So far my favourites are tailor's chalk for darks, and 'air-out' pens for lights. Although you can need to be swift with the pens - I marked up some fabric last night and it was gone by this afternoon (fortunately not a problem, but a bit quicker than I expected!!).

Love the new Frixion pens. They make a nice thin line and iron out beautifully. I understand the marks come back if your quilt is someplace that freezes, but is supposed to come out completely when washed.

regular blackboard chalk. Rubs off easily with a piece of batting or the Mr. Clean eraser type things (forgot the exact name). Box of chalk 99 cents at WalMart. I use a pencil sharpener to get a good point.

what ever comes out of the project i am working on- i use a pencil 95% of the time- the other times i am using chalk, or a pounce pad (if using stencils)
i always test to make sure what i want to use is going to come out- it doesn't always no matter what it is.

I was taught to use a pencil, lightly, as well. So far so good.

I used a regular #2 pencil on a quilt over 20 years ago. After numerous washings, the pencil marks are still there. I have tried everything to get them out. So beware of pencils. They don't always wash out.

I use the water soluble markers. Have never had a problem with them. I don't use a lot of dark fabrics but when I do I use the white pencil for quilts.

I have had good success with the air out or wash out blue pens. I had a gray chalk that hasn't come out yet even with washing. Pounce is too messy for me and falls off the fabric. The Amish lady I watched quilt used a fine line from a lead pencil. I like the idea of the blackboard chalk sharpened. Might give that a try.

I just read a couple of days ago that any heat or cold will bring the Frixion pen marks back. The manufacturer even stated that they do not encourage use on fabric, because the lines are always there - they don't go away... Don't think I'd use them to mark quilting...just saying....

All of the above.

I use pencil on the back side of light fabric or a marking pen if I need to mark the front. Tailors chalk for others.