How to Remove Yellow Chalk Lines From Fabric

Remove chalk lines on your quilt before washing.

Sewing projects like quilting and clothes-making have been around for hundreds of years. In the beginning, sewing was done by hand until the sewing machine was introduced in the 1800s. For sewing projects that use stitching, like quilts, lines are marked with chalk or other marking materials. Occasionally these chalk lines can be difficult to get out. Before machine washing the fabric, remove the chalk lines by hand to avoid the chalk running to other areas of the fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Sponge
• Fabric eraser
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Vinegar
• White cloth

Instructions

1. Dab the chalk with a clean sponge and cold water.

2. Rub the fabric gently with a fabric eraser.

3. Gently rub the fabric with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

4. Apply a small amount of vinegar to a white cloth, then rub gently on the fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• If this method does not remove the chalk completely, put the fabric in the washing machine. It is best not to pre-wash the fabric before attempting other methods, as the chalk may run to other areas of the fabric.

• Do not saturate the fabric with vinegar; only a small amount is needed.

References

• Generations Quilt Patterns: Remove Chalk Lines
• Women Folk: America's Quilting History

Resources

• Textiles in Depth: Fabric Marking