Date: 6/8/10 2:55 PM

I used a blue Clover chacoliner on my small sampler wallhanging for a class I took on hand quilting. I was having problems with the white pencil marks coming out before I was finished. I loved the blue because it didn't come out as I quilted. But now that I'm done, it won't come out.

I asked the manufacturer and they said to use vinegar which I tried without success. I also tried an oxiclean generic which didn't work. I have not dried or ironed the piece with any kind of heat. Any other ideas?

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They're not mistakes, they're creative opportunities

Date: 6/9/10 7:40 AM

I haven't tried this personally, but I checked the archives on a quilting list I belong to and one quilter who tried "everything" said what worked for her was two tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in hot water. She claims it took it out immediately. Most quilters avoid yellow and blue chalk markers for the reason you described. On dark colors, I always use white chalk and for the white fabric, I'll use a water soluble being careful to remove as soon as possible with cold water. I use the little foam core sticks used to apply paint and dyes. I dip them in the water and "erase" the lines. If there is a lot of marker to remove, I run it through the washer in cold water (or soak in a tub).

Reply to kikismama
Date: 6/9/10 12:37 PM

Quote: kikismama

I have not dried or ironed the piece with any kind of heat.

Sorry I have no suggestions, although there was recently another thread about removing chalk marks here which may be of help.

As far as using heat, one of my (myriad) quilting books, I think one of the Diane Gaudynski books, says that the heat from the the light on the sewing machine or even sunshine coming in from a window can be enough to heat-set some markings. Who knew?

The only advice I can give is to mark some scraps with your marker to test the various methods before trying on your quilt, lest you further set them.

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Tess
Bernina 150QE (2, actually), Brother PQ1500S, Elna 945 serger, Janome CP1000
Vintage Singers: 221 Featherweight (2), 15-91, 201-2, 503

Date: 7/6/10 10:00 PM

I haven't used that particular type of marking, but I've had a lot of luck using baby wipes to get difficult marks off.

Date: 3/2/11 5:43 PM

This just happened to my daughter. I kept finding the problem in the boards, but no solution. We tried Fels Naptha which was recommended in another thread. It took some scrubbing with a toothbrush and rewashing but it is no longer visible. This was a white quilt with orange tailor's chalk and it had already been washed and dried (in the dryer).

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Barb
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison
"I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." Woodrow Wilson

Date: 3/3/11 0:09 AM

Sard Wonder soap or Wonder stick might do the trick, it works well on brightly coloured Bohin chalk coloured markers.

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Bernina 820, 440, 380, 215, 807 vintage mechanical, 800DL overlocker, 009DCC cover and chain
Quilt and sew like there is no tomorrow!

Date: 3/3/11 0:32 AM

There is also Orvus Quilt Soap. I am not sure if it would be good for removing the chalk but a least it would not damage the quilt.

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Janome MC6600 ¢¾ Bernina 240 ¢¾ Juki MO735 ¢¾ Singer 201-2 ¢¾ Singer 221-1 ¢¾ Singer 15-91 ¢¾

Date: 3/4/11 1:59 PM

another tip, which I cautiously advice, is soaking the quilt in super hot water + cream of tartar. a bloggy friend of mine did that to get rid of excess red dye after her floss bled.

http://www.juneatnoon.com/2010/03/boiled-embroidery/

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