I saw this posted on Facebook today. It is apparently from Pilot Pen UK marketing, regarding Frixion pens and needlework. I have tried to find the source of this image, but cannot. I therefore cannot guarantee it is legitimate, but it certainly highlights some real concerns for me.
I have always been extremely wary of Frixion pens. Just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean it isn’t still there. And some time later it may indeed become obvious that it is still there.
So, for those who have been using Frixion pens or those blue fabric markers (which scare me equally!) what is a good alternative?
The product I recommend is a wash out fabric pencil. The brand I recommend and sell is Sewline. Rather than being a regular graphite lead, Sewline fabric pencils use a lead made from ceramic. It washes out, and depending on the surface of the fabric you’re putting it on, it may also be able to be erased, using the eraser on the end of the pencil.
These are preferable to markers and Frixion pens because the markings are drawn onto the surface of the fabric and are inert. The lead doesn’t sink in to the fabric’s fibres. It makes a nice fine line that doesn’t bleed. It doesn’t rely on a heat-based reaction to disappear – it is washed off or rubbed off. If you can see it, it is there; if you can’t see it, it isn’t there.
If your needlework is something that doesn’t matter how long it lasts, then by all means, keep using Frixion pens or fabric markers. But if you want your embroidery to remain undamaged over time by the markings that you’ve used, then I strongly suggest changing to using a wash out fabric pencil.
You can purchase these from my online shop. I also have them with white lead for drawing on dark coloured fabrics. And there are replacement lead packs for when you have used up the six leads that come with your pencil.
The packaging has recently changed, but I haven’t had the opportunity to update my images yet – the product is still the same great product, but with protective cardboard rather than plastic packaging.
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
Love your designs.
Can you confirm whether your books Portuguese Whitework and Ukrainian pulled thread will be reprinted.
Yes, they will. Just not sure of any timing for that right now.
Real or not, it makes sense. I mean…after pressing the marks away, they do come back when they get cold enough. So that means the ink is remaining in the fabric. It might not be such a big deal on items that can be laundered like quilts (assuming the ink washes out), but on needlework that can’t be…I’m not going to use it. I have no illusions that my work will last 100 years, even so, if those marks came back and started to rot the fabric in 10-15 years, I’d be peeved.
I’ve used the wash away blue markers on quilts, but the marks get sprayed away as I go, plus they get a good laundering when the quilt is finished. That’s not always an option on needlework though, is it? I mean, the needlework can often be soaked, but it’s not quite the same as a swishy trip through the washing machine.
The ceramic pencils are nice!
I used to work as a picture framer. Everything we did when framing people’s artworks, needleworks, special items etc was predicated on the idea that the work should be completely recoverable. We did not want to do anything to it that might cause it to be damaged, or unable to be retrieved at a future date. I think this perhaps has influenced me in my needleworking. I want what I do to not damage the fibres, in order that they will last well. And therefore I choose my method of marking carefully.
I have the Sewline Fabric Pencil that used lightly on evenweave and I cannot get the pencil lines out I don’t know what’s happened 🙂
That seems extremely unusual, Cathie, and I am sorry it is happening! Have you tried washing it? I have used them on 38 count linen for Portuguese whitework and found that underneath the bullions (which sometimes move aside) it can remain at times. A little rub with the thumbnail when it’s wet and it goes away.
Maybe, contact Sewline for some advice? I think you’re in Australia, so that would be https://sewline.com.au/contact-sewline/