Best marking "tool" for hand quilting?

[dw]

I usually do simple hand quilting but want to do a little more involved...what do you recommend for marking?

[Maura]

I usually use the blue pen that washes off. There is another that disappears with an iron. You can also get a chalk marker for dark fabrics. I do not like the white pencil type because you have to press too hard and it pulls the fabric.

[Deleted]

I used to use the blue pen that washes off as well, but since a friend sent me some of the Frixion pens (black and red colours) that disappear with heat, I've been very happy with them. I heard, though, that the marks can come back if the fabric is subjected to extreme cold. Never experienced that, but if you're trying them for the first time, it might be worth just doing tiny dots or dashes and stitching directly over them.

My best suggestion for machine quilting is draw the design on fine paper, pin it to the fabric, sew on the lines and remove the paper. Pretty much guarantees no residue, but there's the added time to remove the paper.

Looking forward to hearing other's opinions on how they mark their fabric.

[Maura]

There is tear away paper if you want to stitch over paper. It’s specifically made to be stitched over and torn off.