QUILTsocial | Issue 08

Chalk pencil: The chalk tends to brush
away, so it’s best to mark as you go with
these pencils.
Wash-out pen, pencil or graphite
marker: These markers maintain a
point and are easy to see. Refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions to remove
the markings and test them first on the
fabric scraps to make sure the marks will
wash out. Note: Humidity may make the
marks disappear, and applying heat to
them may make them permanent.
Chalk roller and chalk wheel: Powdered
chalk in this wheel makes a simple, fine
line. These work fine if you’re going to
quilt the object right away. The chalk is
easy to see, comes in different colors,
and brushes right off.
Hera markers: Use a Hera marker on
black quilts that have simple quilting
patterns. You don’t have to wash the
quilt when finished. They work very well
if you’re going to quilt immediately.
Frixion pens: come in a variety of colors
and leave a nice sharp line. The lines are
removed by applying friction or heat BUT
the lines may reappear in extreme cold.
Marking embroidery lines on fabric
Oftentimes the best technique to
transfer a design onto fabric depends on
the color and thickness or weight of the
fabric. Many of the marking tools that I
mentioned above can be used with the
following techniques.
Tracing
To transfer a design on paper to a light
weight, and light-colored fabric you can
place the design under the fabric and
using your preferred marking tool copy
the design by tracing it directly onto the
fabric. If you have problems seeing the
design through the fabric you can use
a light box or tape the paper and fabric
onto a sunny window. Here’s a little video
that I found on YouTube that explains
how to do this. If I decide to use a white
fabric to do some sashiko embroidery
with my Eleganza threads, I’ll probably
use this method to trace my design.
Watch this video to learn how to use a
light box or window to transfer a design
to cloth.
Tracing Paper
To use tracing paper or
transfer paper, you place a
piece of the paper, colorside
down on your fabric
and place the pattern on
top of the paper. Transfer
the design to the fabric
by tracing the pattern
using a stylus or empty
ball-point pen. Many
times the papers come
in yellow to use with dark
fabrics and blue to use on light-colored
fabrics. This technique can be used
for any fabrics that are too thick to see
through such as wool or denim. Tracing
Paper “Chacopy” – 5 Sheets For use with
tracer pen (#7843500) to copy work onto
craft & sewing projects. Includes 5 pages
in blue, green, red, white and yellow.
Reindeer Games –
Hot Iron transfers
Iron-on Designs
Paperbacked iron-on
transfer designs are
available in a variety
of colors and styles.
Be sure to follow
the manufacturers
directions before
using. Keep in mind
that heat transfer
methods usually
create a permanent image that must be
completely covered by stitching to be
invisible. This type of product has been
available for YEARS!! I’m pretty sure that
the embroidered pillowcases that my
grandmother made were done using this
type of transfer product. If I can find some
at my local craft store it would be fun to
do a couple using my Eleganza threads.
Blue Birds 4” – The
Stencil Company
Can be used for
embroidery or quilting.
Q
.com
Stencils
Stencils are great
for repeat patterns
and for mixing and
matching for a
unique style. You can
also use just parts
of a stencil to create
a unique design.
Tracing stencils
works best on
medium-weight fabrics such as cotton,
lightweight denim, silk, linen, rayon and
various synthetic blends. To use a stencil,
position it on the right side of fabric
and secure in place using tape. Use
your preferred marking tool to trace the
design following the cut-out areas of the
stencil. If the fabric has any stretch to it,
you may find it easier to make small dots
with the along the cutout lines, rather
than drawing a solid line.
There are also many other techniques that
have been developed using computer
printers, special papers and other
interesting tools. There’s always something
new being developed so the next time
you’re in your local quilt or craft shop ask
them what’s new! Many times when I’m
doing hand embroidery I just make the
pattern up as I go, but for my Sashiko
project in a couple days I’m definitely
going to be using one of these 4 ways to
transfer embroidery designs to fabric.
UILTsocial
| issue 8 41