Tracing patterns - help me!

[globex]

Hello - I'm a bit rubbish at sewing and I think the problems start even before I actually get the sewing machine out.

At the moment I'm tracing patterns on to clear plastic-y stuff with a marker - they were specifically sold for that job but I find the marker too thick and the plastic too slippery and it all ends up looking not quite right..

What do other people use?! I don't know anyone else who sews so I'm really missing the obvious answers..

Please help me!

I use baking paper and weight it down with some jars whilst I am tracing it.

However, I still have problems cutting out the fabric using the pattern pieces though & would welcome some tips (sorry to hijack thread but you will need to know that next OP ).

I use thin sew in interfacing and a felt tip pen. Works well for me.

Thanks for answers.. I think a rotary cutter (is that what they're called?) and paper might be the way to go... Or a giant photocopier

you need to use a self-heal mat with a rotary cutter.

I have one for quilting (a3) but it was too small for cutting out dress patterns and it turned into bit of a disaster, as everytime I moved the mat, the fabric moved & then there were the times that I forgot to move the mat

Would love a bigger one, but they are quite expensive.

I have thought about buying 5 or 6 A3 self heal cutting mats (Home Bargains have them for a couple of quid) and sticking them onto a piece of plywood or chipboard. the only problem I forsee is that they have rounded corners and not sur whether I should cut them to square them off and then stick, any ideas? Sorry for post hyjack!!