This is a very good question. We use many different things sadly we haven't come across the best making pen yet. I am sure it's out there because there are so many. usually I use the friction pen, my mom uses and swears by the "Ultimate Marking Pencile" which does go away beautifully but its white so only good for dark fabrics. Different forms of chalk by Bohin chalk pencils work nicely too they come in different colors but chalk usually has to be washed out some how. One I don't like using are water away making pens because usually they become permeant if hit with the iron and we are always ironing our stuff. So we do stay away from the ones that are wash-away. :)