Have you noticed the recent trend for adding unique works of art to clothing, shoes, handbags, and more? Perhaps you’ve even seen a onesie decorating station at a baby shower. If so, then you’re probably intrigued by the best fabric markers.
Plenty of choices are available, and you may prefer fabric markers that dispense ink while other artists prefer to paint. This is why we set out on a journey of discovery to identify the best available fabric pens. Read on to discover our picks for the most reliable fabric markers.
Education
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Fabric Markers
If you are looking for a fun and creative way to update clothing, shoes, bags, and more, then it’s time to explore the world of fabric markers. Using fabric markers is so much more than just drawing on clothes. It’s an excellent way to express yourself and preserve precious memories.
Fabric markers may dispense either ink or paint. Paint markers tend to provide the best coverage, opacity, and brightness. However, there are ink varieties that rival the look and performance of the paint.
This is a great activity for adults or kids as it requires a minimum of special equipment and cleanup tends to be a breeze because the markers are really good at controlling the flow of ink or paint.
Paint markers:
Acrylic paint markers are among the most popular choices in this category. This type of paint forms an excellent bond with the fabric, which means that your pieces will last longer, even after several trips through the washing machine.
Ink markers:
Alternatively, you may choose to do your writing on fabric with an ink marker. The ink may be alcohol or water-based, and it is best to use this ink on non-porous fabrics. The colors look less saturated than the paint markers, so you may need to use several applications.
Which method do you prefer:
Before you make your selection, consider the manufacturer’s instructions on how to set the ink or paint. Sometimes, air drying for a few hours or days is all that’s required. By contrast, some fabric markers suggest a heat setting with an iron or a dryer. Before buying fabric markers, give some thought to which method you prefer.
Fabric Markers FAQ
Should I use ink or paint fabric markers?
This really comes down to personal preference. Paint fabric markers are popular because they generally boast superior opacity, color saturation, and bonding with fabric. Nonetheless, some artists love the more transparent look that comes with using ink on the fabric.
Before deciding which is right for a particular project, consider the fabric. If it’s porous, then ink may not be an appropriate choice.
Can anyone use fabric markers?
Most fabric markers are perfectly safe to use and fun for all ages. In fact, one of the main advantages of buying fabric markers over other types of fabric paint dispensers is how much easier it is to control the flow of paint. This makes accidents a rarity and cleanup a snap.
Fabric markers are making appearances at baby showers where guests can create unique bibs and onesies and at summer camps where kids can make their own mementos. Adults love this pastime too.
Do all fabric markers require heat setting?
While some items that are decorated with fabric markers must be ironed or run through a hot dryer in order to ensure that the design is set, this is not always required.
When it comes to how to use fabric markers, it is always wise to review the manufacturer’s included instructions. Depending upon the specific markers and the particular project, a heat setting may or may not be required. To ensure the best results and longevity, stick to the recommended instructions, and purchase fabric markers that are designed to complete the project that you have in mind.
Best Fabric Markers:
Crafts 4 All Fabric Markers Pens Permanent 24 Colors
This set of 24 pens offers you premium quality for an attractive price. These are the best fabric markers for t-shirts, making them a top choice for any artist who loves to decorate garments.
With 24 varying hues, this collection covers earth tones to fluorescents. The German fabric dye ink is richly pigmented to deliver vibrant colors.
Each marker is equipped with a fine bullet tip so that you can make both slender and bold lines. They are suitable for use on virtually any fabric, allowing you to create wall art as well as enabling you to decorate bags, placemats, clothing, bibs, shoes, and more.
The ink dispensed by these markers is fade-proof and weatherproof as well as non-toxic, and the manufacturer guarantees to replace the product if you are unsatisfied.
Praising this collection as the best starter set, many experienced crafters use these markers on a variety of projects. Critics wish that the marker tips were better suited to drawing thick lines.
Whether you’re decorating onesies or t-shirts, you won’t go wrong with this collection.
Pros
- Good color selection
- Richly pigmented ink
- Use on almost any fabric
Cons
- Not the best tips for really bold strokes
Zenacolor 20 Fabric Markers Pens Set
Zenacolor offers this collection of the best permanent fabric markers with 20 bright colors. These permanent textile markers dispense a non-toxic, indelible fabric paint to create memorable designs in a flash and with minimal fuss.
Made from rich pigments, the fabric paint in these markers can be machine washed for the ultimate in convenience. Whether you use the markers on t-shirts, shoes, or pillowcases, you’ll be able to keep these items clean without issues.
Each marker has a fine tip to help you complete detailed work. Thanks to these precision tips, you can decorate small things like bibs and baby clothes with ease. Your projects are fully dry within 24 hours and do not require heat setting.
Use on canvas, fabric, or paper. Regardless, these markers perform well. Zenacolor provides a 100 percent, money-back guarantee.
Fans love the vibrant ink in these pens and how easy they are to use. Some artists wish that the colors showed up better on dark fabrics.
For adding vibrant hues to fabrics, many crafters swear by this easy-to-use set.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Money-back guarantee
- Good color selection
Cons
- Ink doesn’t show up well on darker fabrics
Asani Paint Pens Acrylic Markers Set
These all-surface markers feature opaque, water-based ink. What makes them the best fabric paint markers is that they are loaded with acrylic paint that provides artists with unsurpassed quality.
In addition to fabric, these extra-fine point markers are suitable for use on rocks, ceramic, glass, wood, leather, metal, plastic, and more.
Another thing that makes these markers a remarkable choice is the quality of the paint that they dispense. This paint genuinely resists fading and doesn’t get washed out. The result is that you get works of art that you can use day in and day out without worrying.
This collection includes one dozen pens in all of the basic colors such as brown, black, red, orange, green, blue, pink, purple, and more. Accordingly, a new and colorful design is always at your fingertips.
When you use these pens, you won’t be bothered by odors or toxins.
Because the paint flows well and the markers can be used anywhere, many people love this collection. Critics say that controlling the flow of paint can be difficult for beginners.
If you’re looking for fabric paint markers that are safe for anyone to use, then your search is over.
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/ukvz8Yw_6lM”]Pros
- Fade-resistant
- Use on any surface
- Filled with long-lasting acrylic paint
Cons
- Takes some practice to control the paint flow well
Creative Joy Fabric Markers with Permanent Brilliant Colors in Dual-Tipped Markers
This set comes with 12 dual-tip markers for the ultimate versatility. These fabric paint markers are designed for use on any type of fabric so your creativity won’t be limited.
The colors included in the set are black, gray, brown, orange, yellow, purple, deep violet, sky blue, brilliant blue, mint green, green and red. Accordingly, you’ll have everything you need to make designs that are basic and not-so-basic.
Because these markers are dual-tipped, you can do anything with them. Use the fine tip for getting those tiny details and the broader tip for coloring in or making bold strokes.
Allow each completed piece to dry thoroughly before washing. When washing, always use cold water to ensure longevity.
Filled with non-toxic fabric paint, these markers are safe for absolutely anyone to use. If you’re not satisfied, you can request a full refund.
People love that these markers are capable of creating such crisp, well-defined lines. Unfortunately, some say that they received one marker that was dried out.
With their dual tips and solid color selection, this is an economic choice for fabric markers.
Pros
- Dual-tipped for all sorts of projects
- Good selection of basic colors
- Non-toxic and safe to use
Cons
- Some consumers received one dried-out marker
Sharpie 1779005 Stained Fabric Markers
Plenty of people recommend Sharpie fabric markers because they have that high-quality, brand-name reliability. Each of the eight bright and bold colors in this set are saturated with pigment so that you get vibrant results every time.
All you have to do is wash your decorated garments as usual. Your designs won’t be affected thanks to the outstanding ink in these markers.
Sharpie uses specially designed ink in these markers to ensure that it provides you with superior adherence to a wide variety of fabrics. Thanks to the brush tip, it’s possible to make both delicate and bold lines with ease.
The brush tip makes these markers ideal for use on fabrics say enthusiastic fans. Nonetheless, critics wish the colors were even more saturated like a fabric paint would be.
Sharpie is a reliable brand name when it comes to writing instruments, and these markers don’t disappoint.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Brush tip for precision
- No special washing instructions for garments
Cons
- Colors not as saturated as some would like
ARTISTRO Acrylic Paint Pens
These acrylic paint pens come in a collection of 30 outstanding colors. In addition to 28 unique colors, you get an extra white and an extra black, the two hues that artists tend to use most heavily.
Any fabric dye pen from this set lays down opaque, glossy color on almost any surface. In addition to a variety of fabrics, these markers also work on stone, metal, plastic, paper, glass, ceramic, wood, and more.
Each marker is equipped with a 0.7-millimeter extra-fine tip for capturing tiny details.
These non-toxic pens emit no odors, which also makes them safe for anyone to use. Thanks to the sturdy tips and consistent flow of paint, these markers are a dream to use. They make it possible to create an array of imaginative projects with ease.
Saying that they are a pleasure to work with, many artists praise these pens. However, some people are bothered by the need to shake and prime the markers with each use.
No matter what your project may be, these markers will enhance it.
Pros
- Excellent color variety
- Reliable, steady paint flow
- Lays down glossy, opaque colors
Cons
- Must shake and prime markers with each use
Madam Sew Heat Erasable Fabric Marking Pe
What if you want to add a temporary design to a garment or a pair of shoes? If so, then you’ll probably love this set of four fabric marking pens.
These markers are intended for use with sewing projects to indicate the pattern or the color of the thread to be used. When heat is applied to the ink, it disappears as if it were never there.
This property makes it possible for you to add a temporary design to any fabric that disappears as soon as you apply heat. Accordingly, it’s the perfect solution for a one-time wear item like a Halloween costume.
Each set of these erasable fabric marking pens comes with four markers and four refills. The colors included are black, white, blue, and red.
People love these markers because they work exactly like they are supposed to. What’s more, they are incredibly easy to use.
Nonetheless, some people are disappointed that the gel in the pens dries up after four to five months.
For that special, one-time project, these fabric markers with disappearing ink are the perfect solution.
Pros
- Easy to mark any fabric
- Basic, easy-to-see colors
- The ink disappears when heat is applied
Cons
- The gel in the pens dries up after four or five months
Crafts 4 ALL Fabric Markers Pens Permanent 12 Pack Dual Tip
Filled with high-quality, permanent fabric ink, these clothing markers feature 12 brilliant colors and dual tips. You’ll be able to use these versatile markers on any fabric surface that you can find.
While you create wall hangings, clothing, and more, you’ll fall in love with these Crafts 4 ALL fabric markers. The fabric dye ink is really heavily pigmented, and the dual tips on each marker make it possible to create everything from tiny, intricate details to pieces that are big and bold.
These child-safe markers are non-toxic, weatherproof, and fade-proof. Being exposed to sunlight won’t bother your finished pieces, and you enjoy the peace of mind of a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
Perhaps best of all, these pens feature minimal bleed, making them a perfect choice for beginners who may be struggling to learn their craft.
Artists love using these markers, saying that they have great coverage. Critics say that the ink runs out really fast.
You might fall in love with these pens if you are drawing or writing on light-colored fabrics.
Pros
- Heavily pigmented ink
- Weatherproof and fade-proof
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- The ink runs out fast
Best Fabric Markers (Pack of 24 Pens) Non-Toxic – Set of 24 Individual Colors – No Duplicates
This set of 24 t-shirt markers promises plenty of versatility with so many hues. You’ll be able to let your imagination take flight like never before.
Despite having a total of 24 markers, this set contains no duplicates. This means that you get two dozen original colors to use in your designs. You’ll find all of the basic hues plus some neon shades that will make your work stand out.
Suitable for use on hundreds of different fabrics, there’s almost nothing that you can’t decorate with this set. Feel free to use it on denim, t-shirts, canvas, polyester, and more. These bright and vibrant colors can show up on almost anything.
The permanent, quick-drying ink is safe and non-toxic. Items that have been decorated with these markers are safe to put in the washing machine.
The manufacturer even offers a no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee on their product.
Fans say that they love the variety of colors and that items decorated with pens go through the wash just fine. Others remark that the caps are really hard to replace.
No matter what fabric you’re decorating, these markers will get the job done.
Pros
- Money-back guarantee
- Good variety of colors
- Markers work on virtually all fabrics
Cons
- Caps are hard to put back on the pens
Misulove Paint Marker Pens
These oversized paint marker pens may be the perfect solution for people who have arthritis or other gripping or mobility issues. Moreover, you may want to use this collection if you love metallic sheens. Each of the ten markers features a subtle sheen in colors like gold, silver, white, olive, green, brown, purple, and more.
If you are looking for a fabric marker pen that allows you to put rich metallic color on almost any surface, then your search is over. These markers use a specially formulated, opaque ink that’s water-based and low-odor. The waterproof ink also is water-based for safe, non-toxic use.
Each marker is equipped with a fine bullet nib that typically draws a two-millimeter line. They work great on both light and dark backgrounds.
Many people recommend these brilliantly colored, fast-drying fabric markers. However, some users say that the cap colors don’t match the actual colors very well.
When you want to make an indelible statement, even on a dark background, choose these metallic fabric pens.
Pros
- Bright, metallic colors
- Oversized pens for easy grip
- Non-toxic, low-odor, and safe to use
Cons
- Cap colors and actual colors are not perfect matches
Conclusion
In this review, we tested many possibilities, and the 10 listed above featured superior performance and value. We particularly love the set of 24 Best Fabric Markers because of the number of colors and how well they show up on such a wide range of fabrics.
Another outstanding choice is the ARTISTRO Acrylic Paint Pens. With 30 colors and fantastic color saturation and opacity, it’s hard to go wrong with this selection. Anyone who wants to create vibrant pieces that genuinely stand the test of time may want to give this set some serious consideration.
