I use pencil, but I don't make it a solid line. I just make little light dashes and stitch on top of the line so it gets covered nicely.

I use a #2 mechanical pencil as well. For dark fabrics I use a Bohin mechanical pencil with white lead. Only one time did I have an issue with the #2 pencil washing out. It was on white fabric and I think I marked too darkly. In addition I had changed my mind as to quilting design so there was much not covered with thread. Not unlike the one I just finished today. I, too, have learned to not be so heavy handed and generally don't have an issue. On the one with the lines on white fabric, a bit of Dawn dish soap and a toothbrush took care of the issue.

Thanks for the Dawn tip.

Me, too....#2 pencil or mechanical pencil with very thin lead. I use a PVC quilt frame and only mark the areas within the frame sides so I can mark very lightly. Since I hand quilt usually it's easy to stay "on the line" and the pencil is completely hidden.

i use a numer 2 for marking have had no problem do it light it washes out nicely too

I wouldn't use a #2 pencil,on any quilt at any time. I've seen vintage quilts that have been washed many times and the pencil lines are still there. Those that have had no problems with them washing out may be living under a lucky star. And please, don't get mad at me - I was taught almost 40 years ago that this was a no-no. What happens if one day the pencil lines do not wash out? We are so lucky these days to have many other choices for marking quilts. If you are doing straight lines a good old fashioned Hera marker works great and only leaves a crease for a short time.

I apologize to to those who totally disagree with me.

Sandy in Mooresville, NC

I have used pencil for marking diagonal lines for HST's but I much prefer #4, can't stand #2 pencils, for marking for quilting, I prefer chalk.

I use a number 2 pencil, and my blog on this quilting board tells how to get the pencil marks out easily:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/members...r-u168749.html

Jane Quilter

I use a number 2 pencil. I use a white eraser when I need one because the regular erasers often leave smudges on the fabric. I have special white erasers used only on my fabrics.

Most of the time I will use a mechanical pencil to mark my quilting lines. Haven't had any problems with the marks not washing out. I do keep a fabric eraser near by in case of a marking mistake.