Sister's Choice Quilts

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Is This How It Works?

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I read a review of this Sewline fabric marking pencil recently, and the reviewer just loved it.  She went on and on about how easy it was to use and how when she has to draw diagonal lines on fabric there is nothing better etc etc.  It wasn't very expensive, so I added one to my Fatquartershop shopping cart the last time I placed an order and was excited to start using it.

I use various methods of making half square triangles, but sometimes if you just need a few, you end up drawing the diagonal line for stitching, right?   So, the pen arrived, and I took it out of the package.  It came with a little container of extra "leads" like you get with mechanical pencils.  The reviewer even mentioned that the pencil markings were very easy to remove with a damp cloth if it bothered you to have them on the wrong side of your fabric after stitching.

I scribbled a bit on a piece of white paper to "get it started".  Nothing.  It was as if I used invisible ink–or morel likely, as if the pencil didn't work.  Then I tried it on fabric.  It did not make any sort of visible line that I could see.  I was pretty sure I had gotten a defective one, because I tried it on every color fabric I could think of and it never made a mark.  Oh, there  may have been a little depression if I pressed really hard, but no mark like a pencil would make.

Finally I went to town with that pencil and scribbled like mad on the wrong side of a piece of fabric.  This is what I ended up with:

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I mean, can you even see those lines?  And I was pressing as hard as I could.  Seriously?  Am I doing something wrong?  Is that how it is supposed to look?  If so, this is the dumbest product I have ever purchased.  Why not just use a plain old pencil, chalk, a Frixion pen,  or even a Bic pen to draw your line?  At least you could see the blasted mark.  And the idea of using a damp cloth to "easily remove the marks" from the fabric makes me laugh.  I needed all the overhead lights on, the window blinds pulled up and a magnifying glass to even see those marks.

I must be using it wrong.  Do you dip it in lemon juice or put it in the freezer to make the marks show?  Like invisible ink?  If any of you have used this pen, and particularly if you like it, please leave a comment and tell us all why.

75 responses to “Is This How It Works?”

  1. I have one (mine appears to be an older model :)) and it does actually leave a yellow line without any effort on my part…I wonder how old your lead may be and then I wonder if that would make any difference. I see other colors of lead but I have and am using yellow. I am sorry your isn’t playing nicely because I do like and use mine! like you, there have been other product where the rave reviews compelled me to buy and then it was ehh, no.

  2. I have one (mine appears to be an older model :)) and it does actually leave a yellow line without any effort on my part…I wonder how old your lead may be and then I wonder if that would make any difference. I see other colors of lead but I have and am using yellow. I am sorry your isn’t playing nicely because I do like and use mine! like you, there have been other product where the rave reviews compelled me to buy and then it was ehh, no.

  3. I have one (mine appears to be an older model :)) and it does actually leave a yellow line without any effort on my part…I wonder how old your lead may be and then I wonder if that would make any difference. I see other colors of lead but I have and am using yellow. I am sorry your isn’t playing nicely because I do like and use mine! like you, there have been other product where the rave reviews compelled me to buy and then it was ehh, no.

  4. It appears you have the white lead which I only use for very dark fabric. It also comes with regular lead which is what I use the majority of the time. I do get the same results with a regular pental mechanical pencil with the smallest lead available. the lines on the fabric don’t bother me.

  5. It appears you have the white lead which I only use for very dark fabric. It also comes with regular lead which is what I use the majority of the time. I do get the same results with a regular pental mechanical pencil with the smallest lead available. the lines on the fabric don’t bother me.

  6. It appears you have the white lead which I only use for very dark fabric. It also comes with regular lead which is what I use the majority of the time. I do get the same results with a regular pental mechanical pencil with the smallest lead available. the lines on the fabric don’t bother me.

  7. I agree you must have bought the one with light lead. I don’t like mine either. The darker lead doesn’t always come off. What do other people use to transfer patterns etc.? I have had some trouble with Frixion pens too.

  8. I agree you must have bought the one with light lead. I don’t like mine either. The darker lead doesn’t always come off. What do other people use to transfer patterns etc.? I have had some trouble with Frixion pens too.

  9. I agree you must have bought the one with light lead. I don’t like mine either. The darker lead doesn’t always come off. What do other people use to transfer patterns etc.? I have had some trouble with Frixion pens too.

  10. I have one. I never use it. IT doesn’t work. I either use a mechanical pencil or a General pencil. Those work the best for me. Sorry you wasted your time and money. I did not know it has different leads. Maybe that is my problem? THe Frixon pens have always freaked me out. NEver tried them either. it has always been an irritating subject for me about how to mark. It seems like it should be a whole lot easier!
    Mary

  11. I have one. I never use it. IT doesn’t work. I either use a mechanical pencil or a General pencil. Those work the best for me. Sorry you wasted your time and money. I did not know it has different leads. Maybe that is my problem? THe Frixon pens have always freaked me out. NEver tried them either. it has always been an irritating subject for me about how to mark. It seems like it should be a whole lot easier!
    Mary

  12. I have one. I never use it. IT doesn’t work. I either use a mechanical pencil or a General pencil. Those work the best for me. Sorry you wasted your time and money. I did not know it has different leads. Maybe that is my problem? THe Frixon pens have always freaked me out. NEver tried them either. it has always been an irritating subject for me about how to mark. It seems like it should be a whole lot easier!
    Mary

  13. I have one that I bought several years ago at a quilt show. I tried it but really didn’t like it. And I am always ALWAYS nervous when a product says it will come off. I’m not interested in doing all that work and have a ghost line show up later.

  14. I have one that I bought several years ago at a quilt show. I tried it but really didn’t like it. And I am always ALWAYS nervous when a product says it will come off. I’m not interested in doing all that work and have a ghost line show up later.

  15. I have one that I bought several years ago at a quilt show. I tried it but really didn’t like it. And I am always ALWAYS nervous when a product says it will come off. I’m not interested in doing all that work and have a ghost line show up later.

  16. I used the white one on Navy Moda Bella to give me registration marks when free motion quilting. The marks came out very easily by spraying with water. I haven’t tried it on print fabric. I usually use my Bohin black lead or Sewline black lead but always check if it washes or erases out. Let’s hope what I marked yesterday comes out easily today – circles to quilt feathers in!

  17. I used the white one on Navy Moda Bella to give me registration marks when free motion quilting. The marks came out very easily by spraying with water. I haven’t tried it on print fabric. I usually use my Bohin black lead or Sewline black lead but always check if it washes or erases out. Let’s hope what I marked yesterday comes out easily today – circles to quilt feathers in!

  18. I used the white one on Navy Moda Bella to give me registration marks when free motion quilting. The marks came out very easily by spraying with water. I haven’t tried it on print fabric. I usually use my Bohin black lead or Sewline black lead but always check if it washes or erases out. Let’s hope what I marked yesterday comes out easily today – circles to quilt feathers in!

  19. I have used it often (because I have it) but quite honestly, the Sewline pencil is no different than another mechanical pencil, like Bic. The white lead ( which is what yours looks like), I exclusively use on really dark fabrics. I wouldn’t re purchase the dark lead Sewline but the white lead is worth it , but only for dark fabrics.

  20. I have used it often (because I have it) but quite honestly, the Sewline pencil is no different than another mechanical pencil, like Bic. The white lead ( which is what yours looks like), I exclusively use on really dark fabrics. I wouldn’t re purchase the dark lead Sewline but the white lead is worth it , but only for dark fabrics.

  21. I have used it often (because I have it) but quite honestly, the Sewline pencil is no different than another mechanical pencil, like Bic. The white lead ( which is what yours looks like), I exclusively use on really dark fabrics. I wouldn’t re purchase the dark lead Sewline but the white lead is worth it , but only for dark fabrics.

  22. I use mine all the time and really like it. The leads come in pink, green, white, and black. The black is regular pencil lead so does not wipe off easily. They also have a pencil now that you can use three colors of lead that just twist to change the color. it is even better than having to change the lead every time you change your fabric.

  23. I use mine all the time and really like it. The leads come in pink, green, white, and black. The black is regular pencil lead so does not wipe off easily. They also have a pencil now that you can use three colors of lead that just twist to change the color. it is even better than having to change the lead every time you change your fabric.

  24. I use mine all the time and really like it. The leads come in pink, green, white, and black. The black is regular pencil lead so does not wipe off easily. They also have a pencil now that you can use three colors of lead that just twist to change the color. it is even better than having to change the lead every time you change your fabric.

  25. I have one that’s several years old and like it. I use the whilte ledon dark fabrics and green lead on lighter fabrics. I always mark on the wrong side of the fabric so have never tried to remove the marks. I suppest you call the company and ask.
    Hugs!

  26. I have one that’s several years old and like it. I use the whilte ledon dark fabrics and green lead on lighter fabrics. I always mark on the wrong side of the fabric so have never tried to remove the marks. I suppest you call the company and ask.
    Hugs!

  27. I have one that’s several years old and like it. I use the whilte ledon dark fabrics and green lead on lighter fabrics. I always mark on the wrong side of the fabric so have never tried to remove the marks. I suppest you call the company and ask.
    Hugs!

  34. Mine are Bohin. I have green, white and grey leads. Green has been my favorite. I think it is one that just takes time getting use to it.

  35. Mine are Bohin. I have green, white and grey leads. Green has been my favorite. I think it is one that just takes time getting use to it.

  36. Mine are Bohin. I have green, white and grey leads. Green has been my favorite. I think it is one that just takes time getting use to it.

  37. I use Bohin and they have different color lead. White is for dark fabrics. There is a pencil color and green and I use those for lighter fabrics. And I do think it is better.

  38. I use Bohin and they have different color lead. White is for dark fabrics. There is a pencil color and green and I use those for lighter fabrics. And I do think it is better.

  39. I use Bohin and they have different color lead. White is for dark fabrics. There is a pencil color and green and I use those for lighter fabrics. And I do think it is better.

  40. Like you, I popped one in my cart when ordering from a FQS Black Friday sale. I can’t see re-purchasing it again. I have a few lead colours and don’t feel any of them stand out enough and, in fact, I feel like I’m dragging the fabric with all my might to draw the lines (like using a cheap, hard eyeliner pencil on your eye!). On dark fabrics, I use my hera marker and on the rest I use a cheap BIC mechanical pencil (and a light touch) and it works great!

  41. Like you, I popped one in my cart when ordering from a FQS Black Friday sale. I can’t see re-purchasing it again. I have a few lead colours and don’t feel any of them stand out enough and, in fact, I feel like I’m dragging the fabric with all my might to draw the lines (like using a cheap, hard eyeliner pencil on your eye!). On dark fabrics, I use my hera marker and on the rest I use a cheap BIC mechanical pencil (and a light touch) and it works great!

  42. Like you, I popped one in my cart when ordering from a FQS Black Friday sale. I can’t see re-purchasing it again. I have a few lead colours and don’t feel any of them stand out enough and, in fact, I feel like I’m dragging the fabric with all my might to draw the lines (like using a cheap, hard eyeliner pencil on your eye!). On dark fabrics, I use my hera marker and on the rest I use a cheap BIC mechanical pencil (and a light touch) and it works great!

  43. At some point in the past, I think I’ve tried to use one of these but had no luck with it. I don’t see it in my marking supplies so I must have thrown it out! I’ve been using a white ‘pencil’ that is sharpened in a regular pencil sharpener & a Frixon pen recently.

  44. At some point in the past, I think I’ve tried to use one of these but had no luck with it. I don’t see it in my marking supplies so I must have thrown it out! I’ve been using a white ‘pencil’ that is sharpened in a regular pencil sharpener & a Frixon pen recently.

  45. At some point in the past, I think I’ve tried to use one of these but had no luck with it. I don’t see it in my marking supplies so I must have thrown it out! I’ve been using a white ‘pencil’ that is sharpened in a regular pencil sharpener & a Frixon pen recently.

  46. I’ve actually used the Sewline white lead for quite awhile and have found the lead marks very easily on very dark fabrics. I’m pretty conservative about how I mark areas that could be seen. You shouldn’t have to bare down hard causing the fabric to drag. Sounds like something isn’t quite right.

  47. I’ve actually used the Sewline white lead for quite awhile and have found the lead marks very easily on very dark fabrics. I’m pretty conservative about how I mark areas that could be seen. You shouldn’t have to bare down hard causing the fabric to drag. Sounds like something isn’t quite right.

  48. I’ve actually used the Sewline white lead for quite awhile and have found the lead marks very easily on very dark fabrics. I’m pretty conservative about how I mark areas that could be seen. You shouldn’t have to bare down hard causing the fabric to drag. Sounds like something isn’t quite right.

  49. I have had good results most of the time but occasionally will get a “lead” that simply doesn’t work! And I have not had great success in removing the markings. 😏 I usually go back to Clover’s Fineline. I xpensive but it works. And for marking lines on the back oh halfsquare triangles I just use a mechanical pencil. No problems showing through.

  50. I have had good results most of the time but occasionally will get a “lead” that simply doesn’t work! And I have not had great success in removing the markings. 😏 I usually go back to Clover’s Fineline. I xpensive but it works. And for marking lines on the back oh halfsquare triangles I just use a mechanical pencil. No problems showing through.

  51. I have had good results most of the time but occasionally will get a “lead” that simply doesn’t work! And I have not had great success in removing the markings. 😏 I usually go back to Clover’s Fineline. I xpensive but it works. And for marking lines on the back oh halfsquare triangles I just use a mechanical pencil. No problems showing through.

  52. I love my Sewline to tell you the truth. I’ve bought it one sale a while back and I really rellay love it. I think you bought a white one that’s why you can hardly see the lines. Sorry, you are so unhappy with this product.

  53. I love my Sewline to tell you the truth. I’ve bought it one sale a while back and I really rellay love it. I think you bought a white one that’s why you can hardly see the lines. Sorry, you are so unhappy with this product.

  54. I love my Sewline to tell you the truth. I’ve bought it one sale a while back and I really rellay love it. I think you bought a white one that’s why you can hardly see the lines. Sorry, you are so unhappy with this product.

  55. I’ve used one for years. However, I didn’t know it came in different lead colors. I have regular lead/pencil color. It has an eraser that doesn’t work too great.
    I like it bc it makes thin lines but you could get the same effect with a mechanical pencil with fine lead.

  56. I’ve used one for years. However, I didn’t know it came in different lead colors. I have regular lead/pencil color. It has an eraser that doesn’t work too great.
    I like it bc it makes thin lines but you could get the same effect with a mechanical pencil with fine lead.

  57. I’ve used one for years. However, I didn’t know it came in different lead colors. I have regular lead/pencil color. It has an eraser that doesn’t work too great.
    I like it bc it makes thin lines but you could get the same effect with a mechanical pencil with fine lead.

  58. I don’t use this pencil but thought I’d share a free way of marking the diagonal for HSTs. Just fold corner to corner and iron it. If you iron wrong sides together you’ll have a nice trough for stitching in.

  59. I don’t use this pencil but thought I’d share a free way of marking the diagonal for HSTs. Just fold corner to corner and iron it. If you iron wrong sides together you’ll have a nice trough for stitching in.

  60. I don’t use this pencil but thought I’d share a free way of marking the diagonal for HSTs. Just fold corner to corner and iron it. If you iron wrong sides together you’ll have a nice trough for stitching in.

  61. I agree with the others that this is white lead. I have one also,I rarely use. I have another one that is Fons & Porters with dark lead which I use a lot. That is a ceramic lead and it doesn’t smudge as easy as the regular mechanical pencil leads. Nice for tracing applique patterns etc. By having 2 of these with different color lead I don’t have to replace leads when I need a dark or light pencil.

  62. I agree with the others that this is white lead. I have one also,I rarely use. I have another one that is Fons & Porters with dark lead which I use a lot. That is a ceramic lead and it doesn’t smudge as easy as the regular mechanical pencil leads. Nice for tracing applique patterns etc. By having 2 of these with different color lead I don’t have to replace leads when I need a dark or light pencil.

  63. I agree with the others that this is white lead. I have one also,I rarely use. I have another one that is Fons & Porters with dark lead which I use a lot. That is a ceramic lead and it doesn’t smudge as easy as the regular mechanical pencil leads. Nice for tracing applique patterns etc. By having 2 of these with different color lead I don’t have to replace leads when I need a dark or light pencil.

  64. Would be interested in knowing why you
    Haven’t returned it to a shop that sells them?
    The least they could do is give you a number to call to get feedback from the manuf..
    Have never had a problem with mine.

  65. Would be interested in knowing why you
    Haven’t returned it to a shop that sells them?
    The least they could do is give you a number to call to get feedback from the manuf..
    Have never had a problem with mine.

  66. Would be interested in knowing why you
    Haven’t returned it to a shop that sells them?
    The least they could do is give you a number to call to get feedback from the manuf..
    Have never had a problem with mine.

  67. I am sorry you are having trouble with this pencil. I have three. Use them almost exclusively for all my marking. I have three colors in each of the 3 pencils, white, graphite and yellow. I also use a spray bottle to remove the lines when I am done. I like them, they produce a fairly smooth medium line, easy to remove the marks. No complaints. I have the Sewline brand.

  68. I am sorry you are having trouble with this pencil. I have three. Use them almost exclusively for all my marking. I have three colors in each of the 3 pencils, white, graphite and yellow. I also use a spray bottle to remove the lines when I am done. I like them, they produce a fairly smooth medium line, easy to remove the marks. No complaints. I have the Sewline brand.

  69. I am sorry you are having trouble with this pencil. I have three. Use them almost exclusively for all my marking. I have three colors in each of the 3 pencils, white, graphite and yellow. I also use a spray bottle to remove the lines when I am done. I like them, they produce a fairly smooth medium line, easy to remove the marks. No complaints. I have the Sewline brand.

  73. I have a pencil colour and white and I ave two pens and just use the colour that suits the fabric……..great fine line………I love mine……

  74. I have a pencil colour and white and I ave two pens and just use the colour that suits the fabric……..great fine line………I love mine……

  75. I have a pencil colour and white and I ave two pens and just use the colour that suits the fabric……..great fine line………I love mine……