Sand your pattern

Here’s an excellent tip from Mary Corbet of Needle ‘n’ Thread: Sand the back of your prick-and-pounce embroidery patterns to get clearer chalk impressions. (This seems like a good idea for prick-and-stitch designs on paper, too. Sanding would open the holes more fully, making it easier for the needle to pass through and letting the floss lie flatter.) See details at Mary’s blog post.