The Best Fabric Markers for 2023

Fabric markers became popular in the last few years because of their versatility. They are formulated with colors permanent on fabrics such as dye, ink, or even synthetic paint.

We can use them to add some personal touch to our own clothing, accessories, carpet, and other fabric decorations. If you also love these creative and fun DIY tasks, then getting the best fabric markers is important. They are great choices for creating quality designs in our T-shirts without the mess of regular paint and paintbrush.

But, are you new to fabric designs? Do all the products on the market confuse you big time? Fret not; here’re some suggestions for the best fabric markers, you can use to create those beautiful fabric designs. Read below.

Fabric Marker Reviews

1. Crafts 4 ALL Fine Tip Fabric Markers Pens

What exactly makes a good fabric marker? Strong colors, permanent base, clear marks and overall professional looks. Crafts 4 All has one mission as a color art company, “to empower to create”. It is by this very idea that a lot can enjoy this textile art without having to worry about messy paints. For many, this fabric marker avoids bad layers and stain so designs end up with beautiful gradients and shades.

I love the lines of colors of the box of 24 carries a good selection of rainbow, earthly and sparkly fluorescent colors. Such variety allows flexibility and versatility to create unique fabric masterpieces making it the best pens to write on fabric that is safe for all ages.

As an artist, it is important to use non-toxic ingredients – for kids to use as well, making fabric art a great family event. And crafts 4 all fabric markers makes it easier for everyone to discover their artistic talents. With crafts 4 all, it is not just the artwork that’s enjoyed but the memories built during the work.

If there’s a small thing I don’t like about the color line up, it is perhaps the strength of each color. The gold one does not look gold enough but quite olive. The same can be true for the fluorescents. As a remedy, mixing some colors will bring out the best shades.

2. Creative Joy Fabric Markers

What will you do when you are given a dozen vibrant fabric paint pens?

Obviously, you let your creativity sinks in – drawing, painting, lettering or even just doodling. Creative joy sparks colors and happiness with its set of 12 vibrant double tipped pens – perfect fabric markers for shirts. These quality and permanent markers are my go to when the art muse kicks in.

I love the color choices of some deep, some fresh and some warm pens. It is like having an all-in-one box of art goodness.

I also like that it works for all kinds of fabric. Personally, I used it for cotton twill fabric or on denims and it works perfectly fine and colors remain vibrant even after a few washing. Of course, it is also non-toxic so I do not need to worry about ventilation or air circulation in my art room. I can enjoy painting and drawing at the convenience of my indoor studio. For others who are just doing art for fun, no need to worry about fumes common in fabric paints. Creative joy fabric markers got you covered as well as safe.

The only downside is perhaps the quantity. An addition of a few more hues will surely add more fun during art sessions. Some colors need a bit of sparkles too!

3. Eye Art Fabric Markers

I first discovered fabric markers when one of my favorite shirts got a nasty stain. Since I can’t just give it up, I decided to repurpose it using fabric markers. Aen Art’s line of 30 vibrant and permanent fabric pens for cotton was the best choice. This ultra bright rainbow set of fabric markers did not just save my shirt but gave it a totally new life.

Unlike other pens, I love that this contains quality ink – a rich pigment of German dye that is expected to last longer than any other fabric art coloring products. This premium ink does not fade even after multiple washes.

The only downside to this set of 30s is the tip, being very fine that it resembles a ball point. The bullet tip is great for outlining, doodling and some drawing but not great for painting solid designs. But when you are looking for fabric markers that don’t bleed, Aen Art got this answer for your creative needs such as calligraphy or shirt decorating. It also works for shoes so that’s a plus point.

4. Crayola Fabric Markers

Since the invention of Crayola in 1885, everyone alive today has used it either at home or school. This brand is definitely part of our childhood memory as far as art supplies are concerned. So it is no surprise that it leads the market of good fabric markers. Their constant evolution allows us to enjoy premium colors without worrying about health hazards or usability.

I love coloring since I was a kid so it is natural to look for the crayola brand whenever I am on the lookout for quality markers. Their line up for clothing markers are no different. As usual, they still bring out the best art designs with the most vibrant colors.

This set of 10 fine tip fabric pens lets me draw even the smallest details without worry of bleeding out. I also like that it works well for both cotton, hard fabric and on all colors – light to dark fabrics. Kids and I can have a whole load of weekend fun with these markers for clothes. Each art session always ends up in giggles, full engagement and ultimate entertainment.

If there’s a downside, it is the number of colors in each box. Instead of 10, I hope this popular color company comes up with more colors in a box.

5. Shuttle Art Fabric Markers

What will you do if you have 36 multiple colors of fabric markers? Grab your old shirts and start making them look new! This is exactly what I did with my otherwise never-to-be-worn shirts. Shuttle Art makes the dreams of many girls of having nicely and personalized T-shirts come true with these vibrant colored fabric markers.

I like that all colors reveal eye-popping hues of the rainbow and other auxiliary colors. What’s good is it is also very versatile that I can use it for every fabric available – cotton to wool and stays long enough even after washing it many times.

For newbies to the marker art work activities, Shuttle Art provides stencils for that unstoppable fun. Being a woman, I also love that it can be used for shoes and bags. Creating matching shirts and footwears has never been easy with these 36 choices of color goodness.

The only downside for this product is that the fabric markers dry out easily. So make sure to put on the cap tight after every use. Otherwise, this color line is the best one can have for fabric markers for shoes and tops.

6. Crafts 4 All Dual TIP Fabric Markers Pens

If you are one of those who like to wear personally designed t shirts, then crafts 4 all provides you the opportunity to create your own with their 12 choices of the best permanent fabric markers.

I love markers with dual tips. They do not only provide nice designs but also provide flexibility as to usage. The need for solid colors as well as the need for outlines are balanced in this set of 12s. I like the rich color pigmented by the German quality ink and dye. What’s more, it works not only on fabrics but on walls, handbags and the traditional canvas. The versatility of usage can make this set the best fabric pens for art enthusiasts.

For clothes, choosing pens that have strong pigment is the first step. Thanks to the work of art craft companies, doing art is made a lot more fun and easy. I also love that it is child safe, waterproof and fade proof. Even when machine washed, the designs resist fading – last a long time instead.

While it seems to be the perfect set, there’s a slight downside – it does not dry on its own. You need to iron over it for the color to seal in with the fabric. Also, it does not work well with fabric of darker shades.

7. Ohuhu Fabric Markers

Wanting to create the best fabric markers designs? This 36 set of double tipped fabric markers by Ohuhu is perhaps the perfect choice for the task. I am no illustrator but I am a fan of unique and personalized t-shirts and other fabric. I also love wearing my own creations.

I love that I can make any design, and I have to wear them too. This set of rainbow colors and some sparkly ones do spice up my old t-shirts, dry quickly and wearable after 24 hours. This colored premium fabric marker works well for handbags, cloth lampshades, white and colored shoes as well as nice linens.

While many brands don’t stay long on common fabrics, this Ohuhu set is the most acceptable fabric marker for polyester too! This means pillows and comforters can be transformed into beautifully designed fabrics.

If there’s a slight disappointment, it is perhaps the lack of color pigmentation. To get the best color quality, you need to go over the design a few times. This means using more ink than necessary.

8. US Art Supply Super Markers

They are called super markers for a reason. For me, there’s two reasons: water based and versatile. I especially like the intensity of each color and how it can be the best choice among fabric markers for dark fabric. The rich pigments ensure that the color stays even after a few times on a washing machine.

I like that it can highlight my design using the bullet tip. Like any other form of art, enhanced details bring about the best of fabric art designs. US Art Supply knows what is needed so they provided a tip that creates beautiful art outlines but still allows thick strokes.

So far, I have used it to cover ugly stains and it works perfectly. With these beautiful fabric markers for cotton and other types, I do not need to worry about ruined clothes ever again. Draw anything and give your clothes a new lease of life.

If there’s something I would like to point out about this product, it is probably the tendency to bleed when outline or doodle is done too long or when colors are combined. To avoid this art accident, try not to keep your tip in one place.

9. TULIP Fabric Markers

Gone were the days when pens are just for writing. This tiny piece of technology has evolved throughout the years that it is now intended for all sorts of art works. And ordinary doodling is now made artistic using the correct pen.

Among the many uses of a good pen tip, calligraphy is perhaps the most amazing one. I love that Tulip fabric markers allow me to create personalized calligraphic writing on my old shirts as well as create nice writings for my plain white shirt. Bullet tip fabric markers help artists create detailed designs for fabrics of any type. There are different kinds of pens from non permanent fabric markers to fluorescent or sparkly ones.

I love this set of 12 fabric markers for two reasons: premium ink and quick dry. This means that it is easier to create a unique drawing and doodle without worrying about drying it out outside. It is non-toxic so doing it inside a room is safe for adults and kids alike. Fabric designing using these beautiful pens is always a great family bonding.

Sadly, a downside of this fabric pen is bleeding. It is advisable that colors shouldn’t be mixed in the artwork and use it only for outlining. While doing so, provide a hard cardboard underneath the fabric to make sure the ink does not bleed to the other side.

10. Zenacolor Fabric Markers Pens

Zen is always related to meditation and inner peace. Zenacolor fabric marker possibly took its name from the same definition – inner peace that we all seek out. And what is better than flexing out those inner artists in us. Their set of 20 permanent fabric markers provides amazing colors to enliven even the most dull work of art. The shades make a simple graffiti stand out on a plain colored fabric.

I love their color collection – from rainbow to basic hues offers a burst of hues and shades perfect for illustrators and newbies alike. The only thing left is to unleash everyone’s creativity and draw, doodle, outline, or paint on all kinds of fabric.

Two of the most important characteristics of this lineup of 20s that I really like are: high quality ink and versatility. The rich shades provide anyone enough flexibility and versatility about designs and purpose. It’s versatility extends to the base material too – paper, textile and fabric. Of course, I love that it is non toxic so anyone can have a ton of fun without any worry. When drying, there is no need to dry outside or iron it – the quick dry element works even at room temperature.

If there’s one downside, the ink on the pen dries easily too. Using it on big project at once is advisable as shelf life is never guaranteed.

11. Arteza Fabric Markers

Black is beautiful and that is true even when it comes to fabric markers. For sometime now, white shirts with jet black calligraphy or drawings are the trend. The perfect contrast remains to be considered a classic in the fashion world. But instead of spending money on expensive yet mass produced designs, why not create your unique designs?

I always love the deepness of the black over a plain white. A plain canvas is always an artist playground although I am no artist, I like writing messages – memes and inspirational – that takes someone else’s attention. Arteza’s double tip makes great writing, perfect drawings and even detailed lines. The top tip is a fine bullet point while the other side has a chisel shape perfect for solid designs.

Aside from using it as my go to fabric markers for t-shirts, it is also the best fabric pens for shoes as it is heat, water and washing machine resistant. The biggest threat to personalized items is fading away so I am glad their pens are fade resistant.

While I love black and white, the downsides are to be considered. The color bleeds on certain fabrics such as nylon or wool. It also requires ironing so using it on your favorite polyester or nylon may not be a great idea.

12. Best Bullet Tip Fabric Markers

When you are an artist, your interest in perfecting fine details becomes a natural thing. Getting the best materials comes first priority. Best provides the solution – their 24 line of fabric markers bursting in great colors. Their set of rainbow, neons and pastel colors will surely bring out the life of every art work.

Personally, I love the color choices and the bullet tip. As an avid fan of making outlines to give precise details to the art work, the bullet tip is my perfect partner. Easy do-it-yourself projects are now made easy with quite literally, their best fabric markers.

I also like the versatility of this set of markers – works on all types of clothing including hard to write on such as polyesters and denims but also on surfaces. Quite useful for any art or painting needs.

The only disappointment I have with this set is its tendency to bleed a little when writing or drawing takes long. Consider swift and smooth hand movement when using it. Sadly, the ink also dries out easily so make sure to close the cap tightly after each use or do all of your projects in one go. Shelf life may reduce the quality of ink pigment.

13. JR.WHITE Fabric Markers

Decorating baby products including clothes, pyjamas and those beautiful onesies is the goal of every new parent. I remember sewing some flower designs to my daughter’s onesie a few years back. It was a nice but arduous work. The evolution of colors specially of the fabric pens made art making it a lot easier for newbies to doodling or drawing work.

I like the vibrancy of the 24 colors inside the JR White pack. While the packaging says assorted, there’s a rich combination of beautiful colors of earth, fluorescent and neon colors that can be used for both fabric and papers and that put onesies on the category.

I can basically do all sorts of designs, embellishments and outlines to personalize every piece of fabric available. A mother decorating her child’s onesies is possibly the most important form of artwork. I love the premium german dye ink because it lasts longer than other water based ones. They also dry out easily which means clothes can be worn within 24 hour of not needing to hang it to dry outside.

Like any other pen, it can bleed through in thin fabrics. A slight disappointment but its advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

14. Sharpie 1779005 Stained Fabric Markers

German owned Sharpie was founded in 1857, long enough to master their dye and ink production. No wonder it has gained worldwide popularity because of its premium quality. When it comes to fabric or paper art, the company is on it. A top choice.

For years, I have always loved the bright colors of Sharpie. The colors stay longer on any surface and on any types of fabric so old t-shirts, shoes, handbags are given a new lease of life. One of the best features of Sharpie is its tip, quite versatile and flexible as it works to create thin and thick lines to provide great details to every artwork.

Because of its ink quality, the colors will resist fading even after regular washing cycles. The only thing that is considered to be a bit of a downside is on how the ink dries up quicker than possible. To avoid this, all colored pens should be stored horizontally with caps tightly placed.

How To Choose Fabric Markers?

Fabric markers are interesting finds and are popular across ages. Choosing the right marker brand is important especially if you are allowing children to use it on their own, unsupervised. But before swiping that credit card, here are some guidelines to make your shopping task a lot easier.

Choose Vibrant Colors

Like any other important art supplies, buying pens with premium dye or color will provide leeway for possible fading later on. Crafts 4 All, creative joy and crayola are probably the most trusted.

Go for No Bleed Pens

Many fabric markers naturally bleed if they are used over each other but good brands control bleeding to a minimal. When buying a set of fabric markers, consider to find one that says no bleed or minimal bleed. Follow the drying instructions to ensure color quality even after several washing.

Consider Non-Toxic

Colors and kids are hard to separate from each other so getting a non-toxic set of markers will ensure the safety of children whenever they use them.

How to keep fabric markers from bleeding

Marker bleeding from fabric can be a real nuisance when you want to preserve your drawings for as long as possible.

So, when drawing your beautiful marker arts and lines on those clothing or fabric, you should follow these tips:

• Wash the clothing or fabric before using markers on it. Make sure to let it dry completely, then draw later to avoid ink bleeding and fabric shrinkage.
• Hang the drawn fabric or lay it on a clean surface in a well-ventilated place. Make sure to let the marker ink heal and dry for at least 24 hours.
• Then, the important step is to iron the fabric, especially the drawn images, to preserve its colors. Do so by ironing the backside of the cloth, letting the drawn side rest on a thick paper.
• If possible, you want to seal the drawing with opaque fabric paint. It can take approximately two days for this sealer to completely heal.

If you wash cloth with marker drawings on, make sure to set the gentle cycle and low tumble dry mode. Besides, make sure to only wash it after the marker completely dries after at least 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is It for?

Art pens whether regular or fabric pens are designed for all ages. This is the reason they were manufactured with the safety of the users in mind. Some of many users of fabric markers are:

What are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Fabric Markers?

There are two ways fabric markers benefit every user: versatility of the pens and color quality. Here’s some pros and cons of using fabric markers on your favorite clothes, bags or shoes:

Advantages

Disadvantages

How to Use?

In this age where personal touch is more treasured, fabric markers companies saw an opportunity to create the most effective set that brings out creativity, family time, and enjoyment all rolled into one.

Over the years, fabric markers have been used to spice up many occasions – designing your own child’s onesies, personalized birthday invitations, unique gifts and even to save a stained t-shirt from retiring. Some of the most common uses of fabric markers are the following:

Calligraphy

Since it works like a normal pen, creating decorative handwriting or lettering is now made easier. You have more control over a marker than a paint brush so handwritten lettering comes out neater.

Stencils

The markers’ fine tips allow an artist to use stencils more effectively. Go over the stencil slowly and carefully using a marker. The use of markers allows precision and accuracy of design.

Outlining and Detailing

Every artist has their own art signature. Sometimes these include delicate outlines or intricate details. Using a fine tipped marker works better than a fine tipped (paint) brush when creating those delicate outlines. It’s all about control.

Rubber Stamps

Stamps dipped on wet fabric paint normally creates a messy finish. Color your rubber stamps using fabric markers and enjoy stamping any design on your favorite fabric. Time is essential here as the ink can dry out fast.

For whatever use, markers do work best because of better grip as well color blends. The vibrant colors certainly add life to any designs. Just make sure you let the color dry for a few minutes before adding another layer to avoid bleeding.

Where to Buy? (Amazon, Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot)

Because it is a common product used by people of all ages, fabric markers are being sold in almost every city in the world. A question will only be whether you are buying retail or wholesale. Here are your options:

Walmart: The US biggest chain of wholesale stores sells fabric markers in almost all sets and colors. Buy in bulk or wholesale if you are using it for a big event such as parties or camps. Visit the store and check out color quality for yourself. Usually the items displayed are the better ones than the ones sitting in storage. Sometimes, you are even allowed to test the color on a piece of paper.

Lowe’s: Lowe’s offers fabric markers in various sets. Check out their website for availability of brands if you are far from the place otherwise a quick drive to the store will allow you to appreciate the product better.

Local Bookstores / Art Supplies: In many instances, these fabric markers are also available in smaller or local shops. Go and enjoy buying retails in various art shops.

Amazon: A convenient way to purchase these art goodness is through amazon. Browse their shopping list, read reviews and place your order. They even deliver it to you for free so no need to fret over looking at so many choices.

Whether you are buying in store or online, it is important for you to know which design and type of fabric will you need a fabric marker for. Look for features such as “no bleed”, “quick dry” and “type of marker tip.” Getting them right will save you from disappointment when you open the cap.

How to Care?

Caring for your fabric markers is a straightforward process. To maintain the quality of ink on the fabric, here’s what you can do before, during and after your artwork:

How to Revive Dried out Markers?

We were taught in elementary art classes that dried out markers can still be activated as long as we perform few tips and tricks:

Reviving the dried out ink is a short term solution especially if you need it for a few more strokes on your art project. It does not make the fabric marker exactly like new. Expect some fading because the diffused ink may result in a lower color quality.

Conclusion

Fabric art design is now a do-it-yourself project with a little help from the long list of the best fabric markers available today. With the endless array of colors and sizes, it is easy to simply unleash one’s creativity in creating personalized t-shirts, pillow cases, shoes, bags and even surfaces.

Both permanent and non permanent fabric markers are easy to use, easy to store and easy to find. Definitely, anyone can now be an illustrator with a stroke of a good fabric marker!