I have a variety of pens that I use to mark my quilt tops. I have 4 favourites that are kept together and when I'm ready to mark I can usually find them. I don't mark my quilt top before sandwiching.......I mark as I go.
When marking on a dark fabric, I use a pen by Clover . I purchase these pens at Sewing Machines, etc., in Burlington. It marks the fabric white. I place the template on the fabric and trace around the edge. This particular pen will not show up immediately..............it takes a few seconds, but it does work well.
I also use a Fons and Porter product for marking. This is the same as a mechanical pencil, but for fabric. It is white lead. The place I originally purchased it doesn't seem to carry it anymore, but Connecting Threads, an online quilting supply company does and last I checked it was on sale!
Light fabrics................what do I do with them. Ah-ha! I have this super pen I found and when it runs out I'm going to make sure
I buy the same thing again. I love this pen. It is purple in colour and has worked on all the light fabrics I have tried it on. The pen is a fine point disappearing ink pen. I have no idea where I bought it, so I could be in trouble when I have to replace it. It is made by Dritz so I think I may try Fabricland. I think I better start looking soon. I've had it for awhile.
The last pen has been in my marking pen box for many, many years and I won't part with it. I don't use it as often as I used to, but I won't get rid of it either. I bought it when I used to "hand quilt"...........something I don't do anymore. It is the Ultimate Marking Pencil. It is a mechanical pencil with lead made specifically for fabric. I use the original black leads. I found the coloured leads broke as soon as they touched the fabric. The reason everyone used them was because the lead fit through the cuttings in a stencil.
The reason I don't mark before I am ready to sew is because some of the pens on the market today will be permanent if they have any heat applied to them. Some packages will tell you this. I am one of those that doesn't read directions fully (because they are printed so ruddy small), however someone once told me when I was buying a marking pen that this could happen. I now apply that rule to every pen I buy.
Try a variety of marking pens/pencils out until you find your favourite. Some people love chaco liners which are made by Clover. I have never bought them , however I see that The Hobby Horse in Georgetown and Connecting Threads carry them. Check the store where you buy your quilting supplies.