When you look at your sewing pattern instructions, you will often see you are required to transfer some of the markings from your pattern on the fabric. If you have been scratching your head as to the best fabric marking tools and methods, then read on!
What are the Best Fabric Marking Tools?
1. Tailors Chalk
These distinctive triangular chalk pieces are one of the more traditional methods for marking fabric. With their pointed edges, you can make fine lines on nearly all fabrics while feeling like a professional.
2. Chalk pencils
Chalk pencils are cheap and easy to find. They normally come in traditional blue, white and pink so will show up on most fabric colors. Just brush off the markings when you have finished. Read my article on how to transfer markings with chalk and pins.
3. Disappearing Pens
These pens look like a felt tipped pen but disappear with either time, heat or water. They are one of my favorite marking tools as they are easy to see on most fabrics.
4. Children’s washable markers
While these are not strictly designed for sewing, they are inexpensive and readily available at your local supermarket or stationery store. Lots of different colors to choose from means they will mark a variety of fabrics. Just do a test first to make sure it completely comes out in the wash.
5. Carbon paper and tracing wheel
This is not your regular carbon paper from your Stationer but rather specialized dressmaking paper. Sandwich the paper between your pattern and the fabric and then trace over the pattern with the tracing wheel. Great for transferring curved lines. The paper is available in different colors to show up on different colored fabrics. How to use a tracing wheel.
6. Regular Pens
I always have a few regular biro (ball point) pens handy. You can use them to quickly mark fabric when all else fails. Just make sure the marks will not show through to the other side of the fabric or run when washed. I tend to buy fancy pens so they are less likely to disappear into a junk drawer. The flamingo is my favorite!
Brands of Fabric Marking Tools
You don’t need to spend a lot on marking tools. Look for brands such as Singer, Birch and Dritz who all offer a wide assortment of items for marking fabric.
Do you have any other tools you use for marking fabric? Please share your preferred method below in the comments.
More Sewing Tools for Beginners
- Part 1 – Beginners Sewing Kit
- Part 2 – Cutting Tools in Sewing – Best Sewing Scissors and Cutting Tools
- Part 3 – Sewing Machine Feet Guide – 10 of the best feet to own
- Part 4 – Sewing Machine Needle Sizes – Beginners guide
- Part 5 – Best Fabric Marking Tools
- Part 6 – Types of Pins
- Part 7 – Sewing Thread Types
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