clover Hera Marker, 1, White

Good tool very useful for hemming skirts trousers etc.,

I use mine for smaller items

Just what I needed for my shashiko embroidery project an, as a bonus, works well with hand quilting projects.

First off, I know it’s a bit expensive for a bit of “plastic” but let me say this, it’s a resin, and is very sturdy. Not at all like cheap plastic. It’s the BEST tool in my kit of things. I use it to flatten seams so I don’t need to iron, and it marks and I use it to push out edges. So impressed with it I bought another. Absolutely amazing. If you’re thinking of getting one, don’t, just get it. You’ll love it.

Works well

I saw this in 'Simply Sewn' by Michiyo Ito and tried it as as alternative to tailors' chalk. Provided there's a solid surface under the fabric (one that sits between the fabric and tabletop or floor, in case of marking), the hera marker leaves remarkably clear indentations in the cloth. These are particularly visible on heavy linen, jersey and polyester suade. Though clear for immediate cutting, the lines do begin to smooth out if the fabric is lifted or left to drape for a time (thus the four stars). The hera marker is easy to move smoothly across the fabric for a straight or sweeping line and presents a good, long-lasting, hard-wearing alternative to traditional tailors' chalk.

I only came across this product when I bought a book on Sashiko. Never heard of it before (I learn something new everyday!).I also learnt that this was originally to be used with a colour tracing paper, but can be used without so long as you work quickly, because depending on what you work with the indentation might disappear soon afterwards.I have used this for marking fabric made of cotton and jersey and I it works as expected.Item is small, length less than a pencil, but a bit wider. It is ergonomic, easy to hold. Has a place in my sewing box.

Can you mark cloth with only pressure in a way that washes out? Yes you can. Use a mat (cutting mat or thick cardboard) underneath and always on a flat surface. Leaves a sharp little shiny line on the cloth with a slight crease. Small and surprisingly sturdy this is a great tool if you work with woven fabric and need to mark straight lines. Not suitable for marking curves or knits really.