Marking pens on quilt batting sandwich..... following instructions interesting results

This test was performed on muslin with a cotton batting in between.  The same pencils and markers as the last post, but this time we followed instructions for those I could find on the internet.  This is going to be a long post.

Here is the quilted sample ....

On the left from top to bottom.

Mark B Gone Dritz

Water Soluble Pencil Clover

Fons & Porter Chalk pencil Blue and gray

On the right 

Water Erasable Marker Clover

Roxanne's Quilter's Choice

Frixion in Black, Blue, Red

Application

At this point, I thought the markers and the frixion were the easiest to use, in that they flow a little better than the pencils.  I almost prefer the Frixion because it leaves such a thin precise line.  The pencils were good, but I lost the sharp tip pretty quickly, so that meant using the sharpener.

I'm slightly favoring the markers and Frixion for how well they flow.  

Appearance under quilt lines

They were all pretty easy to see with a clear foot.  I'm not liking how fat the Mark B Gone lines are here. (They do cover the terrible quilting :).  I'm favoring the Roxanne's Quilter's Choice, because I'm thinking if the others don't wash out, this one leaves what I can only call a shadow.  I was a little concerned with the Water Soluble Pencil from Clover because it looked to be fading before I started, and I was worried that I would rub the Fons & Porter Chalk pencil off before I could get to quilt it.

So, in other words, if I'm working on a quilt, that I don't want to wash, my first choice would be the Roxanne's Quilter's Choice.

The sample is sideways, sorry.

Here, we have followed instructions.

The Mark B Gone and Water Erasable Marker Clover were run under the tap,  under cool water.  The instructions from both companies are variations of the same, Only use water until the mark fades., do not rub.  Results?  The marks are gone

Water Soluble Pencil Clover, states, use water only and rub. This took a little longer to wash,   Results? The marks are gone

Roxanne's Quilter's Choice- I could find no instructions, so I tried to rub it off, but the lines persisted, albeit ever so faintly.

Fons & Porter - I rubbed and the lines persisted, also faint.

Frixion - Ironed.  Since this is not specifically designed for fabric there were no instructions, but I have product details that say the ink is a thermo sensitive ink.  It disappears with heat.

It's amazing to me that it just disappears like this, but again, it will come back in the cold at this stage.

Fresh out of the washer, All marks are gone.

After Ironing - All Marks are gone - 

Pigma Micron marker that was used to label the sections, not gone but faded.

Here's what I found on the web, regarding the pens, pencils and markers in this test.

1) Dritz Mark B Gone

The Dritz website had these helpful frequently asked questions that I thought were better than instructions.

How do I remove unwanted Mark B Gone?
Use plain water to remove the marks.  Saturate the marks with water by either spraying or soaking.  Spritz the marks rather than rub them.  Rubbing can imbed the ink deep in the fibers.  Blot the water off the fabric with an absorbent paper towel or cloth.

What does it mean if Mark B Gone marks reappear?
Marks may reappear on some fabrics, especially quilts.  This is because the ink has imbedded in the fibers or moved into the batting.  The ink will eventurally migrate back to the top and reappear.  As long as the marks are the original color, they are not permanent and will require soacking in plain water in order to successfully remove them.  You many meed to repeat the process or even soak overnight to remove all the residual ink.

Whad does it mean if the marks from the Mark B Gone change color?
Marks should always remain the original color.  If they change to a brown or grayish color, the marks have been chemically altered and may be permanent.  This can be caused by exposure to heat, either by an iron or through sunlight, or extra strong task lighting.  Another cause is rinsing the marks with a solution other than plain water.  Additionally, chemicals that are added to water in some municipalities may cause a reaction.  Testing the marker before use will prevent any unwanted situration.


2)  Water Erasable Marker Clover - Markings can be quickly removed with water.

Avoid using this product on fabrics that cannot be washed with water

Test on fabric before use. Fabric must be completely dry to check if the markings on the test fabric dissipated
Markings left on more than 2 weeks may be difficult to remove
Do not use detergent, bleach or solvent
Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including cobalt sulfate heptahydrate. which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. More info: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

3) Water Soluble Pencil Clover -
How to wipe markings off.
To wipe off with water, place a dry towel or cloth underneath your project.
Wet a cloth or towel and rub it carefully to wipe off the markings.
Caution
Test the pencil marker with a piece of the same fabric to see if the markings can easily be erased.  Please be aware that markings may not be washed off if ironed.
If marking cannot be erased, wash the fabric with water and mild detergent.  Do not Dry Clean.
When sharpening, use a small pencil sharpener of Clover's.
The Water Soluble Pencil is a non toxic pencil.

4) Roxanne Quilter's Choice Marking Pencils.
Trusted by quilters worldwide, this pencil is pure chalk and 100% water soluble.  It contains no waxes, dyes or harmful chemicals.  It glides smoothly and evenly across fabric without crumbling, leaving fine visible lines to guide your quilting stitches.

No real instructions for getting rid of the marks.

5) Fons and Porter Chalk Pencil

Mark very lightly to ensure easy removal of chalk.  Marks can be removed by rubbing lightly with a damp cloth.  Remove all marks before pressing.

6) Pilot Frixion ball
Write smoothly with the medium point FriXion Ball, erase by heating with the FriXion eraser without damaging the paper and rewrite immediately.  Pilot's best selling rollerball allows you to cleanly write, erase the ink by friction and rewrite - all with the same pen.  Simply rub out your mistakes with the eraser stud and watch the ink disappear as if by magic!  The unique gel ink responds to the heat generated by the rubbing out, and lets you write over your mistake immediately with the same pen.

Thermo sensitive ink

Clearly not designed for quilts but some brave soul tried it and it worked.
Do Not use this pen to write checks, as it can be erased!!!


Conclusion, Do not wash your Mark B Gone, or Water Erasable Marker from Clover until all of the blue is gone.  A chemical reaction will take place and it becomes permanent.

Test all of you markers :)

This was fun!

Hope you enjoyed the testing.... I think I need some time to work on my quilting now that I know my markers are safe.