I tried the test that Freckled Whimsey showed on her blog. All those Sharpies in beautiful colors that I bought did not pass the washing test, even though I had heat-set everything. The winner for me was Crayola Fabric Markers. Don't get the ones that say "washable", that means they wash out. I iron a piece of freezer paper on the back before writing. The same piece of freezer paper gets used over and over until it does not cling. Two years ago we helped 4-H campers make a quilt that each one drew and wrote on a square of muslin with the crayola fabric markers. I won the quilt in a raffle and promptly put it through the washer and dryer. It came out looking just as bright as it went in.

I been thinking of buying Tulip Fabric Markers, has anybody tried them??

Funny.....I think I have those too. I have a lot of markers in my house!

OK, I've washed and dried my test pieces of fabric. I only tested the Sharpie and the Bic permanent marker since that's what I had at the time. I ironed them before washing them and line dried them. They all came out just fine, but I think the Bic was a bit sharper (no pun intended). It was a decidedly unscientific test though...

I have to dig around for the Crayola markers that I know I had at one time.

I like Pigma pens. I use a high thread count white cotton that I've been able to find at quilt and fabric shops. I haven't looked for it at places like JoAnn's etc so don't know about there. I put the fabric on freezer paper for stability when writing.

I like thePentel Gel ROller for fabric...writes smoothly....have used for several "signature" quilts, as well as lables...I bought them (2 in a package) at Hobby Lobby..$4.99

If you treat the fabric first with Bubble Jet, you can use most any pen and it will not wash out.

Thanks again for all the replies. It seems there are many acceptable options!

I like the pigma pens...