Match the colour to the ground
A light mark may vanish on pale cloth and a dark mark may show through a fine surface. Choose the least intense colour that remains visible while you stitch.
Place the paper on the actual textile and make a small test. Marking pressure, weave and surface finish all affect how much pigment transfers.
Check removal before use
Follow the paper instructions and test the planned wash or erasing method on an offcut. A mark that is easy to remove from smooth cotton may behave differently on linen, denim or a coated cloth.
Do not assume the thread will cover every line. Open patterns and long gaps can leave marks exposed after stitching.
Keep the transfer stable
Secure the pattern and cloth so the design does not slide during tracing. Use a blunt tool with controlled pressure rather than scratching the fibres.
Transfer only what you can stitch within the marker’s useful life. If a large project will take weeks, work in sections or choose a guide that remains reliable longer.