Basting
This is another method that would work well for large, simple images, but might be cumbersome for detailed, complex designs. It is the best option for transfering a design to a sweater or onto napped fabrics such as velvet or felt. And, if you baste the design onto the fabric using thread that is the same color as your floss, you would end up with a color-coded pattern. That could be helpful.

First, draw/trace your design onto tracing paper, tissue paper or stitch-n-tear stabilizer. Then, using a loose running stitch (basting), stitch over the design and then tear away the paper.

Note: I've heard that sometimes the stitch-n-tear will distort the embroidery or leave little whiskers poking through the stitches.

Dark Fabrics
White pencils, tailor's chalk, dressmaker's carbon and soapstone.

I have seen these items suggested for dark fabrics as well:

• Berol Verithin pencils, silver #753 or pink #743 (available at stationary stores). Wash out easily.
• The Ultimate Marking Pencil.
• A sliver of soap.

Miscellaneous Tips
Paper for paper piecing or tracing: The paper used for doctors' examination tables works well. It is inexpensive and comes on a roll - perfect for long-side borders strips. Available at medical supply stores.

To keep floss or quilting thread from tangling: Pull the thread through a folded dryer sheet or drag floss over beeswax. There is another item on the market called Thread Heaven Thread Conditioner. I bought some at a craft fair years ago. I have no idea who manufactures it.

Inexpensive fabric markers: Crayola Washable Markers. Box comes with 8 colors and easily wash out of cotton or cotton/poly blends.

Using Your Inkjet Printer
Printer Fabric
There are some special fabrics that you can get at the fabric store or computer stores, that are meant to be fed through your printer. These images are generally incorporated into quilts. I've never used them so I have no idea about the permanence of the image or if it is possible to easily embroider the fabric where the image has been printed.

I have read several tips that say it is possible to iron fabric onto freezer paper and then feed it through your printer. Using this method will not give you a permanent image which is great for stitching guidelines. Supposedly the black ink will last through three machine washings, while 90% of the color washes out in the first wash. This is probably best for projects that won't require regular laundering.

Warning: Putting any kind of fabric through a printer can reduce the life of your printer. This is especially true with laser printers because the fabric can etch the drum.

Iron-on Decals from Your Printer
The specially coated paper allows you to print your own iron-on transfers using your inkjet printer. The color image is permanent, but will fade with machine washing. This method requires very high heat, so would probably not be the best choice for synthetics. I only did one project using this method and don't recommend it. The end result is stiff and leaves a film, even in blank areas, so the fabric is too stiff for embroidery embellishment.

In conclusion...
There is no "best" or "right" way to transfer a design to fabric. Try a couple and see what works best for you and your project.