Are you still looking for the best washable markers for quilting?
Sometimes we don’t enjoy a particular quilting technique because we don’t have the proper/best tool.
It happened to me: for many years I ignored the applique technique because it requires a water soluble marker that was never in my tool box when I needed it.
But the things changed when I discovered the water soluble markers specifically designed for kids- they are cheap, come in many colors, and are easily available.
I use a French brand (BIC) that my European readers probably find it easily in their shops- read here more about these markers.
Since most of my readers are North-Americans I thought to find (and TEST) similar markers for them too, so here is what I found:
- on Amazon (available worldwide!)- Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers
- 8 markers (FINE tip!) for less than 4$!
- completely washable!
Here is the test I did:
1. Fabric marked.
2. Fabric pressed – heavily, with steam!
3. Fabric washed – the result was an immaculate piece of fabric.
UPDATE January 2019
I am so sorry that I did not take a picture of the clean fabric after washing, because a reader asked where is the proof? Puzzled face here!
But this quilt is hanging on my wall; it was made 5 years ago, marked with BIC markers and in perfect condition!
UPDATE END.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Test all the markers in the box.
- Always test the specific marker on a scrap cut out from the fabric you will use in your project (do not test it on a different fabric!); wash the scrap the same way you will wash the quilt.
- If you mark your fabric, then you have to wash your quilt when it is finished; I don’t find this a problem since I wash all my quilts anyway when they are done.Here is how I wash my quilts:
I wash the small pieces (50” or smaller) by hand; in slightly warm water, I add a small amount of mild detergent then I add the quilt; I agitate it until all the color disappears from fabric, it takes a few minutes; some rebel markings may need a few additional minutes (while you let the quilt soak and then agitate it again). Then I rinse the quilt a few times and I add it in the washing machine for a low-speed spinning cycle.
If the quilt is big, I wash it in the washing machine, on gentle cycle; the detergent should be dissolved in a lot of water. - If you marked your precious quilt top, then it is a good idea to finish the quilt (and wash it) as soon as possible; you don’t want to assume unnecessary risks, right? It’s better to take additional precautions!
If you are still looking for the best washable markers for quilting, give these markers a try! And TEST, TEST, TEST before starting marking!
I hope this helps some quilters out there! I know these markers give me freedom to sew any wholecloth or applique quilt I want.
Happy quilting!
The Crayola work great for me. Thanks for posting this.
I agree. I marked my Whole Cloth with Crayola. Took me 10 years to finish.
When i finally finished all the marks washed out. I used every color, love them.
Perfect timing Geta !
Last week I was browsing in a store and came across Elmer’s Washable, super tipped Markers in 12 assorted colours that are also guaranteed as non-toxic…and of course I scooped them up thinking “I wonder if I can use these for my quilts”hehehe.
I’ve got some luxe cotton (new from the Michael Miller 108” line) coming
in, in the next week or so. I plan on cutting it up into panels (sandwiches) to practice some whole cloth quilting, appliqué and 1 art quilt.
That will be about 15 – 1sq.yards panels to play with (or 7 1/2 panels, luxe 2 sides). I figure I’ll get at least one panel done, so I’d better try as many colours (pens) as possible on that first panel!
Thank you for being one step ahead of me on this issue, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to try on my own.
No, No, nooooooo! I had heard (from another source) about using Crayola washable markers to mark my quilting lines so I went out and scooped up a big pack of them. Was I ever sorry – I had marked the tan borders of a king size quilt with the brown Crayola washable and guess what? It DIDN’T come out! I washed the quilt several times and used every produch under the sun to try and get it out, and the marks still show slightly.
Maybe some colors don’t work?
I tested all my colors and all washed out perfectly. Are you sure it is exactly the same product? See the label of mine.
Any chance you pressed the quilt top AFTER using the markers?
Yes, Linda, I pressed the tops – heavily -many times!
try WD 40 – it worked on a quilt when the metal was shreding somewhere inthe quilting machine – made an awful black/metal/grease stain! and it came out
Do you wash your customer quilts? How do you handle marking and washing if the customer wants to sew her on binding on?
I am a newbie quilter. Love all your info.
Theresa, I don’t sew quilts for customers. Definitely, more care is needed for such quilts. The ones who quilt for others surely don’t wash the quilts!
Geta, your work is incredible. I love when I see a message from you in my Inbox.
Thanks so much for the info about the washable marker. You have saved me both time and money.
Hi
I have been reading you for awhile and i want to attempt to quilt a lap quilt and so im gettin this right you take the print out of the design and copy it on your quilt now how do i do that if its not each square the quilt top is put together, do i add the batting and backing then quilt of justbquilt the top of the quilt. I believe i put it all together first in order to secure it all but how do you trace the design on the top from each print out. Maybe i should read more that i probably misses. I just didnt understand how the printed out design on paper could get through to the fabric. Thanks i will have to do more researching i usually bring it up so i can long arm quilt it myself but wanted to attempt a small lap quilt on my with your tecnique,
Thanks so much your site isnvery informative
Casey
Casey, if you want to transfer the design from paper to the top quilt, then you have to do this before making the quilt sandwich (adding batting and backing).
Thank you so much, Geta, for testing these and posting about them. I just finished a baby quilt using them and it washed out beautifully. I’m guessing Denise used the other Crayola markers that say only “washable”. I made sure mine said ultra-clean. And yes I did test them before I used them and they all came out. Wish they had a white one.
Is there a fabric washed picture?
No, I did not take a picture, simply because I did not think that I have to prove it, Linda!
But I can tell they work because it’s all I have been using in the last 6, 7 years without any problem! Just look at this big quilt: I pressed a lot on the marked design, while fusing the applique pieces. And the lines came out just fine!
https://www.getasquiltingstudio.com/2014/07/my-new-raw-edge-applique-quilt-and-pattern.html
I have been using the Crayola brand ultra-washable markers and have never had a problem with the markings not washing out. I test each color I’m going to need on my current project fabrics & they work beautifully & always wash out. I have a lot of faith in Geta’s recommendations & I’ve never been disappointed.
I have been using the Crayola markers for years…with absolutely no problems. I love them. I’ve even ironed over the markings by accident and they still come out.