I prefer Mettler quilting thread. It glides smoothly through the layers without needing Thread Heaven or whatever. I do find it important to use a shorter piece of thread to help with tangles - a foot or so max. I don't usually mark as I usually outline my pieces about 1/4" from the seams. When I do mark, I use painter's tape (the blue kind with a rough surface). I never have luck with blue marking pens washing back out, but I also have trouble washing out pencil lines, even tho our foremothers used pencil.