Here are two pictures of needle markings. I use this method of marking my hand quilting patterns with a darning needle for light colored fabrics and it works great. The best thing: you don't have to remove any markings after the quilting has been finished!

Andrea, thank you for posting this. From the picture it looks like an indentation of the fabric. I had to google images of darning needles... some look like they have a blunt surface and some look sharp. Are you actually marking by inserting the needle (obviously the sharp kind) into the fabric or are you just kind of dragging the needle (the blunt kind) to make an indent? How long will the mark last?

beautiful stitching. =) wish I had the patience. maybe one day..

Beautiful quilting.

I use a needle that is almost blunt - I think it would be good idea to post a picture of it. The marking is actually an indentation, produced by dragging the needle tip with an small angle to the fabric.
These marks last quite a long time - I think longer than a chalk pencil line. I mark an area of about 20 x 20 inches in advance and I can see what I need long enough!

Your hand quilting never ceases to amaze me!! Thank you for sharing this
Hugs
April

This is the darning needle I use. It is about 6 cm (2,4 inches) long.

Beautiful quilting! I have a quilt, I have a "between" and I have a darning needle. Now all I need is your talent!

Your quilting is beautiful.

Beautiful quilting. Maybe I will try a small quilt!