Best way to mark fabric?

YarnCatnip

All ways to mark fabric is risky: best to do a test first to see if it will wash off.

Chalk: Ive had issues with chalk (white and blue) on linen fabric. It wont rub off, or it wont show.
Air Dry: For sashiko projects Ive found ink markers that disappear ideal. The ink really do go away, but sometimes within an hour. So best for quick projects, like sashiko.
Water soluble: Ive tried some (very cheap) water soluble ink markers, not with great success. The "heads" of the pen was too broad, the colors weak, and ink stayed on at least one fabric. But it might be a "you get what you pay for" thing.

starfish

I gridded my first project with a monofilament thread (Sulky Sliver) recently and while gridding definitely makes it easier, Im not sure if I will continue to do it that way due to the time.

I also have gotten some Leonis brand washable markers that I saw recommended for gridding to try next. I think I might try them on a scrap of coloured aida and leave it for as long as possible (while I complete other projects sort of leaving it) before washing it out, Id hate to grid with a marker that washes out when its fresh, but when its been on there for a long time find its stained the fabric because of how long it took to finish the project.