How to Use a Marking Kit with Iron-On Tape & Pen for Sewing

Quick answer

To use a marking kit for sewing, first test your pen and tape on a fabric scrap. Transfer pattern markings to the fabric's wrong side using the pen for temporary marks or iron-on tape for a secure hold. Always follow the manufacturer's heat settings and remove marks before they set permanently.

Pattern markings guide every seam, dart, and buttonhole, but they only help if you can see them clearly and remove them cleanly. A marking kit for sewing typically includes a marking pen and iron-on tape, giving you two complementary ways to transfer markings to fabric without damaging it.

This tutorial walks through the exact steps to use a marking pen and tape together, from testing on scraps to removing marks after stitching. You'll also find practical tips to avoid the most common mistakes, like heat damage or marks that reappear after washing.

What a Marking Kit Includes and When to Use Each Tool

A basic marking kit for sewing usually contains a marking pen and iron-on tape. The pen works well for temporary marks on most fabrics, especially when you need to draw a line quickly. Iron-on tape is better for slippery or hard-to-mark fabrics because it holds the mark in place until you stitch, then dissolves in water. Use the pen for darts, pleats, and pocket placements, and switch to tape for seams, hems, or zippers that shift easily.

Before you mark anything, test both tools on a scrap of your fashion fabric. Some pens may not show up on dark colors, and some tapes may not stick to heavily textured fabrics. This quick test saves you from discovering a problem after you've already marked your garment pieces.

• Keep a scrap of each fabric you plan to mark; test pen and tape there first.
• If your kit doesn't include tape, you can use a product like Wonder Tape, Double-Sided, which is water-dissolvable and won't gum up your needle.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Marking Pen and Tape

Start by transferring your pattern markings to the fabric's wrong side using your marking pen. Place your pattern piece on the fabric and use a ruler or straightedge to draw darts, dots, and lines precisely. For curved areas, make small dashes rather than a solid line so the pen doesn't drag or skip. If you're working with a fabric that shifts, like jersey or satin, switch to iron-on tape: cut a small piece, place it on the mark, and press with a warm iron (no steam) for a few seconds. The tape will hold the marking securely until you sew.

After stitching, remove the pen marks according to the pen manufacturer's instructions. Some pens fade with air or water, while others need a special eraser. Iron-on tape disappears when you wash the fabric. Always remove marks before ironing the finished garment, because heat can set pen marks permanently. If you used tape, check that it has fully dissolved; if not, rinse again with cool water.

• Common mistake: pressing too hard with the iron on tape, which can melt it onto the iron. Use a pressing cloth and low heat.
• Checkpoint: before stitching, lift the fabric and make sure the tape hasn't shifted. If it has, re-press.

Choosing the Right Tools for Your Fabric

Not all marking tools work on all fabrics. For delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon, use a fine-tip pen and test first; some pens can bleed. For heavy fabrics like denim or canvas, iron-on tape may not adhere well, so use a pen with a thicker tip or tailor's chalk. If you're marking a stretch fabric, consider using a lightweight clear elastic to stabilize the area before marking, which can prevent distortion.

If you're new to sewing, a kit like the Embroidery Starter Set includes a variety of marking and stitching tools, but it's designed for embroidery rather than general garment sewing. For general marking, a dedicated marking kit or individual tools like the Sewers Aid for Smooth Hand & Machine Sewing can help your needle glide through fabrics without skipping, especially when you're working with thick layers.

• Always follow the fabric manufacturer's care instructions when using heat or water to remove marks.
• If you're marking a lot of pieces, work in batches to keep your markings consistent.

Step-by-Step Marking Kit Tutorial

1. Test on a scrap: Before marking your garment, test both the pen and iron-on tape on a scrap of your fashion fabric. Check that the pen shows up clearly and that the tape adheres without leaving residue. This step prevents permanent marks or heat damage. If the pen bleeds or the tape doesn't stick, try a different tool or fabric preparation.
2. Transfer markings with pen or tape: Place your pattern on the fabric's wrong side. Use the pen to draw darts, dots, and lines, or cut small pieces of iron-on tape and press them over the marks with a warm, dry iron. For tape, press for 3–5 seconds; let cool before moving the fabric. Checkpoint: lift the fabric gently to ensure tape hasn't shifted. Re-press if needed.
3. Stitch and remove marks: Sew your seams as usual. After stitching, remove pen marks according to the pen's instructions (often with water or air). Iron-on tape will dissolve in the wash. Always remove marks before final pressing to avoid setting them. If tape residue remains, rinse with cool water. Never iron over tape that hasn't dissolved.

Tools That Make Marking Easier

• Wonder Tape, Double-Sided: Wonder Tape is a water-dissolvable double-sided tape that offers a simple and practical alternative to basting with pins. Use the tape to "baste" hems, zippers, seams or anything that needs to be temporarily secured before stitching. After securing with tape, stitch as normal by hand or machine. Wonder Tape will not gum up needle. Tape disappears when the fabric is washed without leaving any residue behind. It holds markings and seams in place without pins, so you can sew accurately and then wash the tape away.
• Sewers Aid for Smooth Hand & Machine Sewing, 1/2 fl. oz.: Dritz Sewer's Aid is a clear non-staining lubricant that can be used for many sewing applications. A drop on sewing machine needles will help reduce skipped stitching; a drop on hand needles allows for smoother and easier penetration into fabrics. Add a drop to your spool and bobbin thread to help lubricate the machine as thread passes through the guides, and a drop on scissor blades provides smooth cutting action. When you're stitching over marked areas, a drop on your needle or thread reduces friction and skipped stitches, keeping your markings intact until you remove them.

Using a marking kit with iron-on tape and pen gives you flexible, accurate markings that wash or fade away cleanly. Test first, mark precisely, and remove marks before pressing. With a little practice, these tools become as essential as your sewing machine.