I just tried something neat. I traced a pattern onto a roll of water soluble clear plastic stabilizer (the thickest I could find). I use it to machine embroider so it's safe for needles. The marked stabilizer was pinned to the quilt & I quilted thru it. I cut away the larger pieces, but left it under & around the stitches. Then I washed the quilt as usual & it all disappeared!
Only my stitches were left. I worked like a charm!! This is what I used:
SulkyŽ Super Solvy Heavier Water Soluble Stabilizer. I bought it at Joann's. It's expensive, but if I can learn to machine quilt with it's help it will be worth it! It comes in a roll so you can cut it to fit any design.
Maxine