pam7858

I use the Frixion pens. They come in variety of colors, mark really well through stencil, and then the marks come off with touch of your iron. Have been really pleased using them

mermaid

I go to the "Everything's a Dollar" store and buy packs of the washable marker pens--maybe a dozen in a pk. They wash away beautifully. I sometimes mark the front, sometimes the white back all over. Never have a problem with washing completely away. But I like my quilts better after they've been lightly washed--some people want the 'new' look. However, if you use glue to join the layers, you have to wash anyway. That is my "menu".

Wonnie

I only use a mechanical pen for marking with really, really skinny lead. Works great.

madamekelly

My grandmother saved slivers of barsoap to mark her quilts. Just do not use any real deep colored soap. Grandma used Ivory and Grandpa used Irish spring green, so she had a piece to use on any color background. When you wash the quilt, no more soap. Works for me.

G'ma Kay

I use washable markers (like for kids) and have not had any problem with them after washing. They don't show up well on really dark colors, however, so the chalk may be the best idea.

IBQUILTIN

I use Crayola washable markers very inexpensive and lots of colors THEY DO wash out

d.rickman

Ladies, Go to the drugstore, and purchase ( I usually purchase 6 or 8) in Canada they cost about 1 $1.50 each) the fingernail whiting pencil, they are really cheap to purchase, and get yourself a small pencil sharpener to use to sharpen your white pencil, use this pencil to mark your dark fabrics....It works great and washes out with water. If you want it darker just dip the white pencil into water.....I have done this for years

Yooper32

Frixions are great, but not for dark fabric. I also did the "what am I doing wrong with this pounce business?" until I got a hint from someone, can't remember who or where, but here is a better solution than using the pounce block, put the powdered chalk in some kind of open container that is just big enough around for a cheapy 1" foam brush. Dip the brush into the chalk lightly and brush over your stencil. You will be amazed at how easy this process is. I do only a small area at a time, so as not to lose the design by too much movement.

Kris P

I've had good luck with the water soluble stabilizer which is sold with the interfacings at JAF. I use it for machine embroidery on terry cloth towels. I've found it works great for FMQ when I want an accurate, consistent design. I draw the motif on scratch paper, then lay the stabilizer over it and trace with a pen or sharpie. I adhere it with a tiny bit of adhesive spray and stitch away. Most of the stabilizer just tears away, and the rest can be spritzed with water to dissolve.

koko

Lots of good ideas...I use the ultimate marking pencil also made by the hancy mfg. co it's white and comes off with the heat of the iron just like their pounce products. Here it is on connecting threads http://www.connectingthreads.com/too...l__D21267.html