Tool School: Marking Tools

Finding the best marking tool can be a challenge. Learn about all of our useful marking tools and find the best one for each job.

What is it?

Let’s think about it. What do we do when we sew? What comes after the creative vision is set and after finding the perfect fabric and the perfect accessorizing thread? We cut that beautiful fabric into smaller pieces and then, well, and then we sew it all back together again into a larger piece of fabric. But it’s the shape of those pieces and the way they are assembled that brings a smile to our faces. So how do we do that? Measure, mark and cut. The more precise each function is accomplished, the more satisfied we are with our resulting creative effort. Once we make that precision measurement, we need to mark that all important point, line, circle or curve. And it can be complicated because for any given project we could be marking on cotton, wool, fleece, satin, silk, spandex, or any number of other fabrics all of which have different textures and fiber characteristics. Add to that mix a kaleidoscope of colors from very light to very dark. To be visible our lines must have contrasting colors. The lines also have to be both legible and accurate. Oh, and one other thing, they have to be temporary! That’s right, when we’re done, we want them to go away. And stay away. No phantom lines coming back to haunt us! All things considered, finding the absolute best marking medium could be a challenge. To ensure that you have the right marking tool for each marking assignment we have developed an entire array of useful marking tools.

What do they do?

Our arsenal of marking devices allow us to match the tool to the job. Something for every texture and color. And don’t forget the “temporary” part. It’s always a good idea to test any marker on your intended fabric to make sure it’s really and truly going to go away when you want it to. So, what do we have to work with?

Triangle Tailor’s Chalk

Tailor’s chalk is the most basic fabric marking tool. It’s triangular in shape and has thin edges so it’s easy to handle and leaves precise lines. It allows fast, accurate and temporary chalk marking on virtually any type of fabric. Four colors are available so pick one that contrasts with your material and the resulting markings for cuts, hems, darts or any other notation will be a breeze to make. When the marks are no longer needed, they can be easily brushed or washed away. These ultra-handy little chalk triangles are fast, easy to use and leave no residue on your fabric. As with all chalk marking materials, dry cleaning or ironing can make them more difficult to remove.

Triangle Tailor’s Chalk (Blue | Red | White | Yellow)
Art. No 432/B | 432/R | 432/W | 432/Y

Chaco Liner

These pens utilize chalk for making our marks. There are two types. The Chaco Liner Pen Style resembles a traditional marking pen. It is available in 5 colors and has cartridge style refills. The original Chaco Liner is available in 4 colors with a reservoir that is refilled from a small container of chalk. Both styles apply the chalk from a serrated rotating wheel at the point. This allows a very smooth application of marking chalk in any straight or curved design to virtually any surface. A “Jack of All Trades”, they work on most fabric textures. The color selection allows us to find the one that contrasts the best with our fabric. When the marks are no longer needed, they can be simply brushed or washed away. Warning: ironing or dry cleaning the chalk marks may make them difficult to remove.

Chaco Liner (Blue | Red | White | Yellow)
Art. No 469/B | 469/R | 469/W | 469/Y

Chaco Liner Pen Style (Blue | Pink | White | Yellow | Silver)
Art. No 4710 – 4714

White Marking Pen

This is a fine point marking pen that is light activated and results in a fine white line. The light color and fine point make very precise lines on dark, smooth fabrics. When we no longer need them, the markings are eliminated simply by ironing them away. Remember, because they are light activated there is a slight time delay before your line appears. Also make sure the point is clear of dry ink before you start. Dry cleaning will have no effect on the permanence of the marks.

White Marking Pen
Art. No 517

Air Erasable Marking Pen

These pens are available in extra fine, fine and thick points. The marks that they make are a unique purple color that contrasts nicely with all light and most dark colored fabrics. Choose the point that best suits the texture of your fabric. If you’re marking corduroy the thick point is more suitable. If we’re marking satin, the fine or extra fine point is the way to go. Generally, you will find that finer points work best on smoother fabrics. Specific applications should be considered too. If you’re using a fine line template to inscribe a detailed design onto your fabric the extra fine point is the perfect choice. The beauty of the Air Erasable Marker is that marks erase themselves over a period of 4 to 14 days, all depending on temperature, humidity and the amount of ink we’ve applied. If you’re in a hurry, marks can be removed immediately with the available eraser or with the application of water. Dry cleaning or ironing will have no effect on the permanence of the marks. Remember that once your marks have been applied the clock has started. We need to finish the project before the lines vanish!

Air Erasable Marker (Extra Fine | Fine | Thick)
Art. No 5030-5032

Water Soluble Marker

This pen style is available in fine and thick points. Markings can be erased easily with a damp cloth or by washing. Leaving these markings on a garment for an extended length of time can make them more difficult to remove. Wisdom dictates that this pen only be used on fabric items that can be washed.

Water Soluble Marker (Fine | Thick)
Art. No 515–516

Chacopen Pink with Eraser

The Chacopen is an air erasable pen. It leaves clear, fine pink markings that disappear within 4 to 14 days or with action applied with the attached eraser.

Chacopen with Eraser (Pink)
Art. No 5012

Chacopen Blue with Eraser

The Chacopen is an air erasable pen. It leaves clear, fine blue marking that disappear within 4 o 14 days or with action applied with the attached eraser.

Chacopen with Eraser (Blue)
Art. No 5013

Water Soluble Pencil

Water Soluble Pencils are a chalk style marker that leaves fine markings. They are available in three colors, white, pink and blue. The markings can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. As with all chalk style markers, do a test run on your fabric and avoid ironing to make sure the markings can be removed.

Water Soluble Pencils
Art. No 5000-5003

Chacopel Fine

This is a wax/chalk based pencil used for fine markings. It’s available in four colors and is provided with a pencil sharpener to maintain the sharp tip and brushes to remove the markings when you are done with them. Please test on your fabric and avoid proximity to ironing.

Chacopel Fine
Art. No 418

Iron-On Transfer Pencils

These pencils are ideal for transferring designs from any pattern to our fabric. They are available in two colors, red and blue. We just copy the design onto tracing paper and then iron it onto your fabric.

Iron-On Transfer Pencil
Art. No 5004-5005

How do I share them?

The use of marking pens is basic to almost everything we do in sewing. It’s that important. And because of that if we take the time to find the right marker for any specific fabric application we’ll have a much more satisfying sewing experience. The best way to demonstrate that is to provide a selection of these marking pens and a wide variety of fabric types and allow your customers to experience the benefits of each type of pen for themselves. They’ll find the one that suits their specific needs the best and that’s a win-win for everyone.

Photo courtesy of Hand Sewing Necessities by Dori Troutman

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