What is Tailor’s Chalk?

Used for making markings on textiles, either by clothing manufacturers,  seamstresses, tailors or sewing at home.  Tailor Chalk mainly consists of two types of substances:  wax-based and clay-based. When Tailor Chalk is properly formulated, it will mark fabric for cutting and alterations in tailoring and dressmaking work.

Textile Manufacturing

Tailor’s chalk was conventionally made with hard chalk to make temporary markings, and has been a favourite of tailors and seamstresses for over a century.  This specialty fabric marking chalk also indicates the spots on a garment where fabric might need to be taken in or let out, shortened or lengthened, or a pleat needs to be made.  This makes it easy to see the exact intended location, even after the material has been flipped, folded, or hung multiple times.  Whether it be for buttons, seams, hems, or lapels, these are truly the best tools for making temporary guide marks on a garment or accessory that is being altered.

The usefulness also extends itself to drapery, upholstery, carpeting, athletic gear, and footwear among other commercial/industrial applications.

 

Tailor’s Chalk Basics

Tailor’s chalk usually comes in a rectangular or triangular shape that can resemble a small piece of soap, with a practical size and texture.  It can also be found in traditional (long tube) crayon shapes, as well as several bright colors to ensure clear visibility on a number of textures.

• WHAT? Tailor’s chalk is usually a hardened piece of wax or clay, which comes in a variety of shapes, and is used to make temporary guideline marks on a garment or piece of fabric.
• WHERE? Perfect for marking hemlines, seams, patterns, buttonholes, and placement of decorative accents on clothing, accessories, and art projects.
• HOW TO PURCHASE? Simply select the variety you need from among Carmel’s line of Wax-based or Clay-based Tailor’s chalk, and talk to one of our friendly representatives at (514) 270-5377.

 

Arts and Crafts

Among artistic endeavours, the possibilities are endless.  Be it fabric collages, hand puppets, dolls, decorative cushions, embroidery, costumes, or whatever a schoolteacher can imagine for their students to create.  Tailor’s chalk is good for amateurs or professional tailors and seamstresses.

Ever heard of Bedazzling?  In an era where technology is putting creative control back in the hands of the consumer, this has become a huge hobby.  The new rage has become individuals dressing up their homemade (or even store-bought) clothing, headwear, and handbags with ornamental embellishments.  Tailor’s chalk is fantastic for marking the locations for rhinestones, studs, sequins, zippers, and piping.

Tips for Best Use

1. How to hold the chalk?  It depends on your piece’s shape. Think about wear, and consider using different points/sides for a triangular chalk, versus rectangular.   Also alternate sides to avoid wearing it down all on one end.
2. Use the flat edge of Tailor’s chalk for larger lines and marking around big pattern pieces, and consider non-permanent coloured pencils or school chalk for finer details like buttonholes.
3. The direction of marking strokes should always depend on the fabric type and its weave. Don’t go against the grain, and consider that some materials stretch more than others. Avoid pressing too hard or pulling against the weave, to avoid damage.
4. Larger pieces are great for quick imperfect lines, like marking the hem of pant legs that are too long.
5. Draw temporary lines from the inside corner to the outside corner of your border pieces to create mitered corners on quilting projects.

Carmel’s Product Lines

WAX-BASED Tailor Chalk is also referred to as Tailor’s Crayons

• Super-Glide Tailor Chalk (C3001) — Our most popular chalk with a 1/4″ (6 mm) groove. 10 Colours available.
• Triple-Groove Tailor Chalk (C3050) — Large size for an increased life span with 3 grooves for better grip. 9 Colours available.

 

• Everlast Tailor Chalk (crayon 9R) — Extra strength for a longer life span. 9 grooves on each side for an easy grip.  1 Colour available (natural).

*Carmel’s wax-based tailor chalks are also available in traditional crayon profile (long cylindrical shape with pointed tip at one end).

2 profiles available: square  and pencil shape

REMOVAL: The white colour may sometimes be ironed out, when markings are no longer needed, depending on the type of material-in such cases you are required to test on a scrap piece of material before marking.

CLAY-BASED

• Triangle Clay Tailor Chalk: Premium grade compressed clay chalk for greater longevity.

4 Colours, and assorted colour packs available.

• Square Clay Tailor Chalk: Premium grade compressed clay chalk for greater longevity.

4 Colours, and assorted colour packs available.

REMOVAL: The white colour may sometimes be brushed off,  when markings are no longer needed, depending on the type of material-in such cases you are required to test on a scrap piece of material before marking.

 

 

For expert advice on Tailor’s Chalk and other professional marking tools, call (514) 270-5377 or E-mail us at info@carmelindustries.com today.