Certain tools can make sewing and crafts that much easier, and fabric markers are very much an important part of any crafters kit but are also fun. Although they can be useful for a variety of projects, they are mostly great for decorating and creating your garments. A pastime for both adults and children alike, a lot of people use them to bring ideas to life or to restore clothes that have a bleed or other blemishes.
This is always made a lot easier when you use a quality product as the result is reliant on a product that has vibrant colors that last. Some brands are better at this than others which is why we have created a list of the best fabric markers available.
The 7 Best Fabric Markers
#7 Tulip Permanent Nontoxic Fabric Markers
one of the most popular brands in the fabric marker niche, these are non-toxic and come in a 20 pack with fade-resistant ink. This ensures the quality of the colors last multiple washes and have a fine bullet tip that ensures the colors dry quickly. There is no need to heat set with these pens making them some of the easiest to use for craft projects.
Some people use them for adults coloring books but when used on the fabric they do not snag or bleed. They dry permanently and can be used on various surfaces before putting them back in their plastic pouch.
#6 Crafts 4 ALL Fabric Markers Pens Permanent 12 Pack
The dual tips of these quality pens make them easier for use on different projects and with 12 quality colors, they are among the best fabric markers available. This permanent ink can be used on bags, sneakers, garments, and a lot more. The pigment in each color is rich and with broad and fine tips, they are easy to use for coloring in or to make fine lines. Because of the pigment retention the color stays bright for longer which is not something that can always be said about fabric markers.
Both non-toxic and weatherproof, they are ideal for kids crafts or making unique designs that will please customers and personal projects alike. They come with a money-back guarantee which is something we always like to see. As long as you remember to keep the lid on so they don’t dry out, they should last a long time, especially with the dual sides.
#5 JR. WHITE Fabric Markers Permanent
An important trait of any fabric marker is that they do not bleed which is something that can be said about these quality 24 permanent fabric pens. They can be used for a variety of projects including canvas painting, garment painting, canvas shoes, wood slices, and much more. Using German fabric dye ink they go on vibrant and stay that way of a long time thanks to their fade resistance.
Because they are non-toxic, they are safe for children to use, but these seem to be more than something you hand your kids for fun. The quality of the ink and ease of application makes them ideal for crafts and have odorless ink. Acid-free and with a fine tip, they are ideal for making vibrant designs.
#4 US Art Supply – Super Markers 20 Unique Colors Dual Tip Fabric & T-Shirt Marker
These dual-sided fabric markers are among the most popular and are ideal for covering a sneaker in a unique design. They boast a bullet and chisel edge and dry permanent to deliver intense colors on a variety of fabrics. Because they are resistant to washing the colors last particularly well and with 20 in a pack, there is a better value than a lot of the competition.
Because they are non-toxic, all the family can use them and when the results have dried, they are resistant to fading. They come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee but expect to be able to put the vibrant colors to work on numerous projects. The lids stay secure to keep them safe from young hands and provide a professional standard of results.
#3 Crayola Fabric Markers
With the big brand name behind them, Crayola fabric markers are designed for kids and are easier to hold yet offer fine line marking. The colors are still bright and can work on a variety of fabrics both light and dark. They allow kids to get to work on their own fashion designs and are an ideal activity on a rainy day at home. This product is also available in different versions with emoji stampers and thicker pens some of the most popular.
They are set via heat so will require the help of an adult to move the iron back and forth for 4 minutes when the design is finished. Safe and non-toxic, these fabric markers make a great gift for any young one.
#2 Sunacme 32 Colors Permanent Fabric Paint Pens
With 32 easy to hold non-toxic fabric pens in a pack, this is another contender that is well worth considering. With all the usual suspects included as well as neon, there is plenty to get going with and because they are machine washable, they are going to last. We like them because they can make thin or thick lines and work on 100’s of surfaces including the likes of denim, polyester, cotton, and a lot more.
They work as permanent fabric markers and are quick to dry but also safe for all ages so it doesn’t matter which member of the family is using them to make new garments. Place a piece of paper underneath to protect against ink bleeding.
#1 Crafts 4 All Fabric Markers Pens Permanent 24 Colors
For many people, variety is as important as the quality of the fabric markers. Thankfully, with this product, you are getting both. The 24 colors give you plenty of options for finishing different projects and there is everything from earth colors to fluorescent. All the pens have been filled with premium German fabric dye so they are designed to ensure the color lasts a long time.
These fabric pens are known for their versatility and are fine for both adults and kids to use. We like some of the results we have seen with everything from craft bags, baby clothes, to sneakers being decorated. Above all else, these are non-toxic and resistant to fading and being completely washer proof. With a fine tip and loads of options, these are ideal for all types of crafts and fabrics.
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Fabric Marker Buyers Guide
Although these simple products might seem like they are all similar, the variance in quality is vast. Because no one wants to have to throw out a t-shirt because the fabric marker they used was low-quality, we have created a buyer’s guide.
It details all the important aspects of a quality product so for vibrant colors that last, it is best to check that the product you have your eye on can tick the following boxes. Read on for all things fabric markers, so you can make a sensible decision.
What To Look For In Fabric Markers
Non-Toxic
Although this means they are safer for kids to use, it is also good for any adult who wishes to create unique garments or crafts. Toxic pens are bad news and no one wants to have to wear protective masks or doddle in front of an open window unless they want to. For your safety and that of those around, it is always best to ensure the fabric markers are non-toxic.
Variety
Most people need more than a handful of primary colors to bring a design to life which is why most reputable brands offer variety and value. Anything of 12 and over should be good and if you can get close to 230 then even better. Still, if the deal seems too good to believe then it might be best to stay away. Its never good to have 50 fabric markers that fade after a couple of washes anyway.
Quality Tips
What will suit one person will be different for someone else which is why it is always good to make sure the tips are to your taste. The best option is often a dual-tip as it can help the pens to last longer and ensure you can draw with accuracy using a fine tip then move faster with the thick side. A bullet tip can help with both.
Fade Resistant
Although a design might start to fade after many washes, you will want it to be resistant up to this point, and not start to fade after the first few times in the machine. The best fabric markers are those that have a high tolerance to washing and with some even being dryer friendly.
No Bleed
It can be difficult to find fabric pens that do not bleed at all, but any product than minimalizes this is always good. Not only does this stop it from staining what is underneath as much (always put paper under just in case), but it ensures the design is how you intended. It is also better for keeping colors true and preventing them from mixing with others.
Satisfaction Guarantee
Not every product is going to offer this and since these products don’t cost too much, it might not be the end of the world but it is always better to find fabric markers that come with a money-back guarantee. You never know how the results are going to come out.
Versatile Ink
Usually, you see terms like German quality fabric ink which is good to see but what you want to know is what type of fabrics the pens can be used on. Although you might not be thinking about using them for anything other than t-shirt designs, it can be good to know that they are also fine for use on sneakers, bags, baby bibs, wood, glass jars, and just about anything else you can think of.
Are There Different Types of Fabric Markers?
The most common types are permanent and non-permanent fabric markers. Because they offer different results, it is always best to know which you are looking for before purchasing. A permanent fabric marker might dry without the need for heat setting, but if it does, this is usually pretty simple.
A back and forth motion over the design for a few minutes is usually sufficient but check the guidelines of the product you are using. Also, make sure that an adult supervises this stage if it is a child that created the design. A non-permanent fabric marker is a popular choice with sewers who wish to follow their lines or sketch a temporary design on a garment.
What Is A Fabric Marker?
Although there are different types, the name is as it sounds. A fabric marker allows a crafter or hobbyist to draw a design onto a garment or other fabric item and for it to either be permanent and enjoyed or to wash off. A pack will generally contain several pens to and offer some variety to make different projects fun.
Will A Fabric Marker Wash Out?
The idea of a permanent fabric marker is that it will not wash out and will have some sort of fade resistance. Although they might fade a little with extensive washing, the better products will be fade resistant. Once it has dried it won’t come off with water, unlike a non-permanent marker.
Can I Remove A Fabric Marker Pen?
These pens are not designed to be removed unless they are the non-permanent type, but there is a stage where some brands might be able to be washed. By dousing the drawn area in hot water then apply rubbing alcohol to a wet sponge and move it over the design, there is a chance that the color will lift.
If it doesn’t work, increase the scrubbing pressure and ensure the sponge is wet. As we said, this might not work with quality brands but is worth a try if you want to remove a drawing.
What Can Fabric Markers Be Used On?
This is one of the main enticing features of these pens, they can be used on virtually any fabric. Ever brand will differ so be sure to check first, but generally, a fabric marker can be used on sneakers, garments, leather, wood, glass, bags, you name it! The best way to keep them in working condition is to not let them dry out by keeping the lids on when not in use and store them in the same place so you don’t lose any of the colors.
