I have used regular crayola colored pencils. ( i don't use red) , I've also purchased and tried the new ultra washable markers by crayola. All have washed out beautifully. I don't spend money on those expensive pens and pencils since I have so many colored pencils and markers from the grandkids.

Frixion marking pens were reviewed on this web site:

http://quiltingclimber.blogspot.com/...evaluated.html

WOW..........so many different views. I'm not sure if I'm now more confused. More questions.........
...........when you use chalk does it just brush off?
...........does tape keep the lines straight?
...........how long can Crayola marks stay on the quilt before washing?
...........has anyone used a product called Clover?

I have used the Crayola washable markers and chalk both work good (the chalk on dark fabric is great!)

I have the Clover mechanical pencil like thing with colored & white chalk. That worked well and washed out. The Crayola markers I left on a quilt for a year before I quilted and washed it and it all came out. I also used the markers to mark around the templates on a hand pieced table runner that I started when my FIL was in the hospital. Took me about 8 yrs to get back to it. All that was on the back of the pieces, the inside of the quilt but I think it all washed out. I can't see anything. I have even ironed on the markers and it has washed out. The yellow is harder to get out for some reason. I have to wash that twice to get it all out sometimes.

Pick the solution you want to try, make a small sandwich, then give it a try. Quilt it, wash it, iron it, abuse it BEFORE you try the big quilt.

Have fun deciding I have used them all and will continue to since some work better for me on certain projects. I have fallen in love with the washable Crayola Markers. So just start trying what you can find local and see what you like the best.

I use a Clover pen that says "White marking pen, fine" on dark fabric and love it. It irons out completely. It's only weird issue is that it takes a couple of moments for the line to appear when you draw with it, but it does appear and is a nice fine line and quite easy to see. I do also like the frixion pens for light and other colored fabric. They are great when you can just iron them off.

I ordered a set from Nancy's Notions - the set of 8 was $12.00. I love them, they are 8 different colors and they come off when you press the block. Awesome!