I've not had great success with the pounce pad but that was before I heard about 'wiping' it over the stencil vs. 'pouncing' it. I usually use either the pump chalk pencil in a color that I can easily see on the fabric, or I use a #2 mechanical pencil. I also have a Bohin mechanical pencil with a white lead that I use for dark colored fabrics. I've never had an issue with any of these products washing out when I'm done. Depending on the design, most times I'll mark as I go. I have a little 'lap desk' that sits by my chair and when I need to move my quilting hoop, I just lay the quilt on the lap desk, have my stencil and appropriate marker handy and mark until I don't feel like marking any more or until that particular stencil-worth is complete. Re-hoop my quilt and continue on my merry way. If it's a complicated stencil with an all-over design, I'll generally mark the entire top before sandwiching.