Tailors Chalk problem..

lindos90

Hi, Can anyone give me any suggestions about how to help tailors chalk to make a decent mark on fabric please? I have several 'triangles' and have just bought a chalk pen too, none seem to want to leave a mark on fabric. Ive tried running a blade along one side of the triangles to make a sharper edge, and also used a pencil sharpener on the new chalk pencil, but nothing seems to work. When I see Youtube videos of people marking out fabric, their chalks seem to work so well  

I wonder if I need to rough it up a bit with a nail file, or dampen it maybe? The edges/point just seen to shiny to leave a mark. Any suggestions welcomed, thank you  

Sandtree

What are you trying to mark on? Some materials are easier than others.

lindos90

Thankyou for your reply Sandtree. I've tried on a variety of fabrics ranging from polycottons, felt and 100% cotton. It just seems way to shiny to leave a mark.

Katiehound

Would you be able to use a 'lead' pencil instead? I use a pencil if the mark is going to be hidden / doesn't matter (usually HB or F rather than a darker, softer
I keep trying to put the letter b  for Bravo- and it turns it into a silly face!!

twopenny

There may be a 'finish' on the fabric. I seem to remember this from long ago and know it still applies.

Have you tried it on the inside of a cotton shirt or sheet? One that's been washed a few times and that will tell you if it's the fabric.

But first, if it's the glaze on the chalk, perhaps it's gone on thicker than usual. A sharp knife scraping off the edge might help. I've found that they work better, blunter.

I did have one that didn't work. Others I have bought have been fine but did need rubbing up and down on paper first.

I've used a pencil too when it won't show

Marcon

You need a 'rough' edge on the chalk. A quick rub with an emery board or fine sandpaper should do the trick - or just break off a very small piece of the corner (cutting isn't nearly so effective). 

Teapot55

 @Katiehound
I’ve seen this problem with ‘rogue’ emojis on other posts too. If you’re typing a sentence that involves a capital ‘B’ and then a bracket it’ll probably stop misbehaving if you leave a space after the ‘B’  . . . like this: B ). 

447772797039

I use the heat erasable pens, only used once they leave a good mark but soon get on fingers when moving fabric or putting pins in etc

Marcon

447772797039 said:

I use the heat erasable pens, only used once they leave a good mark but soon get on fingers when moving fabric or putting pins in etc

Water soluble pens might be a better bet (but of course don't show up on some fabrics, especially dark colours). Can recommend this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/HEMLINE-WIPE-OFF-MARKER-H295/dp/B003KBN4ZY/ref=asc_df_B003KBN4ZY/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=214544419128&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9613014279624605264&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045963&hvtargid=pla-423579396475&psc=1

Stashbuster

I always had trouble getting tailors chalk to work on different fabrics - gave up and now use crayola washable markers 😂😂