Question:
How do I mark the fabric?
Soap
Soap slivers work well for marking fabric. Only use plain soap that does not have added oils and moisturizers. The small bars of soap found in hotels work great. After you have used the soap until it is thin with sharp edges, let it dry out and use it for fabric marking. You can sharpen the edges with a razor blade or a nail file.
Tailor's Chalk
Tailor's chalk is a wax based marker. It comes in several colors, however, only white should be used in garment marking; the other colors are used for pattern and muslin marking. The wax markings will last longer than chalk and can be removed from some fabrics, with a warm iron. Be sure to test on a fabric scrap first.
Water-Erasable Pen
There are water-erasable marking pens. The ink in these pens is water soluble. Test on a scrap of fabric to make sure the ink does not stain and that water marks do not show. Remove the marks before ironing.
Dressmaker's Chalk
Dressmaker chalk is a clay chalk that comes in many colors. White is the safest and easiest for removal. Be sure to test on a fabric scrap before using to make it doesn't stain.
Tracing Paper
The tracing paper is placed between the fabric and pattern piece with the transfer color toward the fabric. A wheel is used to press down on the pattern marking to be transferred. Tracing paper comes in a variety of colors and the markings can be permanent. There are some newer tracing papers with removable markings.
Disappearing Ink Pen
Disappearing ink or air-erasable marking pens are great when you need to mark on the outside of the garment. These ink marks fade away with time. They will fade faster when it is hot and humid, so be careful that you don't lose your markings before you use them. The pen marks can be removed with water. Test for staining on a scrap of fabric.
Tracing Wheels
Tracing wheels come with smooth, serrated or stiletto edges. Serrated and stiletto edges are better for transferring markings. Use a smooth wheel when the fabric is extremely delicate.
Sewing Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a good sewing room?
How do I select the right pattern?
What kind of cutting equipment should I use?
What kind of sewing machine should I buy?
How do I choose the right fabric?
What makes a good cutting table?
What measuring tools should I have?
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What is the best lighting for my sewing room?
How can I get custom fitting patterns?
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Where can I store things in my sewing room?
What can I use to store sewing gadgets?
What is the best way for me to store sewing supplies?
Do I need to preshrink interfacing?
What are some useful tools to have for sewing?
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What kind of seam ripper should I get?
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How do I deal with difficult customers?
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Is it safe to use magnets around my sewing machine?
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What kind of thimble should I use?
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How do I hem thick fabrics like denim?
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How do I sew over thick seams?
What kind of patches should I use?
How do I do a gathering stitch?
How do I make an invisible hem?
How do I learn new techniques?
How much time will it take me to do a project?
How do I layout the pattern pieces?
How can I focus my advertising?
How do I work with fabric cut on the bias?
How do I learn about my sewing machine?
What kind of pin cushion should I get?
How do I preshrink my material?
What kind of floors should I have in my sewing room?
How do I remove lint from my machine?
How do I make a top-stitched hem?
What kind of documentation should I keep for work taken in?
Do I need to follow the steps on the pattern in order?
can I use a magnetic seam guide?
What kind of sewing business should I start?
How can I keep my button organized?
How do I remove creases in fabric?
What kind of ironing board should I use?
Where can I get support for my business development?
When should I cut on a single layer of fabric?
How do I keep my thread from getting tangled up?
How do I sew an invisible hem?
How determine the proper care for my fabric?
Do I need to keep my sewing machine covered?
How do I get a smooth finished seam?
Can I use generic parts and accessories for my sewing machine?
What kind of pins should I use?
How often do I need to oil my sewing machine?
How do I clean out the tension discs in my machine?
How do I change the light bulb in my sewing machine?
Do I need to preshrink my zippers?
How do I keep the seam straight?
How do I prepare my pattern before using it?
Should I use a surge protector with my machine?
What color should my walls be in my sewing room?
How can I save time cutting fabric?
How often do I need to change my machine needle?
How often should I have my sewing machine serviced?
What kind of thread should I use in my sewing machine?
How can I store sewing machine needles?
What kind of thread should I use?
How do I straighten my fabric?
What is done during routine servicing of my sewing machine?
Where should I buy my sewing machine?
How much should I spend for a sewing machine?
How can I sharpen my machine's needle?
