At my Fiber Arts class in October the teacher had us mark the fabic with a chalk pencil she'd bought in the Art dept at a hobby store. I had to go and buy them (I'm a gadget junkie). These are wonderful, they come in black or white and are so...I don't have the right word...clear or dark, very easy to see your markings. I don't have to destroy my fabric for a faint line. It's made by Conti or Conte. A two pack ran about $5. which I thought was a little high, but I found a coupon to really help!! I don't know about washing away, I use it to mark designs on the back of fabric to cut out or in places that will be cut out and they work like a dream!! I'd never thought to go to the art dept!! lol