Hello Jean. Welcome to the board. I hand quilt and use the blue pens to mark my quilts or if I am just quilt qrid I use one 1" masking tape. The blue pens I can get at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, or and local fabric store. I really like the pens due to just need to spray water on the blue marking to erase off quilt. Just be sure all the blue is gone before you iron or dry your quilt. If you have any questions on hand quilting or applique just pm me and I will try to help. Donna