Hi Dawn, welcome to the board!!! :D

I use Sewline also and love, love, love them! They come in many colors--I have yellow, white, green and pink and have never had a problem with them. I also use regular pencils with no problem. The main trick is to mark normally--don't grind the marks into the weave of the fabric.

Yup, you already got lots of good advice. I think I've tried most of the suggestions listed above. Auntie B from Saskatchewan, Canada.

Wow! Thankyou all so much for your welcome and all that advice. Very helpful and much appreciated. :)

Have you tried the Multi-Pastel chalk pencils. They are available at some quilt shops and usually at an art supply store. They are erasable and washable. But remember to wipe or erase any marks before washing (if needed) as chalk will cake when washed. And for any chalk type pencil, keep a sharp point. I usually mark about 10" and then hit lightly with the sharpener. Less to sharpen each time and makes a better mark. The Multi-Pastel is chalk and clay and washable.