When I do redwork, I trace the pattern onto the fabric with a .o5 micron pigma pen. I know, I know it doesn't wash out, but--as you stitch you actually cover the thin lines that the pen makes, plus it is red and matches the thread, so even if a bit is left showing, it just looks like its the thread.
I'm also working on an Antique Ladies embroidery piece on gray fabric. I used the .05 black pen to draw the detail and now am using black tatting thread to do the embroidery. It is working great. Makes a beautiful line of embroidery.