Hand Embroidery Transfer Pens the Complete Guide

If you’re still here and not daunted by the array of hand embroidery needles we discussed the other day, welcome to part two of our exploration into essential tools for our dear craft. Today, we’ll talk about hand embroidery transfer pens. And don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee or tea, as we have quite a bit to cover!

Please keep in mind that you don’t need every transfer pen under the sun. I wrote this guide to help you understand when and how to use them effectively, so you can choose the right transfer pen for your specific project.

Disclaimer: This article might contain some affiliate links, you can read the full Disclosure Policy here.

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Types of Embroidery Transfer Pens

Embroidery transfer pens are specially designed tools that allow you to easily transfer designs onto fabric, getting rid of the need for tedious tracing methods like prick and pounce or other complicated transfer methods.

These pens come in various types, each offering unique benefits tailored to different projects, but they also have drawbacks for certain types of hand embroidery.

1. Water-Soluble Pens

Hand embroidery transfer pens water soluble

These pens use water-soluble ink that disappears when exposed to water, making them ideal for temporary markings. They are perfect for transferring designs onto light-colored fabrics without leaving behind any residue.

Pros:

Temporary Markings: Water-soluble pens produce markings that disappear when exposed to water, making them perfect for temporary guidelines.
Suitable for Light-Colored Fabrics: These pens work well on light-colored fabrics without leaving behind any residue.
Easy to Use: They are simple to use, making them beginner-friendly and ideal for quick projects.

Cons:

Not Suitable for Dark Fabrics: Water-soluble pens may not show up well on dark fabrics, making them less versatile for a wide range of projects.
Not Suitable for Certain Types of Embroidery: To remove the markings, you need to soak the finished embroidery in lukewarm water. However, this may not be feasible for certain types of hand embroidery like: stumpwork, goldwork, some needle paintings, or any delicate designs that you don’t want to disturb once completed.
Markings Can Fade Over Time: In humid environments, the markings might fade faster than expected, so I don’t recommend using them if you’re working on complicated projects.

Where to Buy:

2. Heat-Erasable Pens

Hand embroidery transfer pens heat erasable

Heat-erasable pens use thermo-sensitive ink that disappears when ironed or using a hairdryer. They are great for temporary markings, but it’s essential to test these pens on a scrap of fabric before using them on your project, as some fabrics may react differently to the heat.

Pros:

Precise Markings: Heat-erasable pens produce clear and precise markings that disappear when exposed to heat. To remove the markings just use an iron or a hairdryer once you finished yoru embroidery.
Suitable for Various Fabrics: These pens work well on a variety of fabrics, including both light and dark colors, offering versatility for different projects.

Cons:

Potential for Residue: If not properly removed, heat-erasable pen markings may leave behind a faint residue on the fabric, requiring extra care during the removal process.
Test Required: It’s essential to test these pens on a scrap of fabric before using them on your project, as some fabrics may react differently to the heat, potentially causing damage.

Where to Buy:

Frixion Heat Erasable Transfer Pen

3. Air-Erasable Pens

Air-erasable pens contain ink that fades over time when exposed to air. These pens are also suitable for temporary markings but may not be ideal for more complicated projects when long stitching hours are required, as the markings may disappear before you complete your embroidery.

Pros:

Fade Over Time: Air-erasable pens produce markings that fade over time when exposed to air, offering a temporary guideline that gradually disappears on its own.
Ideal for Temporary Guidelines: They are perfect for projects with short durations, where the markings need to remain visible only temporarily.
No Additional Steps Required: Unlike water-soluble and heat-erasable pens, air-erasable pens do not require additional steps for removal, as the markings fade naturally.

Cons:

Not Suitable for Intricate Projects: The markings may disappear before you complete your embroidery, especially for projects that require more time, making them less suitable for intricate designs.
Less Control Over Markings: Since the markings fade over time, there is less control over how long they remain visible, potentially causing issues if you need the guidelines to stay intact for a specific duration.

Where to Buy:

4. White Gel Pens

I use white gel pens as a reinforcement when transferring patterns onto dark fabrics. As a first step, I use white carbon transfer paper. However, often the markings from the carbon paper are faded and not as visible as I need them to be. That’s when I use a white gel pen to reinforce the markings.

Pros:

Great for Dark Fabrics: These pens are great for dark or thicker fabrics where transferring using a source of light is difficult. Use them in addition to white carbon transfer paper.
Fine Tip: They usually come in different sizes. I use the 05 fine tip from the Sakura brand when transferring hand embroidery patterns on dark fabrics.

Cons:

Permanence: Most gel pens are permanent. Once transferred, the ink becomes permanent and will not wash out completely. In this case, make sure to cover the markings with stitches. However, you can find water erasable white gel pens like the Milward marker I listed below.
Difficulty in Corrections: If you make mistakes during the transfer process it can be challenging to correct them, as the ink sets quickly and it’s hard to remove.

Where to Buy:

5. Iron on Pens

Iron-on transfer pens are likely the most discussed and highly recommended. There’s a good reason for this: they provide one of the easiest ways to transfer patterns onto fabric. Simply trace or draw your pattern with the pen, then use a household iron to transfer the design onto the fabric. If your design is not symmetrical, remember to mirror it before tracing with these pens.

Pros:

Multiple Use: Iron-on transfers can be used multiple times if you don’t apply too much pressure. This is great if you need to batch transfer a pattern onto multiple fabrics.
Versatility: Iron-on pens can be used on various types of fabric, including cotton, linen, and canvas, making them suitable for a wide range of projects: needlework, applique, punch needle, lavels for quilts, and any surface where a hot iron can be used.

Cons:

Permanence: Once transferred, the ink from iron-on pens becomes permanent and may not wash out completely, potentially affecting the appearance of the finished embroidery.
Difficulty in Corrections: Mistakes made during the transfer process can be challenging to correct, as the ink sets quickly and may leave residual marks on the fabric.
Thickness: Personally, I find these pens a bit too thick. This is just a personal bias, as I prefer pens with a very fine tip.

Where to Buy:

My Favorite Transfer Pens for Embroidery

Although I own most of the pens listed today, I rarely use them for transferring patterns. Why? I prefer fine-tip pens, which none of these are. Instead, I mostly use the following two options from Staedtler – a renowned brand known for its high-quality artist pens.

6. Staedtler Fine Tip Permanent Pigment Liners

For most of my projects, I use the Staedtler Fine Tip Permanent Pigment Liner. Although it is a permanent marker like some others mentioned above, the key difference is its fine tip options. And by fine tip I mean really fine! You actually won’t find a marker with a finer tip on the market. As shown in the image above, these pens go as fine as 0.05mm in thickness. However, I rarely use that size because the markings are too fine to see. I typically use the 0.3mm or 0.2mm tip.

Pros:

Fine Tip: No product on the market offers a finer tip than the Staedtler pens. Although they are permanent markers, the lines are so thin that your stitches will easily cover them.
Great for Intricate Designs: These pens are great for tracing intricate patterns due to their fine tip. They’re also excellent for tracing patterns for needle painting or any delicate design. Additionally, they work flawlessly on cotton and linen fabrics.
Durability and Quality: Staedtler is a top brand known for unmatched quality. I purchased these pens along with some others mentioned earlier, and while those have worn out, the Staedtler pens are still going strong.

Cons:

Limited Color Options: You can find them in limited color options, which may not always match your thread color. While this isn’t an issue for me, some might see it as a drawback.
Permanence: These markers are permanent, just like some of the others mentioned. However, I don’t see this as an issue because the tip is extremely fine, and the stitches will cover the markings.

Where to Buy:

Staedtler Fine Tip Pigment Liners

7. Staedtler Mechanical Pencil

Another fantastic tool from the Staedtler brand is the Mars Technical Mechanical Pencil. If you’ve done any artwork, you might already have it in your collection. There’s no HB pencil better than this one.

Pros:

Versatility: You can adjust its hardness from EB, 6B to B, HB, F, H to 9H. It works well for both sketching and transferring patterns onto light-colored cotton and linen.
Sharpness: You can create both a sharp point and a dull point as needed using the sharpener integrated into its top.
Durability: I’ve had mine for three years, and it’s still going strong.
Cheap Refills: Refills are more cost-effective than buying a new standard pencil. I haven’t needed to refill mine yet, but I use it exclusively for transferring patterns or sketching ideas.

Cons:

Doesn’t Work for Dark Fabrics: It cannot be used to transfer patterns onto dark fabrics.

Where to Buy:

Staedtler Mars Technical Mechanical Pencil

Using Embroidery Transfer Pens

Using embroidery transfer pens is simple and straightforward. Depending on your pen of choice, here’s a basic guide to using them effectively:

Prepare Your Fabric: Start by preparing your fabric and ensuring it’s clean and wrinkle-free. Place it on a flat surface, ready for transferring your design.
Select Your Design: Choose the design you want to transfer onto your fabric. You can either draw your design freehand or use a printed pattern or template.
Transfer the Design: Place your fabric over the printed pattern and carefully trace the design onto the fabric. To see the design more clearly, you can use a light pad or a window as a light source.
Apply Heat (if applicable): If you’re using iron-on pens, be sure to mirror the design in your printer settings before printing. Trace the outlines of the design with the iron-on pen, then use an iron or a heat press to transfer the design onto your fabric.
Embroider Your Design: Once the design is transferred, you’re ready to start embroidering! If you used a permanent marker for tracing, make sure to cover the markings with your stitches.
Remove Any Remaining Marks: After completing your embroidery, ensure that any remaining marks from the transfer pen are removed according to the pen’s instructions (water, heat, etc).

Other Ways to Transfer Embroidery Patterns Onto Fabric

There are several other methods to transfer patterns onto fabric for hand embroidery. Here are a few articles to help you explore more possibilities. If you need to batch transfer patterns, I recommend reading my tutorial on how I used a Cricut machine to create my own iron-on transfers (no manual tracing needed):

Make Your Own Iron On Paper Transfers with Cricut
Transfer Using a Prick and Pounce Kit
How to Use Stick and Stitch Embroidery Transfer Paper
How to Transfer Embroidery Patterns to Light Fabric
How to Transfer Embroidery Patterns to Dark Fabric

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use an embroidery transfer pen?

To use an embroidery transfer pen, start by selecting the desired design and placing your fabric on a flat surface. Then, carefully trace the design onto the fabric using the transfer pen, ensuring accuracy for intricate patterns. Follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the particular type of pen you are using, whether it requires heat, water, or air to remove the markings.

Are embroidery transfer pens permanent?

Yes and no, some embroidery transfer pens are permanent, while others are water, heat or air removable.

What type of fabric is best for embroidery transfer pens?

The best type of fabric for hand embroidery transfer pens depends on the specific characteristics of the pen and the desired outcome of the project. Generally, most embroidery transfer pens work well on cotton and linen fabrics. However, it’s essential to test the pen on a small area of the fabric first to ensure compatibility and visibility, especially when working with specialty fabrics or dark colors.

How do I remove markings made with embroidery transfer pens?

To remove markings made with an embroidery transfer pen, follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided with the pen. Depending on the type of pen used, you may need to apply heat (with an iron or hairdryer), water, or simply allow the markings to fade over time with exposure to air. Take care to remove the markings gently to avoid damaging the fabric.

Can I reuse an embroidery transfer pen?

Whether you can reuse an embroidery transfer pen depends on the type and condition of the pen. Some pens are designed for single-use only and may not perform effectively if reused. However, certain types of pens, such as heat-erasable or air-erasable pens, may be reusable for multiple projects, provided they are still functional and have not dried out. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for reuse and storage to maintain the pen’s effectiveness.

Hand Embroidery Transfer Pens the Complete Guide