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How-to

Video: Two Great Marking Tips

Evamarie Gomez and Judith Neukam; Shot by: Gary Junken

Sewers have a multitude of ways to mark their fabrics. They use chalks, water and air-soluble pens, permanent markers, and the tried-and-true tracing paper and wheel. They all have a problem or two, but there’s a better way.

Threads author and video personality Pamela Leggett told Threads Executive Editor Judith Neukam about Frixion pens, which can be purchased at any office supply store. This pen’s marks can be erased with the hard nub at the end of the pen. The marks also can be ironed away. They return only if the temperature dips below 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t worry, though: The marks disappear as soon as it warms up.

Pamela also also mentioned another marker.

Next time you’re changing tissue patterns, try using a Paper Mate felt-tip marker. This pen marks effortlessly on pattern tissue and doesn’t bleed through the paper onto the table or fabric.


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At Threads magazine, we’re always in search of smart tips, tricks, and solutions to help you sew smarter, better, and faster. Send us your great ideas for a chance to be featured in the magazine’s Tips department or in a future episode of There’s a Better Way.

Tips can be emailed directly to Threads or mailed to Threads Tips, P.O. Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470.

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  1. Kookie2 | | #1

    The Pilot pen does show up at higher than 14 and does not go away! I have seen this on a couple of quilts. I can't believe you are promoting this pen!

  2. Ojolly | | #2

    I use a lot of sweater knit fabrics so I like felt tips (air erasable) because they work well on squishy fabric. Also I like good old fashioned thread tracing.

  3. Concordiabelle | | #3

    Pens, pins, tailor tacks, clips...I've tried them all. All of them work some of the time. Those new ones will be worth checking out and adding to the list. Choose whatever works best for the project-at-hand. That's why you need a big toolbox!

  4. User avater
    wicked_stitcher | | #4

    i too have nappy fabric marking challenges. there's no uniform way to mark a fabric, even as there's no uniform fabric. even though it's a pain, i will use thread on my highest nap wools or fleeces. i also use crayons on my tissue patterns, they leave an indelible mark and when i'm altering a pattern, i want to be able to replicate my careful adjustments again. sometimes crayons work on fabric too, if it's thick enough!

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