Marking Tools and Seam Sealants at Linda's Electric Quilters
Precise marking is the foundation of accurate piecing and quilting. This guide covers chalk, heat-erase, air-erase, and water-soluble options, plus seam sealants. Pair these with our quilting stencils, non-slip rulers, and hand sewing needles and pins.
Bohin Mechanical Chalk Pencil
The Bohin Mechanical Chalk Pencil is the premium chalk marking tool for quilting -- a mechanical pencil-style body with a thin chalk lead that produces a precise, fine line for marking quilting designs, seam allowances, and cutting lines on fabric. Available in White (with refill included) and Grey refill. The mechanical format means the line width is always consistent -- no sharpening required. The chalk marks remove cleanly by brushing or pressing.
Frixion Pen Assortment -- Heat Erase
Pilot FriXion pens use heat-erasable ink -- press with a warm iron and the marks vanish completely. The 8-pack assortment in Fine Point 0.7mm provides multiple colours for different fabric backgrounds. Particularly popular for foundation paper piecing notation, design sketching on fabric, and temporary marking that needs to survive handling before being pressed out. Note: marks can reappear in extreme cold -- keep finished quilts at room temperature.
Air Erase Marker -- X-Fine Purple by Clover
The Air Erase (air-soluble) marker disappears automatically over 24-48 hours when exposed to air -- no pressing or washing required. The X-Fine Purple tip by Clover produces a thin, precise line ideal for detailed marking. Best used on projects that will be completed within a day or two of marking.
Dual Purpose Marking Pen
A combination water-soluble and air-erase pen -- use the water-soluble end for longer-lasting marks that wash out, and the air-erase end for temporary marks. The dual format provides maximum flexibility for different marking needs in a single tool.
Ultimate Marking Pencil and Sharpener Set
A comprehensive marking pencil set with multiple pencil colours and a matching sharpener -- covers light fabrics, dark fabrics, and everything in between.
Fray Check Liquid Seam Sealant by Dritz
Fray Check is a clear liquid seam sealant that penetrates fabric and prevents fraying at cut edges, thread ends, and seam starts. Apply a small drop to the end of a knotted thread, the corner of a seam, or a raw fabric edge to permanently prevent unravelling.
Shop All Marking Tools at Linda's
Frequently Asked Questions
Are FriXion pens safe for quilting?
FriXion heat-erase pens are widely used and press out completely with a warm iron. Two cautions: marks can reappear if the quilt is exposed to extreme cold (below roughly -10C), and on some fabrics a faint ghost line may remain -- always test on a scrap first, and avoid using them on heirloom or show quilts.
Which marking tool works best on dark fabric?
White or light chalk is the standard for dark fabrics -- the Bohin Mechanical Chalk Pencil in White gives a fine consistent line that brushes away cleanly. The Ultimate Marking Pencil set also includes light colours specifically for dark backgrounds.
How long do air-erase marks last?
Air-soluble ink like the Clover X-Fine Purple typically disappears within 24-48 hours of exposure to air -- faster in humid conditions. Only mark what you'll sew that day, and never iron over air-erase marks, as heat can set them permanently.