tailor's chalk

American  

noun

1. hardened chalk or soapstone used to make temporary guide marks on a garment that is being altered.

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tailor's chalk British  

noun

1. pipeclay used by tailors and dressmakers to mark seams, darts, etc, on material

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Etymology

Origin of tailor's chalk

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Other necessities used in the cleaning, repairing and pressing of garments, are the sponge, tape measure, scissors, tailor's chalk, needles, thimble, bodkin for pulling bastings, a sewing machine, a large mirror, fashion plates, chairs, desk and safe, if one wishes.

From Project Gutenberg

Lay skin on lining and mark its edge with tailor's chalk.

From Project Gutenberg

Mark all notches with basting thread, tailor's chalk, or notch the goods if it does not ravel.

From Project Gutenberg

Soft spongy goods that cannot be traced may be marked with a line of basting, tailor's chalk or by taking stitches with a pin along the line to be marked and twisting them in the goods.

From Project Gutenberg

Tailor's chalk—white and dark blue.

From Project Gutenberg