Your guide to fabric pens NZ and marking tools for sewing projects

At Clothing by Désirée, we understand that every successful sewing project, whether it’s creating a beautiful bespoke dress or making a simple alteration, starts with precision. That’s why we’re passionate about offering high-quality sewing supplies right here in our Wellington workroom and shipping them across New Zealand. Among our most popular and essential tools for any crafter or seamstress are fabric pens NZ — and we're here to help you navigate the best options for your next creative endeavour.

From marking seam allowances to transferring intricate embroidery designs, the right fabric marking tool can make all the difference. We’ve personally selected tools that meet our high standards for quality and ease of use, ensuring your designs are clear and, most importantly, temporary when they need to be.

Why choose the right fabric marking tool?

The world of sewing supplies can be vast, but some tools are simply non-negotiable. Fabric pens NZ, along with other marking tools, are crucial because they allow you to accurately transfer patterns, indicate stitching lines, and mark alterations without permanently damaging your fabric. Imagine spending hours designing a new top or altering a beloved skirt only to find your markings won't disappear! We’ve all been there, and that’s why we advocate for choosing the right tool for the job.

Whether you're outlining a pattern or simply making a quick hem adjustment, precision in marking directly impacts the final fit and finish of your project. Our commitment to creating durable, stylish clothing extends to the tools we recommend for your own projects.

Heat erasable fabric pens NZ: a modern marvel

One of the most revolutionary innovations in fabric marking has to be the heat erasable fabric pen. We absolutely love these for their convenience and reliability. Here at Clothing by Désirée, we stock excellent options that have become favourites among our team and customers alike.

What are heat erasable fabric pens?

Heat erasable fabric pens contain a special ink that becomes invisible when subjected to heat. This means you can mark your fabric with confidence, knowing that a quick press with an iron or even the heat from your hands, will make the markings disappear without a trace. It's truly like magic for your sewing projects!

We offer these fantastic pens individually if you want to try one out: Heat Erasable Fabric Pens. And for those who are ready to dive in, we also have a convenient bundle with multiple colours: Heat Erasable Fabric Pens Bundle. The bundle is perfect for projects requiring different coloured markings or for having backups ready to go.

Pros of heat erasable fabric pens:

• Clean removal: The primary advantage is the ease with which marks vanish with heat. No scrubbing, no residue, just a clean fabric surface.

• Precision: These pens have fine tips, allowing for accurate and detailed marking. This is essential for intricate designs or precise alterations on our women's designer clothing.

• Variety of colours: Our bundle includes various colours, which can be useful for marking on different fabric colours or for distinguishing between different types of markings (e.g., cut line vs. stitch line).

• Versatile: Works well on a wide range of fabrics, from delicate silks to sturdy cottons.

• Instant removal: Just a touch of a hot iron, and the marks are gone instantly.

Cons of heat erasable fabric pens:

• Temperature sensitivity: Marks can reappear if exposed to extremely cold temperatures, though this is rare in most sewing environments.

• Testing required: Always test on a scrap piece of your fabric first to ensure complete removal and no ghosting, especially on very light colours.

• Limited shelf life: Like any pen, the ink can dry out over time if not capped properly.

• Heat-sensitive fabrics: Not ideal for fabrics that cannot withstand heat, such as certain synthetics or delicate embellishments although the amount of heat required for these markers is minimal, its still worth taking into consideration.

Tailor's chalk pencil: the traditional workhorse

While we embrace modern innovations like heat erasable fabric pens NZ, we also recognise the timeless value of traditional tools. The tailor’s chalk pencil is a staple in any sewing kit for good reason. It offers a different set of benefits, making it an indispensable tool for many projects.

You can find our reliable tailor's chalk pencil here: Tailor's Chalk Pencil.

What is a tailor's chalk pencil?

A tailor’s chalk pencil is a specialised pencil that uses chalk instead of lead. It's designed to make clear, accurate marks on fabric that can be easily brushed away without leaving a permanent stain. It’s perfect for temporary markings on a wide range of materials.

Pros of tailor's chalk pencils:

• Temporary marks: Marks are easily brushed or washed away, making them ideal for temporary guides.

• No heat needed for removal: Great for fabrics that are sensitive to heat or for projects where an iron isn't readily available.

• Visible on dark fabrics: Often available in light colours, making them highly visible on dark or patterned fabrics where pens might blend in.

• Natural material: Chalk is a natural material, which appeals to many sewers.

• Affordable: Generally a very cost-effective marking solution.

Cons of tailor's chalk pencils:

• Less precise: The tip of a chalk pencil can be thicker than a fabric pen, leading to slightly less precise lines.

• Can rub off: Marks can rub off easily during handling, which might be a disadvantage for complex projects requiring marks to stay visible for longer.

• Dust/residue: Can leave a slight chalky residue that needs to be brushed away.

• Breakage: The chalk lead can be brittle and prone to breaking if dropped or pressed too hard.

Comparing heat erasable fabric pens vs. tailor's chalk pencils

To help you decide which tool is best for your specific needs, here's a quick comparison of our heat erasable fabric pens NZ and tailor's chalk pencils:

Ultimately, the best choice often depends on your project and fabric. Many sewers, including us in our Wellington workroom, find it beneficial to have both types of tools on hand. For fine, detailed work or complex pattern transfers, the precision of a heat erasable fabric pen is unmatched. For quick alterations or on fabrics where heat is a concern, a tailor’s chalk pencil is a perfect alternative.

Other essential sewing supplies to consider

Beyond fabric pens NZ, we offer a curated selection of sewing supplies designed to enhance your crafting experience. As a women's fashion label dedicated to quality, we know that the right tools make all the difference, whether you're making one of our elegant dresses or embarking on your own creative journey.

• Zips: We stock essential items like dress zips 15cm and dress zips 55cm for your projects.

• Bobbins: Essential for any sewing machine, we have both domestic and industrial bobbins.

• Loop turners: A handy tool for turning narrow fabric tubes right side out for straps or ties: Loop Turner.

• Buttons and Fasteners: From functional jeans buttons to decorative ones: button covers.

About Clothing by Désirée: quality and craftsmanship

At Clothing by Désirée, we are more than just a clothing label; we are a community passionate about quality, comfort, and style. As a New Zealand-based company, all our designing, pattern making, samples, and custom-made items are created with care in our Wellington workroom. This dedication to local production ensures that when you purchase from us, you're investing in ethically produced, high-quality garments and supplies.

Our commitment extends to supporting women in business, as we utilise skilled sewing outworkers who run their businesses from home. We believe in clothing that lasts, which is why we also offer a comprehensive alterations service to ensure your garments fit perfectly for years to come.

Whether you’re looking for stylish dresses, perfectly tailored trousers, or the best fabric pens NZ for your home projects, we strive for customer satisfaction with every interaction. We offer free nationwide shipping within New Zealand on orders over $150 and flexible payment options including Laybuy, PayPal and credit card.

Explore our range of sewing supplies today and discover the difference that quality tools can make in your creative work. If you have any questions about our fabric pens NZ or any other products, don't hesitate to reach out! You can contact us at desiree@clothingbydesiree.com or call us at (021) 11 35100.

Frequently asked questions about fabric pens NZ

What are fabric pens NZ used for in sewing?

Fabric pens are primarily used to mark temporary lines on fabric for various sewing tasks, such as marking cutting lines, seam allowances, dart placements, embroidery designs, and quilting patterns. They help ensure precision before you make a permanent stitch.

How do heat erasable fabric pens work?

Heat erasable fabric pens contain specialized ink that becomes invisible when exposed to heat. This means once you've finished marking and sewing, a hot iron can be passed over the fabric, and the marks will disappear completely, leaving no trace.

Are tailor's chalk pencils better than fabric pens?

Neither is inherently "better"; they serve different purposes. Tailor's chalk pencils are excellent for temporary markings that need to be brushed off and are ideal for heat-sensitive fabrics. Heat erasable fabric pens offer finer lines and disappear with heat, which is great for precision work on most fabrics. Many sewers use both, selecting the tool best suited for the specific task and fabric.

Do fabric pen marks come back after being erased?

Heat erasable fabric pen marks can sometimes reappear if the fabric is exposed to very cold temperatures (below approximately -5°C). However, for typical New Zealand climates and indoor use, this is rarely an issue. If they do reappear, another application of heat will remove them again.

Where can I buy reliable fabric pens NZ?

You can purchase high-quality fabric pens NZ, including our popular heat erasable options and tailor's chalk pencils, directly from our sewing supplies section at Clothing by Désirée. We ensure all our products meet our standards for reliability and ease of use.