Sometimes. I really prefer not to mark, but I have found that based on my artistic abilities I have to, especially if I want my quilting to look consistent. Meandering, stipple, loops, flowers that sort of pattern definitely not. Marking dark fabric is my nemesis, so I try to use a quilting motif that I can just do if I am quilting on a dark fabric. As my FMQ has evolved I find I prefer to quilt like Tartan; SITD around the blocks and something fancier for the open areas or alternative block. Just my personal preference. I use stencils and my walking foot a lot. Blue painters tape is a quilters friend too. I usually only plan the starting point, and then the rest usually falls into place; as far as stopping, I try not to quilt too densely, but once in a while it happens.
