How to Remove Fabric Marker and Fabric Pencil Marks from Your Quilts

[@Luisancr]

Hi Leah, how do I remove the water soluble paper? I have tried warm water but some fibers seem to remain trapped in the threads

[@LeahDay]

It sounds like the paper you used was a fibrous water soluble which means it doesn't wash out fully. I would try this again with a stabilizer or paper that washes out 100%. You can test it by cutting off a little corner and getting it wet to see if it will dissolve completely. For the quilt you have now, the best bet is to use a needle or stiletto and poke at the bits surrounding the stitching until you either pull them out or poke then back under the fabric and thread.

[@dilininadishani7154]

Leah Day

[@Luisancr]

Leah Day thank u! I learn so much of you! I have been a quilter for less than a year and I gave no fear of any quilt thanks for the tips and teachings of your channel.

[@checiegirlcreations]

Hi Leah can you put your quilts into the washing machine and a dryer if it gets dirty? :)

[@LeahDay]

Oh yes! After a quilt is finished I always wash it in the washer and dryer. If it's a show quilt, I will tend to use the bathtub and block it to return to flat hang shape, but all my bed quilts and throws are treated just like my laundry (not very nicely). My feeling is if I didn't make it to last, it shouldn't be in my house!

[@checiegirlcreations]

Leah Day okay thanks that's good to know 😊

[@beverlymorris9155]

Leah, I'm about to start a quilt-as-you- go quilt. I've done a sample block and washed it. A few wrinkles, but not a lot. My question is: When I start to join two blocks, my blocks will have been washed (as you show in this video) and dried flat. So, not only will the markings be removed, but the starch also. The two strips (1 1/2 inch and 1 inch) that I use to complete the join will still have starch and be nice and stiff.. Is that going to be a problem? is there anything I need to do to allow for that difference?

[@LeahDay]

I wouldn't worry about a lack of starch in your blocks because they're already quilted, which means they should be more stable than just plain, unstarched fabric. If you want to go the extra mile, stitch a victory lap around the outer edge BEFORE you trim the blocks to the final size. You can see how this works here: leahday.com/blogs/machinequilting/how-to-connect-supersized-quilt-blocks-quilt-as-you-go-tutorial While it might seem crazy to stitch a victory lap on the line you're cutting, as you stitch 2 times inside that stitching, the block will shrink slightly, pulling that line of quilting to the inside of your cut line. It's very nice to have this victory lap to stabilize the edge and make it easier to connect the blocks together.

[@beverlymorris9155]

@@LeahDay Thanks!! I had planned to do the victory lap, but (brain not on gear) hadn't put that all together in my mind.

[@joyfaith8286]

How can I get rid of water stains from my quilt top? It has not been completed.

[@LeahDay]

I would finish the quilt completely, then soak it and wash it to remove the stains.

[@carolynhamlin7559]

Good Afternoon Leah. I am working on my first quilting project . I am just about done quilting each component. Would you recommend doing the victory lap prior to washing or after washing? I have been watching and learning from your tutorials how to quilt. So, in addition to the question. A huge Thank you for what you have taught me thus far!

[@LeahDay]

You're super welcome Carolyn! I do the victory lap after soaking the blocks because they do tend to shrink and change a bit after getting wet. Once the blocks are dry, that's the time to mark the finished size they will be, then quilt the victory lap.

[@carolynhamlin7559]

Thank you so much!! Not only for answering but for all you do to teach a dying art.

[@LeahDay]

Hmm...I really don't think quilting is going to die out anytime soon. It is just a hobby that a lot of women put off learning until they get older. But it's a VERY popular craft!