Just as there are a plethora of tools used for holding fabric together. There are a plethora of tools used for making markings on fabric. Trust me when I tell you, not all marking tools are created equal.
The type of marking tool used depends alot on the fabric, where the marking is needed and will it be visible throughout the sewing process and after.
Some marking tools won't be visible, won't wash out or will disappear before you start sewing.
I have a few that I use regularly.
Chaco Liners
These are pens/capsules filled with powered chalk. They come in blue, white, yellow, and pink. Yes. It's pink, not red. I have all four colors, but tend to use the white and yellow regularly. I'm not fond of the pink as it tends to stain fabric.
I primarily use these in bag making and when quilting fabric. They are visible on various types of fabric and colors. The marking is easy clean up or it simply disappears. Try to avoid using the yellow on white fabric. The really great thing is these are refillable.
If you don't clean and oil your machine regularly, which you should. Stay away from the chalk markers. It does build up on the machine because it's powder / dust.
WATER SOLUABLE PEN/MARKER
These pens/markers are just as it says water soluable. The marking disappears with water.
I use these primarily in garment sewing. Why? I want my markings to be a bit more permanent. Usually when making a garment, there are steps where your markings need to last a little longer than a quick minute 😉. Basically, there may be markings made in Step 2 that I need to be visible by the time I reach Step 10.
The only con I have with these is they seem to dry out even when not used often, but they are still great to have on hand at all times.
FRIXION PEN
So...my final choice is the notorious Frixion Pen. That's right an actual pen that is thermo sensitive. These are last on my list because I'm not really loving them like I did initially.
As I stated earlier, not all marking tools are created equal. These pens are great if used on fabric where the marking truly does disappear or on a fsbric where the marking will never be visible once the item is complete.
The markings don't always "disappear". There tends to be a hint trace of the marking left behind even after applying extreme heat from an iron. It really depends on the fabric type, color and the color pen being used.
Also note that if you write with these pens and expose the writing to heat... Say sunlight. The ink will disappear. This happened to me with some intense sewing notes. I was confused, upset and dumbfounded. This is truly when my love for these pens "disappeared". 😔
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