I don't know this actual tool, but if it works like a propelling pencil, what I do is press the button down, put in the lead part way, release the button , press it again and whilst holding it down push the lead in all the way.

Welcome to the forum.

Did you try holding the yellow button in while putting the chalk in the other end? Worked fine for me. Hope it works for you. Nan

2Presidents wrote:
Welcome to the forum!

Toodles,

Diane

I am using the refills that came with the holder. :~{

You tried pushing the chalk in the front while pushing the yellow button on the back? If it doesn't fit with the end pushed out that way, maybe you got the wrong chalk refills for the pen. I haven't used mine very often but haven't had any trouble loading the chalk. Hope this helps....

Nancy

I hate to be really dumb, but I still can't get my allary chalk cartridge set to work. I push on the big yellow button at the opposite end. It pushes the opening thing out the other end. I tried to slide the chalk into this holder, but it wouldn't fit. GRRR! I hope you don't mind helping me.

Thanks!

My first quilt was creams and dark golden browns, I had to alternate between blue washable for the cream and white water colour pencil for the browns, otherwise I couldn't see the pattern from one background to the other. Watercolour pencils work pretty good actually, but I've only used them on small projects, I've not tested for heat setting etc, but they wash out ok.

Rosemary

I've been marking a quilt with that chalk for the last few days. Tried all of my 'markers' including the Clover white pen that shows up when it's dried. My pattern in on a pink and on a dark purple print and WOW. It's hard to find something that will show up on both of them. Note to self: Next time choose something you can do from memory or at least something simpler!

Yes, I've had to get by the 'wasting' phase, and the frequent 'sharpening' phase and the just plain frustrating phase! ha

From personal experience I have learned to avoid applying heat to ANY lines marked on fabric unless I want them permanent. The common method to set mediums of any kind is to apply heat. I even wash in cool or barely warm water to start. I am generally not paranoid but this is one area where you could call me paranoid.

I purchased the Dritz chalk cartridge set. I am thinking about returning it and get the Allory. Does anyone have experience with both? The Dritz says that the marks wash out and not to put an iron to the marks as they may set. I haven't been able to determine if the Allory brand works the same or not. Thanks for your thoughts

Lydia
Grapeview, WA

Don't feel bad Linda, I had bought one about a year ago and had the same problem. Couldn't figure the darn thing out. After about 30 min of aggrivation I pushed really hard on the top and it finally worked. )

I was lucky enough to be in that audience. I have used this chalk set before and was going to purchase another one. You can get them at JoAnn's, BUT the sharpener dulls very fast, so I went to a dollar store and bought several pencil sharpeners. The chalk does break and you waste a lot sharpening it, but I do love them for marking my quilts.

Yes you push the top button and pull the chalk out. Not a stupid question at all.

Sharon in CO

OK, now I not only feel stupid but frail. I can't tell you how many times I pushed the top of this pen to try to open the chalk end so I could exchange the chalk. When all medthods failed I told my husband I couldn't figure out how to operated the pen. Now you know I was desperate at that point. He picked it up, took one look, one push and said "well, Honey you just have to push the top. " Need less to say I can now operate my pen, thanks for the help.
Linda in KY

Hi Linda, I don't have this, but with most mechanical pencils, you can pull the end off to put lead in. It would be the end that you push to make the chalk come out. Another thing you can try is to hold down the button and insert the chalk into the opposite end- you must be pushing the button down while inserting the chalk. I hope one of these tips helps. If not, maybe someone who has this notion will help you out. Best of luck!