Some quilters use plexiglas to audition their quilting design. (I think there are some on this Board who do that.) You use markers that are washable so that you can reuse the plexiglas as much as you want. Here is a little video demonstrating it:
http://longarmuniversity.com/basic_t....htm#Plexiglas
Go down to the second video titled Plexiglas for Pattern Drawing.
Then depending on the complexity of the design, you can then draw it on your quilt with washable fabric marker or freehand it because now you know what and where you want to put your design. Hope this helps!
(Looks like there are some other videos that I will want to watch later.)