An embarrassingly ‘unprofessional’ question.
I made some markings with regular tailors chalk (non-greasy) on a dark jacket thinking that it would brush off – it faded a little but the lines are still visible, any suggestions?
TIA,
Shelly in Jerusalem
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Replies
Shelly,
Have you tried steaming them out with an iron? You can float the hot iron above the mark or gently press it away. Sometimes it works, depends on the chalk and fabric combo.
Renee
I haven't tried this - I'm just worried that I might 'set' the chalk when I ironed the garment
Shelly
If you have some scraps you could scribble them up with chalk and try it out first. I'd also try white vinegar to wash it off.
Before you apply heat or steam, try this: Press the stickiest tape you can find (masking tape, packing tape, whatever) over the chalk mark. Scrape your thumbnail over it to really force the adhesive into the fiber. Peel off. May need to be repeated.
Also works for removing other surface soils from fabrics: specks of oily machine lint, pencil shavings, crumbs of heat-fusible products, etc.
Edited 9/14/2004 8:01 pm ET by SewingWriter
Shelly, If the sticky tape doesn't work try a clean dry toothbrush and try brushing it out of the fabric. If that doesn't work try dampening the toothbrush. Good luck and let us know what works for you. Happy sewing.
Sue W, Williston, FL
Thank you, SewWriter, and Pasdemon for your responses. I hope that a least one out of the three suggestions work! (will let you know)
Regards from Jerusalem,
Shelly
I'd support Pasdenom's warning to try the suggested solutions on some scraps until you find a solution that works, rather than spoil your project.
What are you using to try to remove the mark? You may have some luck using a scrap of the project fabric to act as an 'eraser'. When you rub the fabric scrap against the chalk mark, sometimes it will create more friction and static, and get deeper into the fabric than using your fingers will.
I am surprised that 'chalk' is giving you a rough time, as it is one of my first thoughts to soak up black marks on fabric. I would still suggest trying some cheap black board chalk or talcom powder to try to remove the original mark. Is it possible that the package label is incorrect, and that it is in fact a grease-based product?
Good luck!
Frances