Favorite "White" Markers

Linda Friedman, of  Linda's Art Quilts  fame, recently asked what marker I use on a dark fabric. I understand her question because I've had a hard time finding a good marker for dark fabrics myself. Many of the markers do not come off easily, or they are too hard to see or they don't last long enough to be of use. So for this post I'm going to show you my three favorite methods for marking on a dark fabric.

This first photo shows many of the markers I have for dark fabrics that I have tried and found wanting for one reason or another:



As you can see, I have tried many. Here is one of my favorite markers if I need a thin white line:

This is a mechanical pencil filled with BOHIN white pencil lead. The lead is strong enough to not break easily, and its' line has lasted for a few months on a piece I was handling a lot. By the time I got done quilting an area the lines were mostly gone. A little wet towel removed the residual. You can buy this lead at a quilting store or on line. BOHIN also sells mechanical pencils if you don't already have one.








My next favorite white marker is a General's White Charcoal Pencil, shown here:



The line made with this pencil is a little thicker, but it is easily removed with a damp cloth and seems to last long enough for machine quilting.

But this is my favorite white marker, and it's very cost effective:



You are looking at a sliver of Irish Spring soap. I like to use them for washing until they are very thin, especially on an edge. I let them dry out completely, and then they are great markers. Their marks come off easily with a damp cloth and their line lasts. If they get too blunt, I pull out a new one. I never seem to run out of them.

So there you have some choices for dark fabric markers. Thanks for asking Linda! As always, thanks for visiting my blog!