GIMP Version: 2.8.14
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: New User

List any relevant plug-ins or scripts:
g'mic

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Is is possible to outline a line drawn with the pencil similar to the way text is outlined. I've been using gimp's edge detect to digitize upholstery patterns. But to make these patterns useful, some edges need to be extended. Growing a text shape is easy, is there a way that non-text shapes can be "grown" as well?

Welcome JerryEmery, if I'm hearing you right, you have text written on a solid background. If so you can try selecting the background with the magic wand tool. Then go to Select> Invert selection and then Select> Grow Selection. Select 1 and ok.
I think this is what you were asking.
Also, on a new layer you can fill the selection and change the blend mode to see what different looks you can get.

If you want something accurate and clean:

1) Make you initial lines on transparent layer
2) Layer>Transparency>Alpha to selection
3) Select>To Path
4) Select>None
5) Edit>Stroke path (use "Line" mode)

Thnx scriptcoder, that worked perfect.