Tailors tacks, if it is a "good" project.

I use tailor's tacks on everything - any fabric. I find them quick to do and easy to remove.

I use the purple pens that disappear, but I first test to see if it will wash out with cold water.

Tailor tacks for almost everything. I learned the hard way about color chalk AND disappearing pens :(

I've used thread tracing for sheers and white chalk when I'm underlining something. If I don't have the right light, it can be a bit challenging to see those markings, so I usually thread trace those, too.

I use the blue washable marking pens. I also tend to make smaller than normal markings just in case.

I smiled when I saw this because I just used royal blue thread to do my tailor tacks on my orange dress, I made everything with tailor tacks as well, takes forever but it works

Chalk. I've never had a problem with it coming out yet.

Thread for everything, regardless of color or fiber content. Not real tailor's tacks but something similar.

I use tailor tacks for all my internal markings too, regardless of the fabric colour.

I try to keep my markings on the wrong-side and inside the seam allowances. But for embroidery I use the purple pen, or crayola washable pens. Find the ones that are guaranteed to wash out of clothing. Even then, I test first. White fabric is unforgiving.

That's a tough one..cuz I know some of those disappearing ink pens don't always disappear! Here's another question: how do you keep white white when you're sewing? It's so easy smudge, drop on the floor, etc.

I'm ghetto. I use a pencil.

I use yellow tracing paper to mark the wrong side, then thread-trace with silk thread. I've never had a problem with show-through, but I'm careful to test first and use the lightest pressure that will make a good mark.

Wow learned something new, i plan on taking a sewing class soon. Have a great week.

Frixion pens. Ink makes a clear mark and erases with ironing - my favorite. A sharp chalk pencil for dark colors.

I usually use pencils, lightly, it will wash out. But usually I transfer markings using needle and thread, like I learned in fashion school. I also don't trace darts: I snip the openings and I mark the tip of the dart using needle and thread (basically you push the needle through all the layers leaving a long tail, then bring it back up, repeat again leaving a long tail Then you separate the fabrics layers, pulling on the threads being careful not to pull them out then I snip in the middle). But another trick learned in school would be to mark the end of the dart 3/8" from the end, that way you don't have to worry about the markings showing since it will be contained within the dart.

I'm another one who uses a sharp pencil, very lightly. I invariably regret it later too, and wish I'd used tailor tacks. Just been sewing a white dress and there are a few places where it is showing.

Thread tracing and tailors tacks for me too. In my experience, disappearing pens don't! I sometimes use a chalk wheel for concealed zip placement.

Like Adrienne, I learned the hard way! I would definitely use tailors tacks and thread tracing to mark on white fabric. I'm using that method more and more on everything.

Tailor's tacks, every time, for everything. I'm not prepared to risk it for the additional few minutes it takes.

Frixion pens. A bit scary at first, but they really do work...

/Maria

I didn´t found the ultimate solution yet :-) Usually I use colored chalks but sometimes it´s hard to remove... For "good" fabric I make a very small cut into the seam allowance. With those disappearing pens I have only bad experiences! Most of the time, the marks disappear before sewing :-) or they never disappear - even after washing...

i always use pins or thread basting (silk thread), no matter what color. a long time ago (1987 or so) i made one of those gunne sax style dresses with all the pleats and tucks. it was white. i used a purple 'disappearing' pen to mark them all. it disappeared, then re-appeared in brown! never again did i use any type of marking pen or chalk.

I am using the Hera marker from Clover: http://www.amazon.com/Clover-490-NV-Hera-Marker/dp/B0011451F8

With a black dog and two sons? White is just not in my fashion lexicon. :) However, for light fabrics and "good" projects, I always use tailor tacks in a light color (pink or lavender)

I like to do it the old fashioned way with tailor's tacks - easy to see on both sides of the fabric and easy to pull out!

I use a light silvery colored chalk pencil.

It depends on what I'm making, but I have used tailor's tacks, a pencil ( lightly), or yellow tracing paper. I've even used a disappearing pen ( tested first, of course).

I would use thread to mark

I've started using tailor's tack for everything

I use different techniques on one project and avoid marking if I can but there is nothing like tread marking I must admit. By the way, I suggest reading Ann Rowley's tutorial http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php/topic,342.0.html and flickr photo stream http://www.flickr.com/photos/7370831@N07/906285289/in/set-72157601021725096/

Thanks for the links! That's good stuff!

I too use tailor tacks. I even use them to mark buttonholes too. Some times as I am sewing I use pins to mark match up marks. I have memories of my mom using carbon paper with the round little wheel, and the carbon never came out of the clothing, so I figured out ways to get away without marking up the fabric.

Regarding FriXion Pens...from http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/product/view/products_id/3687

"Interestingly enough, the ink in these pens will actually reappear when the temperature reaches below -10 Celsius (under 14 Fahrenheit). A freezer is sufficiently cold enough to make the ink start to reappear, you can watch a video on how it works here (http://www.jetpens.com/jetpics/?p=172?). It is like a magic pen for adults!"

For those who, like me, live in places where it is not unheard of for the temps to get down that low, perhaps a little more experimentation with these is in order.

I always use tailor tacks, unless I'm just tracing on muslin. I don't take any risks, lol