9 best quilt marking pens

Quilt marking pens are essential tools for quilters and sewers when working on quilting projects. These pens are designed to help mark patterns, guidelines, and other important reference points on fabric, ensuring accurate stitching and design placement. Here are some key aspects of quilt marking pens:

  1. Variety of Colors: Quilt marking pens come in various colors, allowing you to choose a shade that contrasts well with your fabric. This helps ensure that the markings are easily visible and won't bleed onto the fabric or become permanent.

  2. Water-Soluble: Many quilt marking pens are water-soluble, meaning that the marks they make can be easily removed with water. This is especially useful when you want to get rid of the markings after completing your quilting or sewing project.

  3. Air-Erasable Pens: Some quilt marking pens are air-erasable, which means that the marks will disappear over time without the need for water.This feature is particularly handy when you want temporary markings for short-term projects.

  4. Heat-Erasable Pens: Heat-erasable quilt marking pens use friction or heat to remove the markings. You can erase the marks by applying an iron or heat source, making them convenient for precise work.

  5. Fine Tips: Quilt marking pens often have fine tips or points, allowing for precise and accurate marking, which is crucial when working on intricate quilting patterns.

  6. Non-Toxic and Safe: It's important to choose quilt marking pens that are non-toxic and safe for use on fabrics. This ensures that the markings won't harm your fabric or pose any health risks.

  7. Test on Scrap Fabric: Before using a quilt marking pen on your actual project, it's a good practice to test it on a scrap piece of fabric to ensure that the marks are easily removable and won't damage the material.

  8. Storage: Proper storage is essential to prevent the pens from drying out. Make sure to cap the pen tightly when not in use and store it horizontally.

In quilting and sewing, precision is key, and quilt marking pens are valuable tools to help you achieve accurate and professional results. They allow you to mark guidelines, seam lines, quilting patterns, and other design elements with ease and confidence, ensuring that your finished projects look their best.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best quilt marking pens on the market
  

Dritz 3086 Disappearing Ink Pen, Fine Point, Purple

Based on 214 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Use the Dritz Fine Point Disappearing Ink Marking Pen Purple to trace embroidery, applique, paint patterns or to mark exact locations of embellishments on fabrics. Equipped with a fine point tip, this marking pen is ideal for quilting, sewing and other types of fabric crafts. The pen is designed for use on washable fabrics and has ink that disappears within 2 to 3 days of application.

  • For sewing, quilts, crafts and embroidery to transfer design and pattern markings
  • Marks are air and water soluble
  • Extra-fine point for detailed marking
  • For best results use on washable fabrics
  • Package includes fine point dissapearing ink marking pen in purple

User questions & answers

Question: Has anyone used this on posterboard
Answer: Time and air. I used it just the other night and the next day the marks had diminished. It lasts for about 48 hours.
Question: will it work on paper also
Answer: No.. That makes them permanent
Question: how does it disappear? Washing? Ironing
Answer: No. It includes small bolt and screw drivers
Question: Can I iron over marks before they disappear
Answer: No. None of the bit tips in this set are magnetic.

Dritz 700 The The Fine Line Marking Pen, Water Erasable, Blue,

Dritz

Based on 347 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Use the Dritz "The Fine Line" Water Erasable Marking Pen to transfer sewing pattern markings, and other details directly onto fabric. The pin point tip makes a very fine, thin, bright purple line that is easily removed with plain water.

  • The pin-point tip allows you to make a very fine - thin bright blue line
  • Lines are easily removed with plain water
  • Ideal for sewing, quilting, embroidery, and crafts
  • For marking light fabric

User questions & answers

Question: Will this show up on navy blue aida fabric? I have a purple one that doesn't show up and was hoping to find this is white but don't see it
Answer: China
Question: Does this pen "bleed" on the fabric? I would be using it on Aida cloth for cross stitching
Answer: Made In and Shipped From China, YES.
Question: Has anyone used this on felt? Does it work? The marker I have didn't work on felt and I am trying to find one that will
Answer: Yes it does!!!!
Question: Would this work on drywall for marking
Answer: Check out FRIXION by Pilot. There are more expensive but a excellent product! I love those pens!

Water Soluble Marking Pen, Blue

EZ International

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This water soluble marking pen is the perfect accessory for marking on cloth for all your sewing and crafting needs. Always test marking pen on exact fabrics. Can be removed with water, damp cloth, or sponge. Instructions are do not iron over marks or launder item before removing them with water. This could set the marks if they are not completely removed. Not recommended for dry clean only fabrics. Available in blue color.

  • Water soluble marking pen is perfect for marking on fabric for any sewing and craft project
  • Can be removed with water, damp cloth, or sponge
  • Do not iron over marks or launder item before removing them with water
  • Not recommended for dry clean only fabrics
  • Packaging may vary

User questions & answers

Question: does it show up on black fabric
Answer: The ink disappears with or without heat.
Question: Why can’t you launder it to get it out
Answer: Pennslyvania
Question: How well does it write on paper
Answer: they are designed for fabric, and don't know if the line would show up on ceramics.
Question: Will this pen work on skin? I am a newbie phlebotomist & need to draw wipe-off vein lines
Answer: Probably not. The pen makes a thin line and I doubt if it would show up enough to be useful.

CLOVER 516 Water Soluble Thick Marker

Based on 45 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Water soluble marker is quick and easy to use for marking. It can be Easily erased with water or eraser pen.

  • Quick and easy to erase
  • Water soluble marker is quick and easy to use for marking
  • Can be easily erased with water or eraser pen
  • Product Dimension: 7.5"L x 1.5"W x 0.5"H

User questions & answers

Question: Are there differnt colors that work as good as this pen? For fabric
Answer: It is a very nice blue color (like the pen itself) and it washes out nicely with just a spritz of water.
Question: How long can the marks be on the fabric and still be removed with water? Will the marks come off if the fabric after 2 weeks of marking
Answer: I personally didn't like this pen. I do quilting and had a hard time getting it to work for me on dark fabric. I also sew knit dresses and I couldn't get it to work period. I don't know if my pen just happened to be a dud or what. If any one knows of a white marking pen that really works great I would love to hear from them. I have tried more than one brand with not much luck.
Question: What color is it? Thanks
Answer: It’s designed to be used on all fabrics, it erases with water spray if water is sprayed on fabric before any heat application. Heat will make it permanent.
Question: I paint on shirts & am looking for a white pen/pencil that is good to outline on transfer paper and iron it onto a dark fabric. Will this work
Answer: This pen is only good for the garbage. Did not leave a mark on dark fabric and seemed to be dried up. Too inexpensive to pay postage for a return so threw it away.
Question: What all can be used on
Answer: This pen works very well on dark fabrics. Make your markings, then let it dry. The marking will then show. To get the marks off, you need to wet it, do not iron. Ironing will set the marking. The pen will dry up if you don’t put the cover back on. Look under “heat erasable pens for fabric”. These are my now favorite. Frixion pens are good too, but there is no white pen.
Question: Good for cross stitch gridding on dark fabric
Answer: no I haven't.I do not think it would work. What are you trying to do?
Question: Why doesnt it work
Answer: It is best suited for use on fabric as it will work as intended on it. I am not sure why one would want to use a pen that has a removable ink in it on paper. I believe there are better pens out that have the options you are looking for. Just my opinion on it.

Dritz 3364 Heat Erase Pens, Assorted Colors (5-Count)

Prym Consumer

Based on 259 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Dritz Quilting heat erase marking pens are marking tools used during the quilting process. They contain a specialized ink that can be removed through heat. These pens are perfect to use with a standard household iron. They are ideal for marking quilting or applique lines. These heat erase pens also include an eraser end for use on fabric or paper. This pack includes 1 each of white, red, green, blue and black pens.

  • Special ink erases with heat
  • Pens also include an eraser end for use on fabric or paper, but heat is most effective on fabric
  • Includes 1 each of white, red, green, blue and black pens
  • Product Dimension: 8.5"L x 0.6"W x 3.875"H

User questions & answers

Question: Bought these through Amazon and they were dried up. None worked. Anyone else have this experience
Answer: I am unaware of the availability of refills but I doubt it. I did, however, just take a quilting class and the instructor demonstrated that when these are used, even after heat erasing with an iron, that they leave a white bleach mark on colored fabric.
Question: How do you get the pen open
Answer: I have not had that happen. My quilting room is on the colder side and after marking the fabrics and then sewing and removing the lines, they have not come back.
Question: Do you have refills
Answer: Not in my opinion. Using this pen along with Clover Eraser pen work very well together. You will not need to spray your fabric with water to remove the marking if using the eraser pen.
Question: Are these like the Frixion pens which leave the 'gel' in the fabric so when it gets cold the marks return & also leave a faint line on dark fabrics
Answer: I use the thick marker for longarm quilting and applique. Sometimes I leave the marking on for months. I do not use water to remove the markings. Clover has an eraser pen that works really well to remove the marks.

Dritz Tailor's Marking Set, Assorted

Based on 424 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Use marking pens, pencils and chalks for sewing, quilting and crafting. Tailor's Set- Strong ceramic lead is made from water soluble dyes and is specially formulated for fabric. Lead colors are suitable for dark and light fabrics. Include a soft finger grip for comfort.

  • Use marking pens, pencils and chalks for sewing, quilting and crafting
  • Tailor's Set- Strong ceramic lead is made from water soluble dyes and is specially formulated for fabric
  • Lead colors are suitable for dark and light fabrics; Include a soft finger grip for comfort

User questions & answers

Question: How many lead replacements are there
Answer: While I don't have a .9 mm pencil to test it...from the thickness of the refills I imagine it would be no problem.
Question: Refill for the dritz 667 Taylor's marking pen
Answer: You remove the top piece, put the desired color into the bottom of the pencil. When the first lead is done you may have to press the top more than once to get the next lead to come down,
Question: Can I put the refills in a regular .9 mm mechanical pencil
Answer: Mine were not dried up at all. I've had mine well over a year and they're still working. They do need to be stored in a cup with the point side down.
Question: How do I replace lead color without damaging/breaking the lead that's already in the pencil
Answer: If you're having trouble opening the pen, you must have a defective pen. They open like any other pen, just pull off the cap. They really do work very well.

Product features

Dritz 667 Tailor's Marking Set

  • Strong ceramic lead is made from water soluble dyes and is specially formulated for fabric; suitable for light and dark fabrics
  • Includes a soft finger grip for comfort
  • Includes:
  • 1 ct pen
  • 1 ct plastic lead case
  • 3 ct Pink 0.9mm
  • 3 ct Green 0.9mm
  • 3 ct White 0.9mm

About Us

At Dritz, we are all about creating and inspiring. Over ten decades the passion of thousands of creative minds have combined to craft products that are as innovative as their ideas. These people and products have molded a brand that is now famed by DIY enthusiasts across the globe. Makers and doers everywhere look to Dritz to help them bring their ideas to life. A company that took root as a small family business in New York City, has grown to be one of the iconic crafting and sewing companies.

Dritz Dual Purpose Marking Pen, Blue and Purple

Dritz

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This Dual Purpose Marking Pen by Dritz features a Blue Mark-B-Gone Pen on one end and a Purple Disappearing Ink Pen on the other. Use this pen to transfer pattern markings, needlecraft, quilting designs and more. The blue ink wipes off with a damp cloth while the purple ink is air and water soluble.

  • Features a Blue Mark-B-Gone Pen on one end and a Purple Disappearing Ink Pen on the other
  • Use disappearing ink on projects to be completed within 24 hours
  • Blue side is water soluble ink and Purple side is air & water soluble ink
  • Use to transfer pattern markings, embroidery & quilting designs
  • Great for marking size alterations, seam allowances and many other sewing, quilting and craft projects

User questions & answers

Question: Can the marks stay for months or maybe a year if no water is applied? I have a very time consuming bridal embroidery project, I can't keep re-marking
Answer: I found that it disappears too soon. I have a hard time cutting out fabric after using it to adjust on the fabric. would not buy it again
Question: Will this pen work on skin temporarily and wash off? I am a student phlebotomist. Need pen to aid in marking veins but wish to remove right away
Answer: No they don't last. I found through my sewing machine center FRIXION BALL CLICKER. It comes with seven pens that look like a regular ball point pen. And comes with seven colors. They are erasable/retractable/refillable. These are by Pilot. I found that after I've finished my project and want to remove my markings, I hold a steam iron about 3-4 inches over it and the markings disappear. I paid $20.99 for it and just looked on Amazon and they have them for $11.32. You will love it as I do.
Question: Can this pen be used to make grid marks for cross stitching
Answer: 4 White, 3 green, 3 pink
Question: I bought one of these pens..not from amazon, I wanted to ask do they normally only last one 11" quilt stencil worth for blue thats all mine lasted
Answer: If you're asking "are there refills"? I ordered refills from Amazon

Product features

Dritz 673-60 Dual Purpose Marking Pen, Blue & Purple

This Dual Purpose Marking Pen by Dritz features a Blue Mark-B-Gone Pen on one end and a Purple Disappearing Ink Pen on the other. Use this pen to transfer pattern markings, needlecraft, quilting designs and more. The blue ink wipes off with a damp cloth while the purple ink is air and water soluble.

  • Features a Blue Mark-B-Gone Pen on one end and a Purple Disappearing Ink Pen on the other
  • Use disappearing ink on projects to be completed within 24 hours
  • Blue side (water soluble ink)
  • Purple side (air & water soluble ink)
  • Use to transfer pattern markings, embroidery & quilting designs
  • Great for marking size alterations, seam allowances and many other sewing, quilting and craft projects

About Us

At Dritz, we are all about creating and inspiring. Over ten decades the passion of thousands of creative minds have combined to craft products that are as innovative as their ideas. These people and products have molded a brand that is now famed by DIY enthusiasts across the globe. Makers and doers everywhere look to Dritz to help them bring their ideas to life. A company that took root as a small family business in New York City, has grown to be one of the iconic crafting and sewing companies.

12 PACK Disappearing Ink Marking Pen, Air Water Erasable Pen/ Fabric Marker/ Temporary Marking/ Auto-Vanishing Pen for Cloth (Blue)

Based on 127 reviews Check latest price

Product description



Water erasable pen can write on fabric surface, and is especially used for 11CT/14CT cross stitch, handicraft, needlework, etc for temporary marking. This fabric marker is handy for temporary marking of pattern instructions or designs on fabric, which can then be removed by dipping in water.



Fabric marker pen used for dressmaking, crafts, quilting, embroidery and temporary line markings. Ink is erasable easily and quickly by water, making great convenience for your projects.



Ink Color: blue, pink, purple



Package Including:



12x Fabric Marker Pens

  • Top Quality, Great Value!!
  • This water-soluble disappearing ink keeps your marks visible only while you need to see them.
  • Time to disappear: Pink pen 1-7 days disappear,or use water to wipe them off immediately.
  • Purple pen - 2 to 14 days automatically fade or use water to wipe them off immediately. automatically fade or use water to wipe them off immediately.
  • Blue pen - use water to wipe them off immediately.

User questions & answers

Question: How many mm is the tip
Answer: The mark can not stay for months or a year. The mark will disappear, if you disturb the fabric constantly by the mark.
Question: Are the blue colored pens air soluble at all? I know that I can wash the blue away, but I am curious about the air-solubility of the blue
Answer: My pens dried out so I can't test them... sorry.

Dritz 3085 Mark-B-Gone Pen, Fine Point, Blue

Based on 109 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Mark your fabrics for sewing and quilting projects with the Dritz Quilting Mark-B-Gone Marking Pen. This marking pen comes with an extra-fine point for detailed marking. The quilting marking pen is designed to transfer quilting, craft, appliques and embroidery patterns onto washable fabrics. It's air and water soluble in most fabrics and the ink disappears in a short period of time.

  • For sewing, quilts, crafts and embroidery to transfer design and pattern markings
  • Marks are water soluble
  • Extra-fine point for detailed marking
  • For best results use on washable fabrics
  • Package includes fine point mark-be-gone pen in blue

User questions & answers

Question: can you revive it once it's dried up
Answer: These are like fine point felt pens. I use them to mark lines for stitching shibori gathering lines Much better than more expensive big box craft stores.
Question: How does this tip compare to the blue tip on the dual marking pen from Dritz
Answer: No they are not air soluble, and they really take a lot of effort to get out with water. I often have to soak the piece twice.

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