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How do you mark your fabric?

comments (9) June 1st, 2010     

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_nikki_ Nicole Smith, contributor
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Do you have a favorite tailor's chalk or water-soluble marker you prefer? Or you do always use hand basting techniques?

Share how you transfer markings from your pattern to your fabric in the comments below.

posted in: Sewstylish conversation, sewstylish question
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Comments (9)

melinda_h writes: Add me to the children's washable markers list! I pick up 3 packs while at the Dollar Store - one for each of my girls and one for meeee!
Posted: 2:18 pm on June 5th
kellyinla writes: Inexpensive teacher's chalk, sharpened in a plain large pencil sharpener. . .white on darker colors, bright green or blue on lighter colors. Generally brushes off, but has always washed off -- have never had a problem with residual marks.
Posted: 5:08 pm on June 2nd
Dsews writes: After being frustrated by dried up markers and tracing wheels and paper, I found the perfect tool: Children's washable markers! I got a set of dozen or so for a few dollars. They soak through the pattern tissue very well, they are cheap and I have plenty of colors to choose from. They easily rinse out of the garment no matter how many times I have pressed the fabric during the construction.
Posted: 11:57 am on June 2nd
eelasor writes: I use many things, chalk on dark fabrics, disappearing pen if sewing right away, or water soluable if fabric can be washed. And sometimes tailor tacks if I can't get to the article soon. On quilt blocks that are to be grided and stitched on the machine I use a china marker, marking the first line in each directions, then use my machines quilting quide to finish the block.
Posted: 10:08 am on June 2nd
BarbaraSki writes: My mom taught me to use tailor tacks about 50 yrs ago and I often still use them, but I'll also use soluable pens on dart points after clipping the s.a. ends - water if something can be wetted or air if I'm sewing right away. I'll use chalk or tracing paper if I have to mark a long line. I guess knowing several techniques and when to use what is the key to successful marking leading to successful fit.
Posted: 9:41 am on June 2nd
GryS writes: I have used various techniques. pins for some lighterweight fabrics, chalk for heavy weights and carbon chalk for most others. For many garments, I try to notch the seam allowance for marks that are on the seams. I have never been very good using taylor tacks.
Posted: 6:09 pm on June 1st
lisacooperkeil writes: I use tailors tacks whenever possible but what makes it easier for me is to use different color threads for different functions; red for dart ends and points, blue for notches, green for dots.....etc. When I am making pleats, I will use one color for the outside fold and one for the inside fold so I don't get confused.
Posted: 6:00 pm on June 1st
LizPf2 writes: I avoid marking as much as possible — it wastes time. [I used to use tailor tacks for everything ... took longer to mark than to sew.] I'll use the notches on the pattern, and add more if I need. For other marks I'll use a China marker or chalk, and only mark where it won't show in the finished garment.
Posted: 5:45 pm on June 1st
ohrhiannon writes: depends on the fabric....cotton,light weight fabric=tailor tacks

heave material water soluble marker


Posted: 5:20 pm on June 1st
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