Types of Fabric Markers and When to Use Each One
Discover the different types of fabric markers, how to use them, and which one to choose for each type of fabric. A practical mini class on marking fabric without damaging your garment.
Video class
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Build a practical approach to marking fabric by comparing commonly used tools on woven, knit and textured surfaces. The best choice depends on the fabric’s color, texture and stretch.
The class covers chalk pencils, heat-erasable Pilot FriXion pens, water-erasable markers and a powder-chalk wheel. It also explains why every marker should be tested on a project scrap.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Choose white or blue chalk pencil for contrast on light or dark woven fabrics.
- Recognize when a pen-style point may stretch or distort fabric.
- Mark knits with a powder-chalk wheel that applies less drag.
- Use a water-erasable marker on textured or fuzzy surfaces.
- Remove water-erasable marks with water.
- Identify the risks of heat-erasable pens before marking a garment.
Heat makes FriXion marks disappear, but cold may bring them back. Pressing heavily pigmented dark fabric may also leave a pale mark or affect its color.
Test each tool on a scrap to confirm that the mark is visible, removable and does not damage or discolor the project fabric.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.