I used a chalk pencil. It's just like a mechanical pencil, instead of lead, it's chalk!

And yspur stencil is beautiful!!! Can't wait to see what you do!! !

Thanks for answering. I'll have to try that!

I vote for grey as the marking looks sort of grey & looks very good on the black. That being said, is this a "practice" piece that is not meant for anything in the end? If so, why not try each of the 4 sections in a different color & see which one you like. I can't imagine you NOT planning on using such an intricate stenciled piece for just practice & that's all but you didn't say what your plans are for it when you have finished. You are really going detailed with your stencil work to get the hang of FM. I wish I was as brave as you. Be sure & let us see then end results.
Can you give us the brand of that marking pencil? I have such a hard time finding something that I like that will give me a fine line like yours.

I think grey would look best.

I like the idea of a metallic teal, variegated or plain.

Black on black is very difficult to see - so - for a practice piece, I would not do that.

Other than that - it's your project - I think gray or silver on black is a very understated, sophisticated look. Plus, any bobbles and wobbles would be relatively inconspicuous.

If you want sharp contrast, use a lemon or canary yellow - then every little bobble will show.

I would, too.

Variegated gray is my vote also.

Black would be very nice. You would need a “side light” so you could see where you had stitched. If not black, then a dark gray. I would not use verigated thread. Just my personal choice.

If you use the white or a light color thread, you will see every hic-up. I like my practice pieces to not look like practice pieces. :-)