I use Dewent Inktense pencils or sticks. They work great--depending on the amount put down and the use of different fabric mediums to control flow (bleed). You can apply finishes to obtain gloss or matte They look like pencils, but they are permanent ink. (They have a watercolor set, but I never bought them). The sticks look like pastels and are creamy and hard (for me) to use, but are necessary. Buy the largest pack of ALL the colors because they last a long time and you cant buy individual colors. I've never seen them on sale. I LOVE them, and have little to no talent, but a real artist, could create breathtaking results. I use regular cotton, no PDF required. If you buy the derwent inktense pencils & sticks & an 11oz bottle of "textile medium" & some flat brushes that is all you need to get started into this wonderful fiber arts world. (I worried and researched and procrastinated too long to start, You Tube videos of users with dramatic results gave me the courage to leap)