Hi Cuties: Not sure if this has been asked before, but I would like your help. What are the best markers to use when you are marking your

I also love the Frixion pens, but you have to be careful to not let the item get too cold after marking it; the markings can become permanent.

I bought a package ofthose little paper reenforcement circles-the things that look like little white donuts and are peel and stick (about 200 for $1 at dollar stores). Using your template Just find the center of your design, gently lift the template and line up a ring so the hole for the center opening is right over your design center, stick the ring on your fabric, check that your are lined up correctly, hoop, recheck with your template that it didn't shift when you hooped.When you get the hoop on the machine the ring should be right dead center. If all is Ok take the ring off and start stitching. Hope this makes sense, I haven't had to use a pen for marking for a couple of years.

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by jerrib 25 Jul 2012

Super idea, thank you I have some of those already so will try it out.

Don't use the blue water soluble any more...I have switched to the Pilot Frixtion Pens...they are awesome and come in several colors. Get them at Office Depot, Office Max, Staples...etc. Here I can get 3 of the for about $5 US...they last a long time, don't dry out and you can rub them away or iron...gone in a flash!

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by jerrib 25 Jul 2012

Thank you, I am going to look for them, sounds like they are popular. As usual so many great ideas and hopefully my query will help others as well.

yep i use them and love them. i have heard some folk say that in cold weather the markings return but i have put some markings onto scrap fabric then ironed it to remove the markings and then put it into the freezer and not had a problem.
Uk members will find them in Tesco with the normal pen section

Lizell told me about the Pilot Frixtion Pen and she brought me one with from the UK. I was able to find it in SA and I think it is great. Use it now all the time

I used to just use a lead pencil, but my cousin got me started with a mechanical fabric colored pencil that comes in green, pink, or white. (You can also get one that has all 3 colors in one. The brand name is Sewline. It can be erased with a pencil eraser or it washes out very easily. I have even ironed over it and then washed the fabric and it came out without any problems. Goodluck with whatever you choose.

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by jerrib 25 Jul 2012

Thank you, I have added it to my list of things to look for. Just want something that will last, I mean using the pen not lasting on the fabric. Some of them as I said you use a couple of times, then they aren't any good.

If it just to place a design, I use masking tape on the fabric and then mark with a pen, remove the tape just before stitching.
I also will use a sliver of soap to mark lines that need not be too accurate.
Ordinary pencil for the outline square that the block will be cut to.
I am very wary of the blue markers, some do not fade and the article cannot be ironed after/during construction. Some will appear as a brown smudge in the fabric even after washing.
I have heard these are good pens to use: "Sewline" and "Fons & Porter Ceramic Pencils" , for all over markings but I have not tried these yet.
Happy Stitching

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by jerrib 25 Jul 2012

Thank you, the masking tape is a good idea. I will also check out the Sewline and Fons & Porter pencils.

Have any of you used the pen Frixion Gel Eraseable pens? My friend told me about them, but I wanted to see if anyone had other suggestions. I hope this link works.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlIUnwuS-uM

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by fannyfurkin 25 Jul 2012

I use them all the time. They are great on light colours, you just hit it with the iron and the mark disappears. Not much use on dark colours because you can't see them, then I have to use chalk. Which is a pain because it is hard to get off and it is a bit to thick to be really accurate.

by fannyfurkin 25 Jul 2012

bit to thick to be accurate.
This cut off thing is a pain. one of the reasons I don't come here so much any more. not to mention not being able find your posts or your comments.

by jerrib 25 Jul 2012

Thank you, I am going to see where I can find them. Shows that Costco sells them in the States, so may look there.

I also get frustrated. I am open for suggestions.

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by jerrib 24 Jul 2012

Glad someone else is interested. My girlfriend told me about a pen called Frixion (gel pens) but not sure if I can get them here in Canada. May have to order some from the States.

by marjialexa 25 Jul 2012

I'd bet you could get the Pilot Frixion erasable gel pens in CA, in an office supply store if not WalMart, it's back-to-school season. Pilot is such a large company & the pens were developed for students, discovered by smart sewists.

I just use a straight pin or make a cross by folding the fabric from side to side and top to bottom.

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by jerrib 24 Jul 2012

Thanks Shirlene. Good idea. Those air erase ones are useless.

by mana 25 Jul 2012

thank you

by marjialexa 25 Jul 2012

Great idea, and simple, thanks, Shirlene!

by clawton 25 Jul 2012

I too use the fold and crease method. I have also used the Dritz disappearing Ink marking Pen. Works well for me unless you need the mark for a long time.

I like the blue air-erase pen. Just be sure to NOT heat it before rinsing it, or it becomes permanent.

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by jerrib 24 Jul 2012

Thank you, do you have a brand name? I haven't had much luck with the air erase. They just don't last very long. You get a couple of designs then its so light you can barely see the marking or it disappears too fast.

by justonlyme 25 Jul 2012

I use Mark B Gone. But then, when I'm working, I try to do it all right away, so disappearance usually isn't a problems.
They also work for small children. We'll do ___ when the mark disappears. :) Humidity does affect it a lot!

your designs. This frustrates me to no end. I have to keep asking separate questions as I can only go so far. Are others experiencing this problem. I am being patient to see if it will be resolved with the changes.

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by lindalee757 24 Jul 2012

it's weird how some people can submit a full screen question and others get cut off after 3 or 4 lines-I don't get it.

by jerrib 24 Jul 2012

I know it drives me crazy when I see posts that are lengthy and I can only get a couple of lines. Lets hope all the bugs are fixed with what Ms. Veronika is working on. I see giving flowers is fixed. At least it is for me.

by marjialexa 25 Jul 2012

Could it be the browser you're using? Some sites are optimized for the newer browseers, like Google Chrome. I'm still using Explorer 7, and I have problems with some sites, luckily not this one too much.

by jerrib 25 Jul 2012

I don't know much about computers so wouldn't know how to change it. This is a fairly new computer, only about 6 months old.