Well, now after reading this discussion, I am almost thoroughly confused about what is the best method for following a pattern while machine quilting... LOL! Actually this has been very informative and gives me lots to think about. Being new to machine quilting, I didn't even know there were so many methods. This board is so helpful for us "novices". I just did a small wall hanging and used stacked white tissue paper and the unthreaded needle method to poke holes. I sprayed a little temporary spray adhesive outside of the stitching area to hold it in place. I saw this on one of the tv quilting shows. I think they used the Golden Threads paper but I didn't want to wait.