I use cheap muslin to make patterns. I use a sharpie to draw around the size I want and it bleeds through onto the muslin. I like the muslin as it will stick to the fabric so I don't have to use as many pins when I'm cutting out my fabric. I draw the grain lines and markings on the muslin along with what pattern it is. If I am trying to match repeats or wonder if I have enough fabric etc. I will make two patterns (like sleeves, fronts etc) and place on a single thickness of my fabric. You can also stitch the pattern together to judge the fit this way too. I buy the cheapest muslin that JoAnn's has by the bolt with a coupon.