Re: Writing on quilts

Please, Do NOT use sharpies on fabrics. They have a tendency to leave a "ring" of discoloration around the marking after a very short time. They do now come in a lot of colors, but still not good for fabrics. Fabrico makes a line of "pens" that work very well on fabrics, and are permanent. Sakura brand Pigma pens are the classic, but they are fine points. Sakura also makes a brush point that are permanent and safe for fabric. There are really several good products you can use. If need be you can even use crayon and press with a hot iron and a clean paper towel to remove the wax, the pigment stays. But not sure I would want to do this on a finished quilt. It might travel all the way through.

And in times past India Ink was used. Still around on antique/vintage quilts. (But more difficult to find today I think.) Check with artist's supply stores. Or check at SewThankful.com. She carries a lot of quilt "art" supplies.

Anyone tried to label a quilt with the Shiva paint sticks yet?

Pati, > I use an indelible pen I get from my LQS.

Thanks for the advice. Thinking again, was it Sharpies for drawing on the Press 'n Seal for Quiling? Its just that the name is so familiar.

Why do writing with pens at all?!? I label my quilts by lightly using a pencil, and then doing outline embroidery stitch with colored thread, which works very well, is easy, and carries no risk of bleeding. I add my name, date, name of pattern (if it is an original pattern of my own), and "made for XXX" if it is a special gift.

I draw on Press'n'Seal with a Crayola washable marker. And, I try to avoid the red one now. Then I do the quilting, pull the plastic away and give the finished quilt a rinse.

-- Jo in Scotland

I write under the embroidered label, so the quilt is permanently idendifiable.

Also there are signature blocks and hug blocks that need an ink siggy.

Nope, don't do that either! The first time I tried the press and seal trick I used a sharpie and it transferred onto my nice white quilt :( Luckily I decided to use a different method of marking and had to take out the stitching I had done with the press and seal, once it was stitched over it was not quite as noticable and some spray and wash took some of it out but I can still see where it is.

So the answer overall is - don't buy the Sharpie pens unless you want to label your toothbrush (like the advert!).

I don't do an embroidered label, but do the embroidery on the quilt itself.