So in summary, straight from the manufacturer’s mouth so to speak, a summary of using the Frixion pens on fabric:

We sometimes take for granted just how often we need and use pens in our daily lives and the moment you desperately need one, there never seems to be one to hand. Our exciting WHSmith range encompasses thousands of styles and pen types so you need never be without one again. If you’re a dedicated handwriting aficionado, browse our selection of stylish fountain pens from Parker fountain pens to LAMY, Cross and Caran d'Ache for the ultimate writing experience. For those destined to scribble on every paper surface available, our selection of ballpoint pens, rollerball pens and gel pens are easy to use and beautifully designed. We have not had decades of time to learn whether the Frixion chemicals, designed for use on paper, will affect the fabric. There may be no change whatsoever or the inks-on-fabric may experience an unexpected change. Nobody knows. Only time will provide the answers.For me, I will not use these pens very often because I frequently do competition pieces. I cannot risk having any problems with the marking method I use. I think they are great pens for other marking needs but we need to be aware of their limitations. And remember that the Pilot pen company did not design these pens for fabric. I know many people who use Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers, but the only color you don’t ever want to use is the orange marker. If you use the orange marker it won’t wash out completely & will leave a faint yellow mark. There are few tools in the sewing room that could be called life-changing, but Hallelujah for the Frixion Pen! OK so maybe that's a little over the top but I love these pens so much I just can't stop talking about them. Whenever I recommend a fabric marker for one of my projects, I'll always link out the these sweeties.

Jenny thanks for the great article, my experience with Frixion pens found everything you said to be true. I have since used it successfully to remove ink stains and marks both old & new from many different fabrics. I know of a person who filled out some paperwork with a Frixion pen, and gave the papers to someone else. Of course she left them in a hot car, not knowing what could happen. Oh no! It’s blank! So the author re-wrote the paper, not knowing that the freezer would solve this issue. I do think we need to continue to pass the word about the “hazards” of using these pens. The marks will reappear if the quilt gets cold (anything below freezing I think-I did not confirm the specific temperature) unless the mark is completely removed with an ink remover. Even after a thorough steam of the marks, they will reappear in the cold. This is part of the inherent chemistry of the ink combination.The PILOT company is strongly committed to preserving the environment. Frixion erasable pens are made with a minimum of 50% recycled plastic (except for consumables), and are refillable for more economical, long-lasting use. For children just entering the world of writing, the right school pen can make all the difference. Our selection includes pen choices used nationally by schools with easy grip and smooth nibs - perfect for small hands and developing writing. So I was off to find it which I did at my local Lowe’s. I raced home to try it on my quilt. I was very wary but was thrilled when the marks were completely removed from my quilt. No ring, no shadow, no damage to the fabric, batting etc. Sometimes they left what I call a “ghost” mark after steaming the initial mark away. It was faint, but certainly not something you would want to see on your quilt. Well.. Thanks Tonya’s MOM.. you just saved my 9″ x40″ cotton quilt banner that I made for a little boys quilt.. I embroidered a Barn, Semi. and the John Deere tractor with the hay wagons pulling all the letters of the little boys name.

So while the ability to erase is nice, it’s not really always a good idea to use the pens, depending on what you intend to do with that piece of paper! Thank you, all, for your thoughts and sharing your experiences. Many quilts take a significant amount of time, the cost of the materials can also be significant. Each of us must decide whether the risk is worth the use of the Frixion pen or other chemically-based products.If you’re not familiar with Frixion pens, they are a line of pens and highlighters made by Pilot that are heat erasable. Frixion pens make a crisp, clear mark which goes on smoothly and easily with no skipping. After quilting, you simply steam the ink lines away and poof, they are gone! This seems like the Holy Grail of marking methods for us quilters. It is important to note that Pilot did not design the pens for fabric and did not test them on fabric while developing the concept. As to the ghost marks, I did not find a pattern as to which fabrics would show the marks. Some say that if you pre-wash your fabrics you won’t get those marks. That was not the case for me. So I had to test on any fabric I wanted to use them on to make sure I would not be left with ghost marks after steaming the ink marks away. Quilters wrote articles noting that if the marks reappeared in the cold, it was because the quilter did not thoroughly steam the marks. This simply is not the case. The ink combination used in the pens has two parts-one part makes the mark and one part makes the mark disappear. There is still ink left on your quilt after steaming, you just can’t see it. The ink is still there and will reappear in the cold. Tailor's chalk?In a variety of colors, doesn't make a very sharp line, can be a bugger to then try to remove it without washing. Drop it on the floor and it can break. Tends to drag the fabric as you mark I find. But it's been used for years in all the best tailoring establishments and many still love it. It might even come as standard in your beginner sewing kits.