank you so much for all this insight on the marking tools you use, Sheela! And I super appreciate the heads up on the possibility that the yellow and red Crayola washable markers might not wash out as well as the other colours. You’re also reminding me that I need to pick up a wheel marker!
For marking dark fabrics, especially for quilting lines, hems, darts and other straight lines, I love the waxy tailor’s chalk. It disappears when ironed. Use white only as colors can stain. Preferred brand is Carmel Super-Glide sold through WAWAK.
Oh, I’ve seen those, Karen, but haven’t tried them yet. Thank you so much for the suggestion! I’ll definitely give the white one a go!