adhesive backing and markers for memory quilt

- B
- bsllas
  
  Contact options for registered users
posted
18 years ago

Sat, Sep 10, 2005 4:30 PM

Hello,

As my first foray into the world of quilting, I'm going to make a memory quilt for my daughter's first birthday. All the guests at her party are going to decorate a square with fabric markers.

I read in one book a suggestion to put "adhesive backing" on the back of the square, to make the fabric stiff so it's easier to draw/write on. What do they mean by "adhesive backing"? Is this a particular product I can buy at the fabric store? I looked around but didn't find anything like this. Or do I use something like contact paper? Plain old masking tape? I'm looking for the lowest-cost alternative.

Also, regarding the markers, a woman at a quilting store said the best choice is a permanent laundry marker, but I have also seen fabric markers that dry in 24 hours which are also supposed to be good for this sort of thing. Anyone have experience with either of these, pros/cons?

Input appreciated...feel free to email me directly!

Thanks, Lori

- H
- hago
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
18 years ago

Sat, Sep 10, 2005 5:01 PM

Hi Lori,

Welcome!

Most people here would probably agree on using freezer paper as the "adhesive backing" - put the glossy side towards the back of the fabric and press using your iron. If you are in the US, freezer paper should be readily available from your supermarket, but if you are not in the US, just say so, and a bunch of people can probably provide alternative ideas.

For a marker, I always use some pens called pigma (that's the brand name). They come in a wide range and colours and thicknesses. Don't use one that is too thin, as it might drag on the fabric. I think most of mine are the 0.5 thickness. I don't know the other pens, you mentioned.

(And now tell us something about yourself - favorite colours, any QIs (Quilt Inspectors - furry friends or not) etc).

HTH, Hanne in VA (normally in London)

- C
- Cheryl
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
18 years ago

Sat, Sep 10, 2005 11:28 PM

Hi there and welcome.

I'm not sure from your post if you plan to let "young guests" decorate squares. If so - How young? Pigma pens are very fine and probably not suited to childish scribbles.

Why not test some PERMANENT markers in a couple of colours on some fabric (wash and iron) and see how they work? They wouldn't be expensive. Laundry markers are good, but they usually don't come in many colours.

There are also fabric crayons that are used by artists that come in a wide range of colours - much like the oil pastels we used to have at school years ago. They are beautiful to work with, and are set with heat by ironing with a pressing cloth. You would have to ask at an art supply place for them. I don't know how much they cost these days. It's years since I bought any. But at least you would only need 1 small box and they would keep - for future memory birthday quilts maybe?