We researched the best fabric markers for every project, considering the permanence, tip style, and compatibility of each pick. Our favorite option for shirts is the TULIP Dual-Tip Fabric Markers. Thanks to the unique two-tip design, creating vibrant and detailed permanent designs on T-shirts is mess-free and easy. Here, the best fabric markers for every material. Tulip boasts a nontoxic formula safe for kids of all ages that dries quickly and permanently. Also, the tips won’t snag the fabric when drawing, making it easy to color on clothing. Customers say that while these markers can take a bit of getting used to, the colors are vibrant and cover fabric well. They also hold up well after going through the washing machine (just be sure to wait 24 hours before washing). Tip Style: Brush and fine tip | Permanent?: Yes | Compatible With: Most fabrics Customers give them high marks, with the majority saying they don’t bleed at all, and the colors stay vibrant even after washing. Some report that the colors vary in consistency, but most say the colors are gorgeous, go on smoothly, and work well on a variety of materials. Tip Style: Bullet | Permanent?: Yes | Compatible With: Denim, cotton, polyester, and more Customers give these markers high marks all around, saying the colors are vibrant and long-lasting. They’re not the best if you want to color large areas, but the fine point is great for outlining and small, detailed designs on baby clothes and other items. Tip Style: Bullet | Permanent?: Yes | Compatible With: Clothing, tote bags, canvas shoes, onesies, pillow cases, and more While the stencils don’t last forever, customers like that they’re included and say the ink doesn’t bleed. They also note that these pens are easy to use, and the colors are beautiful and stay bright after washing. Tip Style: Bullet | Permanent?: Yes | Compatible With: Laundry labels, sporting gear, caps, lunch bags, and more Customers say they work well on everything from clothing to sippy cups and snack containers. They like that the ink dries quickly without smudging and doesn’t fade from clothing even after months of washing. Some wish the tip was finer and some report bleeding, but most say they work great and are handy to have on hand for all sorts of labeling needs. Tip Style: Fine | Permanent?: Yes | Compatible With: Clothes, bedding, sippy cups, Tupperware While you have to be willing to work pretty quickly, customers say these pens work well and are much easier to use than chalk or waxy pencils. They also love how thoroughly the marks vanish and say they’re a staple for sewing. Tip Style: Bullet | Permanent?: No | Compatible With: Washable fabric for quilting, sewing, and embroidering Like other Tulip products, crafters give these pens rave reviews. They say the colors are bright and show up well no matter the fabric, and the price is good for these quality pens. The biggest complaint seems to be that some feel the ink runs out sooner than they’d like, especially with the silver pens. Tip Style: Bullet | Permanent?: Yes | Compatible With: Canvas, shoes, backpacks, wood, rocks, and more According to users, the markers are easy to use, and the colors are bright, beautiful, and don’t bleed. Some wish they came in more colors, but say that overall these are the best markers they’ve found for customizing hats and other items. Tip Style: Brush | Permanent?: Yes | Compatible With: Most fabrics Also, some fabric markers are better on dark fabric than others. If you’re working on black cotton or canvas, it may be wise to purchase fabric markers specifically made for dark fabric to ensure your designs will show up bright and opaque.
Tip Style
Fabric markers come in a variety of tip styles that are designed for different projects. Brush tips are wide and long and perfect for filling in large areas quickly, while fine tips help create detailed designs with lots of delicate lines. Bullet tips are most common. With these, you have the control to create thin lines that get thicker as you apply more pressure.
Permanence
Most fabric markers are permanent. This ensures they last after runs in the washing machine or dishwasher. This is pivotal for preserving designs, labels, or autographs on fabric. Be sure to pay attention to the care instructions for washing to ensure your ink lasts as long as possible. Some require heat from an iron before washing or require a waiting period before putting in the machine. If you are using a fabric marker for sewing, quilting, needlepoint, or embroidery, you will not want a permanent pick. These fabric markers are used for making marks and guiding lines that eventually disappear and won’t show up on your final project.
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This article was written by Julie Evans, a writer and editor who has worked with a host of diverse companies including Microsoft, USA Today, Realtor.com, Brit + Co, CafeMom, and SheKnows among others. She started writing for The Spruce brands in August 2017. It also helps to ensure you are using the best fabric markers for your project, which goes back to compatibility. The more suited your fabric markers are to your fabric, the less you will have to worry about bleeding.Overall, you want to be confident in your strokes. Pausing between lines can cause blots that take away from the overall design. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce brands covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She’s also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product round-ups, and more.
