Using Frixion Pens in Sewing and Pattern Making

There are 2 types of Frixion pens:

1. Ball Point - I use these for marking patterns and embroidery (because you can hide the marks with stitching)
2. Gel - I believed these to be safer for marking material and the research showed this to be correct.

Permanent marker was used to number the materials and the paper;

• ODD numbers are Frixion Ball points
• EVEN are Frixion Gel
• Letters on each sample (P = Pink, M=Mauve, I= Blue Ink, B=Black, R = Red & G = Green.)

1. Iron was used to remove the marks (with press cloth for the delicate materials)
2. Materials were ​washed all together using the delicate cycle
3. The samples were left to dry overnight
4. A few samples were ironed because of a few creases caused by washing
5. Samples were placed in the freezer for several hours

Results​1 & 2 - Fleece PASS - both types of pen marks disappeared after washing and did not reappear when freezing​3 & 4​ Stretch cotton FAIL - (this is the type of material you would use for stretch trousers/skirts) - Warning, if you use Frixion pens on this type of fabric only do so in the seams the marks show up faintly​5 & 6 ​Cotton - FAIL & PASS -this one is shocking - the ballpoint ink comes back in cold temperatures! However, the Gel was a PASS.​7 & 8 Crepe - FAIL? - Both are marked as a failure, but that is being VERY strict. Hopefully, no one in their right mind would go out in freezing temperatures wearing only a see-through blouse! 9 & 10 Satin - FAIL & PASS - The main problem with the ballpoint with satin is the pressure mark of the pen. The Gel was a PASS after washing.​

NOTE: Please perform your own testing; we cannot be held responsible if you use the pens and ruin a garment because the above testing did not highlight a problem.

Conclusion

1. The ball point Frixion pens are best suited for marking patterns, slopers, test garments, embroidery (where you are going over the marks anyway) etc... They are more precise and clear at the designing stage. They work okay on a lot of fabrics; Please note; they have been found to show on very delicate material so always test first. When they do show it is mostly the indentation that is visible (however, very visible on satin types) because of the pressure of the ball in the pen. With that said, sometimes the ink does show too so TEST FIRST! These pens do not dry out as quickly as the gel pens.
   
2. Use the Gel FriXion pens on fabric (sometimes for the reasons stated in 1). FriXion Gel pens are like felt-tip pens and do not require much pressure but the colour can spread. The marks are easier to remove from very delicate fabrics with steam/iron but on really subborn marks washing should get all colour out. It is NOT recommended to use them at the design stage because they are thicker, the colour smudges so they are not as precise as the ball point FriXion pens. Please note; they DO dry out so always replace the lids after use.
3. If in doubt, use either pens but keep the markings to the seams.
   
4. ALWAYS test first!
   
5. Low temperatures - As regards the marks coming back if the material is frozen, as soon as you press/iron the item after freezing the marks go away again.
   1. There may be an occasion when you WANT to bring the markings back; in that case, you can do this if it is light weight cotton, use the ball point FriXion pen - pop the garment in the freezer. When you bring it out you can see how you marked the designs on the fabric because the marks may reappear. To remove the marks again simply press/iron the garment.