I use a lot of stencils. Some I buy and some I have made from a plastic sheet. I have the 501 book and have taken some pattern from there. I like straight lines. I use a mechanical pencil and sometimes chalk for a chalkboard. I am going to look for a Bohin pencil. If I am making a scrap quilt with 2-1/2 squares I will just either x the squares or cross it. I like simple and easy.