What Is Felt?

Felt is a unique and iconic fabric that is made from natural fibers and a mixture of water and soap. The natural fibers are compacted and this is the effect of the soft material, felt. It is a very strong fabric that is not easy to rip, which is one of the main reasons it is used, and not so much for the aesthetics. Some amazing benefits of this material are that it is made out of natural fibers which makes it easy on the environment and it repels dirt.

How to Choose the Best Adhesive for Gluing Felt to Wood

Choosing the right glue can easily be mistaken for a simple task. This might be the case if you are familiar with the different types of adhesives. But, for those who are new to this area of DIY expertise, determining which glue is likely to be the best for felt can be challenging. Luckily for you, we have compiled a list of suggestions that you can keep in mind the next time you are at the supply store. The first part of the answer for how to glue felt to wood is in choosing the best adhesive for felt.

Selecting the Correct Glue

When it comes to gluing felt to wood, the correct glue you use is very important. This all depends on what type of surface you are planning to glue the felt to. Certain types of glue are better for certain types of surface materials. The best glue for felt might not be the best glue for the surface you are trying to glue the felt to.

Drying Time

This is extremely important to always consider this before you purchase the glue. This is because if you do not have the time to wait around for the glue to dry, then you should look out for glue that dries and cures faster too!

Application

This might be a surprise, but the design of glue is very important and not just the glue that comes inside of the container or tube. How easy is it to apply the glue? Some glues come in a little tube that has a smaller nozzle where the glue comes from. This makes it easier to get into those little spaces to fill the glue in.

Child Care

It is of the utmost importance to protect our children, that is why when you are working with tools, paints, glues, or anything of a chemical nature, it is strongly advised to be vigilant of them at all times. When it comes to gluing felt to wood, the right glue would be less harmful, ideally. You would want to look out for glues that are non-toxic and easy to wash when cleaning up later.

Opacity

If you are gluing felt to the wood where the glue might be more visible, then a glue that cures transparent will be the better choice. Glues only show their true colors when they have finished curing. Some glues are more yellow or even an opaque color when they cure, and that can ruin the aesthetic appeal of your project.

Glue to Avoid

If you are wondering how to attach felt to wood, there are a few types of glue that are not the best for this particular purpose and should be avoided. The typical white craft glue that is commonly used in DIY projects may fail to bond due to its thin consistency.

The Best Glue for Felt to Wood

Now that we have discussed the few key points to look out for in choosing the best glue for felt to wood projects, we can highlight some of our favorite products made by some very reputable brands. Keep reading for our recommendations on the right glue to use, thus partly answering the question, how to attach felt to wood.

Best Tacky Wet Glue for Gluing Felt to Wood: ELMER’S Tacky Glue

This glue is well-known for its ease in the clean-up process. Not much effort needs to be taken to wipe it up, even when applied mistakenly to your felt. It is celebrated amongst crafters and DIY extraordinaire as a versatile glue that works well in bonding other materials and not just felt and wood. The strong bond from Elmer’s Tacky glue is great because a little bit spreads quite far so only a small bottle can last you through a decent amount of projects.

Best Super Glue for Sticking Felt to Wood: GORILLA Super Glue Gel, Clear

Gorilla Glue is one of the most well-known glues in the DIY industry as well as the industrial industry. Professionals and hobbyists are huge fans because this glue delivers on every promise for strength in bonding. It is easy to apply and the glue will not run and ruin the surface you are applying it to, which means any surface of either a horizontal or a vertical angle will suffice.

It has a magnificently fast drying time, taking only 10 to 45 seconds (depending on the humidity and temperature of your working conditions) and when it cures, it is transparent – aiding the aesthetics of your project and adding a more professional appeal. Gorilla super glue is versatile in function because it works to bond not only felt to wood but a variety of other surface materials.

Best Hot Glue Stick for Sticking Felt to Wood: ADTECH Mini Hot Glue Stick

This glue by Adtech comes in the form of a glue stick for a hot glue gun. It is perfect for any projects where you might need to glue felt to wood, or many other types of materials for that matter. It is aesthetically appealing because it dries and cures in a transparent opacity, and the drying time between use is only 30 seconds, making the bonding application quick and easy. These glue sticks also come in various sizes, including a 28inch glue stick that beats the length of other glue sticks by 8 inches.

When applying AdTech’s mini hot glue stick you can choose between a high temperature or a low temperature. If you are wondering how to attach felt to wood with this type of glue, a lower temperature is suggested so that you do not damage the felt in the process. Make sure that you are wearing protective gloves regardless of the low heat, and do not leave children alone with the glue gun.

Best Spray Glue for Sticking Felt to Wood: ALEENE’S All Purpose Tacky Adhesive Spray

If you are wondering how to glue felt to wood for your child’s latest project this would be the best option. Aleene’s All-purpose tacky glue spray is perfect because it dries clear, so none of that yellowing color. Once applied the bond starts to take effect after about two minutes so there is not much time to wait, which is another benefit. One more benefit would be that it is non-toxic so you can use it for child’s craft projects or even make a new toy for your pet.

The tackiness of this glue is phenomenal, it promises professional bondage that lasts a long time. The application of this glue is easy to use because of the spray mechanism it is made with. This makes it easy for children to apply the glue and less messy because there will be fewer glue dribbles.

Types of Glue That Work Well for Bonding Felt to Wood

We do not always have the luxury of well-stocked hardware stores or craft shops. Sometimes we may not find the particular glue that we are looking for, but that does not mean that you will not find a glue that works just as well. Here is a table that will highlight the different glues and if it works in gluing felt to wooden surfaces.

Types of Glue	Can It Be Used for Gluing Felt to Wood?
Strong PVA Wood Glue	✘
Craft PVA Glue
Tacky Glue
Wet Cement
White School Glue	✘
Fabric Glue	✘
White Craft Glue	✘
Hot Glue Sticks
Superglue
Spray Glue

Instructions for Gluing Felt to Wood

Now that all of the information about what type of glue to choose for projects where you need to glue felt onto wood, we can start getting into the instructions for the process for gluing the felt onto the wood.

Preparation

This part of your felt gluing experience is one of the most important! Make sure that you read this section before you start your project so that you can gather up all the necessary equipment for the job. The worst thing would be to suddenly find that you don’t have an important part of the process delaying or possibly even ruining the project.

Felt Material

Low-quality felt tends to be more stretchy than high-quality felt once you start to work with it. This depends on how compact the fibers are when the fabric is made. This means that the quality of your felt-to-wood projects is reliant on what type of pet you buy, and how well it was made. Also, remember that the sun will fade the color of the felt, so take into consideration where the felt will spend most of its time. Billiard cloth is a good example of high-quality felt material.

The Glue

You may think that any old glue will work fine, but, the glue you need must be chosen specifically for the type of project, as not all glues will be suitable for gluing felt to wood. If you are trying to avoid a messy job, then avoid using a spray application because they tend to overspray.

Brushes

Any type of contact glue or Elmer’s glue is best applied using a foam brush. These are disposable brushes and super affordable, but you can use a more costly reusable brush and use paint thinners to clean them after each use if you want to be more environmentally friendly.

Removable Tape

Tape can be your best friend when it comes to precise gluing when it comes to using a spray adhesive. Because these tend to spray over where you do not want the glue, you can use tape to seal off those spaces. Once everything has dried you can take the tape away.

Rollers and Scissors

If you don’t want any lumps, folds, or air pockets under your felt application, and you are expecting that smooth and sleek felt feeling. You will need to remember this important step. When you have applied your felt to a wooden surface, the smooth feeling and look are because once you have placed it over the wet glue and then you must use a roller to flatten it out. This will smooth out any crinkles in the material. You can use a ruler or a credit card, or even just by hand.

Selecting the Correct Felt

If you were to purchase lower quality felt material, you will find that although it was kinder to your budget, it is far more difficult to work with, and it will break as you do so. This is because the fabric is made by compacting natural fibers together and the more compact, the higher the quality. Always try to work with higher quality felt materials to create something of professional value. Here are some of our suggestions on how to care for and prepare the felt material you choose before you start gluing it.

Cleaning the Felt

Another very important consideration. This does not necessarily mean for you to stick the felt into the washing machine on a full cycle of delicates. It does, however, mean that there should not be any sticky stains or dust on the material that might prevent the glue from sticking. Use a dampened cloth and wipe the material down, cleaning away any dirt marks, but the best cleaning method for felt is by steam.

Select the Correct Glue

When selecting the glue you want to use for your felt-to-wood project, you must consider a few things. If the surface area you are gluing is large, like for a snooker or pool table, you might benefit from choosing a spray adhesive. Just make sure to use the removable tape so that you do not spray on the spaces where glue should not be.

For fiddly projects involving larger sections of felt, we recommend Elmer’s glue. This is because it does not peel over time, which adds to the many benefits of this glue. The canister design makes it easy to apply even in hard-to-reach spaces.

Cutting Your Felt

Sometimes when you are gluing felt to wood for a particular project you might need to cut off some excess, or even cut out a shape in the felt. If you do not have such a steady hand for drawing the shapes yourself, you can use stencils that you bought from the shop, or you can make them yourself out of cardboard. You can also make use of templates so that you can cut more and be more time proficient. Templates can also help to get the right shape cut out of the felt you need, avoiding wasting materials by accidentally cutting the wrong shape. Make sure that your measurements are sound before you start snipping.

Applying the Adhesive

Make sure that you have paint thinners before you start if you are using the longer-lasting, non-disposable brushes to apply the glue. This will prevent them from tarnishing too early and wasting your money.

By using a brush that is made of foam, you can eliminate most of the cleaning time because you just throw the brushes away once you are done. This might not be the most environmentally friendly option, but if you are in a rush, or can not afford the most expensive brushes, then these are great.

Make sure that you apply glue to both the felt and the wood to ensure adhesion. This will result in fewer gaps t the edges and a smooth finish without lumps and bumps.

Placing the Felt

This part needs to be done with the utmost care, ensuring that the pieces are placed and aligned accordingly. Some glues tend to dry faster than others, so keep this in mind when you apply the felt in case you make a mistake and the felt cant be removed.

Once the felt has been applied, you must smooth out any bumps that may have formed. This can be done by using your hand, or a roller for larger areas. A credit card or something similar is good for smaller items, and run it down the surface, working out any of the bumps you can see. Once the surface is smooth, you are complete with this step. It is important for a flush finish.

Trim the Overlapping Edges of the Felt

By reading the label and the instructions that come with the glue you use, you will know how long to wait for the glue to have dried and cured. Once it has, you can trim off any excess felt that was not needed and might be flapping over the edges. Use a blade for accurate trimming.

How to Remove Felt From Wood

If the project you are working with is to replace an older layer of felt that started to peel off and look messy or tacky, then the proper method for removing the original felt must be applied, so that you do not ruin the wood and the next layer of felt that is to replace the old.

Use a putty knife to lift enough of the old layer from the wooden surface, being careful not to nick the wood. Make sure to get enough to get a good grip with your fingers and lift the felt off by hand. If you need, you can use the scraper to lift the felt off if the adhesive is still bonding strong in some places. Bits of the felt might remain, but you must try to remove as much of it as possible. This will make sure that the next layer can lie as smooth on the wooden surface as possible.

If you do not get all of the felt when removing it, that is not the end of the world, because the next step is to sand it down and get the wooden surface nice and smooth again. Make sure you get into the harder-to-reach spaces because you will notice the difference when you apply the next layer of felt. Make sure you clean up all of the residue left from the sanding before you apply the glue. You can also remove old felt with hot water.

If you do not get all of the felt off when removing it, that is not the end of the world, because the next step is to sand it down and get the wooden surface nice and smooth again. Take care to get into the harder-to-reach spaces because you will notice the difference when you apply the next layer of felt. Also, clear away all of the residue left from the sanding before you apply any glue.

Useful Tips on How to Attach Felt to Wood

Perhaps your reasons for gluing felt to wood are for decorative purposes, or for protecting your wooden floor from being scratched by furniture. Whatever the case, here are some useful tips, in a summarized form, so that you can get a better feel for the process of gluing felt to wood and so that you can ensure a smooth even application the first time!

• When you are smoothing out a larger area, a roller will be used to make it go quicker. If you were to use anything smaller, it would take too long and you might end up just pushing the bumps around instead of flattening them.
• Use a higher quality felt to prevent it from tearing or stretching when you start to work with it. High-quality felt is also more resistant to heat and it will last longer.
• Use scissors or a razor blade when trimming the excess felt that is hanging off the edges of the project you are gluing it to.
• Place some wax paper over the surface you have just glued with something heavy over that. This will add weight and keep the felt secure to the wood whilst the glue dries.
• Make sure to read the fable of the glue you purchase so that you have sufficient time for the glue to dry, typically 10- 15 minutes should suffice.
• Make sure that both the felt and the wooden surface you are gluing it to are applied with glue so that optimal adhesion will be achieved.

Now that you have learned a substantial amount about the art of gluing felt to wood, you can start to apply this knowledge to the various projects that might require this knowledge! Gluing felt does not need to be a daunting experience at all!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will PVA Glue Bond Felt to Wood?

If you are using a polyvinyl acetate PVA glue it will not work to bond the felt, but if you are using a craft PVA you may have more success.

Is Selecting the Perfect Felt Important?

If you use lower quality felt, your project will not last as long, not to mention a lack of professional appearance. It will also stretch as you are working with it, and possibly tear. This means that higher quality felt is essential.

Will Hot Glue Work on Felt?

Hot Glue is ideal for gluing felt to wood and other surfaces. Adtech has a good product that even comes with a longer stick than with other brands.

Will Super Glue Work With Felt?

Super glue is a fast-drying and fast-acting glue. This makes it a perfect candidate when working with felt projects. Be careful of the highly toxic chemicals that release intense fumes when working with it.

Do All Glues Work With Felt?

Not all glue will work with bonding felt, some of them are too thin in consistency and end up getting absorbed by the material. These types of glues include PVA wood adhesive, general craft glue, and fabric glues.

Der Beitrag How to Glue Felt to Wood – Guide what Glue works erschien zuerst auf Your DIY, Crafting and Painting Guide.

Getting to Know the Fabric Markers

These are permanent markers that contain paint, dye, or ink used to design fabric materials. They are not like normal markers because their liquid is permanent on the fabric. The markers will last longer on your clothes and will not come out as a result of washing.

Fabric markers come in loads of colors, which makes using them more enjoyable. So you can have all the fun you want by mixing and matching your fabrics with the markers. If you have been looking for an amazing way to add color and shine to your fabrics, then go for these markers. You will enjoy the process because they are very easy and cheaper too – especially compared to those other processes that require heat and machines.

The best fabric markers come in handy because they save you from moving from one printing shop to another looking for the best printing machine to do your job. And the bad thing about printing machines is that they are on a large scale, making them costly. Fabric paints are also available on the market as an option to do the same task. However, it is better to use fabric paint pens because they are easily portable and very effective. The other thing is that fabric markers require less cleaning after the process as compared to fabric paints. They are also suitable for kids. So putting all of those advantages together, fabric paint pens are your best choice. The best fabric markers should be versatile and durable for many different uses.

Alcohol vs. Acrylic-Based Fabric Markers

The best fabric markers come in two types, either alcohol-based or acrylic-based. Your choice of a fabric marker is based on the type of project you want to do. This also means that you have to assess the fabric type before you decide on the type of marker to use for your project.

Note: Alcohol-based markers work well with materials like plastic, leather, and many more, while acrylic-based markers are suitable for any material.

Alcohol-Based Fabric Markers

These fabric marker pens are mostly used on non-porous surfaces. They produce amazingly beautiful designs because they can bind the pigments together during the process. So you can use them for your leathers and plastics to obtain excellent results.

Acrylic-Based Fabric Markers

These fabric marker pens can withstand UV rays.  When compared to alcohol-based fabric markers, these markers are opaque. This is because acrylic-based fabric markers are highly durable and long-lasting. Thus, they do not easily lose their color or vibrancy.

The Best Fabric Markers

The process of searching and getting the best fabric markers for your project can be stressful. This is because the market is flooded with a variety of these markers from different brands, making the selection of the best product daunting and at times confusing. We have chosen some of the best fabric markers below to help you get a better understanding of what to look for.

Best Overall: LIQUITEX Professional Fine Paint Marker Set

The colors offered by this marker will not fade, they can last for a very long time. The markers are made from a combination of high-quality pigments, and they do not smudge either. The application process is very easy and amazing results are guaranteed. This brand is acrylic-based.

The best thing about these fabric markers is that they are very flexible to use. This means that if you make any mistake during your art project, you can easily wash off the marker as long as it is still wet. The markers become permanent when dry, so be sure to fix all your mistakes before they get dry. However amazing results are guaranteed whether wet or dry since they are very easy to use.

Also, take note of the nibs on the markers to ensure total control of the marker when doing your project. These nibs can produce thicker lines. This is because each marker comes with a 2 in 1 set of nibs. The first one is suitable for delicate and precise thin lines while the other one is for those broader, thick lines.

This fabric marker pen set has a variety of colors ranging from yellow hues, brilliant blue, titanium white fabric markers, and so on. You can also apply them to water-based paints since they do not bleed easily. They are a perfect choice if you want to blend them with other markers to add more vibe to your artwork. The brand is rated overall best because you can apply these markers to a variety of surfaces.

They are also suitable for layering since they are not prone to mess. You do not have to worry about making mistakes or creating a mess when working with this brand because the markers have been designed to offer you full control when in use. They also have a quick drying time when compared to other fabric markers. Overall, these are probably the best fabric markers for all kinds of uses.

Best Fabric Markers for Pros: MOLOTOW Acrylic Paint Markers

The markers can produce excellent results even on non-smooth surfaces because of their high-quality pigment feature. This fabric marker set is suitable for several surfaces. These surfaces include paper, ceramic, fabric, and so on. The nibs of these markers enhance their adhesion properties and they can be refilled. They also come in a variety of colors which include zinc yellow, signal black, mild shock blue, brown, and so on. The variety of colors offered by this brand are UV resistant. Thus, they do not fade away so easily with time.

They cover a larger surface area with amazing designs, thus they have a thin pigment. The opacity of these colors is incredible because of their thin consistency. Proper use of these colors will result in amazing and colorful designs. They offer rich, vibrant colors that will make your project look impressive in every way. They are best suited for professional artists.

Best for Arts and Crafts: SHARPIE Stained Fabric Markers

This set of fabric marker pens has been formulated to be suitable for any type of fabric. Each set includes eight different markers in a variety of colors – ranging from purple, yellow, red, orange, and so on. These markers are permanent, thus they do not fade very easily. Their bold colors are bright enough to be customized to your preferences.

Their designs are long-lasting since they do not fade so easily. Always store your markers in a horizontal position for safekeeping and to improve their overall performance. You can use them in layers, ensuring a very rich color. The Sharpie set comes with a brush tip that enables you to draw either thin or thick lines. Their ink sticks very easily to different materials and it does not fade after washing. It is environmentally safe to use these markers because they are non-toxic.

Best Value: CRAFTS 4 ALL Fabric Markers

This group of markers is completely non-toxic, which makes them safe to use even on baby clothes. They do not contain any harmful chemicals. Anyone can use them, especially beginners, because they are easy to use. School kids can also use this brand for art learning purposes. They come in a pack of 24 colors, thus providing quality markers in a wide range of shades.

These fabric markers have rich and quality pigments. The quality colorful designs produced by this brand are very impressive. They give your designs a sophisticated and unique look. They are highly durable, thus they can last for a very long time without fading. You can use them for a variety of purposes ranging from handbags, baby items, or any type of clothing. They do not fade easily from UV exposure or weather conditions.

Best Fabric Markers for Kids: CRAYOLA Fabric Markers

This pack comes with 10 fabric pens that will enable you to do amazing customized designs. This set of markers consists of fine tips that work well when doing fine lines that contain precise details. The colors range from white fabric markers to red, pink, green, and more.

Crayola fabric markers are suitable for both dark and light fabrics. The designs do not fade off so easily even after several washes. The markers work on any type of fabric, thus making them versatile. They are suitable for kids ages 3 years and above because they are non-toxic.

Factors to Consider for Buying the Best Fabric Markers

The type of marker used during fabric artwork is really as important as the fabric itself. There are various factors to consider when buying the best fabric markers. We will explain these simply below to help you find the perfect set of markers.

Color

Well, this depends on you! You can choose the color you want based on the meaning you want to illustrate in your artwork. Go for colors that are suitable and compatible with your fabric. This is because most of the fabric markers sold on the market come in a variety of colors. Avoid colors or shades that will make your artwork look like it’s fading out.

Ink Quality

You should seriously consider this factor when buying the best fabric marker pens because it can really affect your artwork as well as the fabric. You must go for quality ink so that you do not end up messing with your artwork. Avoid markers that are associated with runny and messy ink. Opt for ink that is not too thick because it will take long for it to be absorbed.

Safety

Stay away from fabric markers that contain toxic and harmful chemicals. Always do a thorough investigation on the type of fabric marker you want to purchase so that you make sure it does not contain anything toxic. This is because toxic chemicals can affect your health or you might end up reacting. The best way to investigate is by checking customer reviews.

Variety

Always opt for markers that are suitable for many fabrics and surfaces. Besides being used for fabrics, the markers you choose must also be suitable for materials like paper, wood, and so on. This will give you enough room to use your markers on different surfaces for a variety of artwork designs.

Fading

Fabric markers that do not fade easily are your best choice. Your designs can last for longer if the ink does not come off so easily. The best markers do not fade after washing the fabric. Go for fabric paint pens that have high-quality ink so that the ink will not fade after several washes.

Bleeding Ink

If you are one of those people who like using a lot of colors on your artwork, then stay away from bleeding inks. Bleeding inks will spoil your work, resulting in a mess. This is because when the colors bleed, they also seep into each other. Make sure you choose fabric markers that contain non-bleeding ink.

Drying Time

Choose fabric markers that have a very short drying period so you do not get stuck on the same project for a long period. Some fabric markers require up to 24 hours of air-drying time for the ink to settle permanently into the design. Other markers require heat to be set, which makes the process far more labor-intensive. Analyze and choose the best method that works for you.

Fabric Type

The fabric type also determines what type of marker to be used. You need to get a marker that is compatible with the type of fabric you will be using. Not every marker works well on rough fabrics, some markers are easier to use on smooth fabrics. Failure to get the right marker for your fabric type might greatly affect your artwork.

Size of the Tip

Tip size determines the appearance of the design on the fabric. The tips can either be a fine one or a bullet tip. A fine tip is suitable for delicate designs that are associated with a lot of detail, which enables you to draw thin lines very accurately. A bullet tip, on the other hand, is suitable for thicker lined designs. Analyze your design first before you make a choice on the type of fabric marker which has the correct tip.

Note: The process of choosing a tip can be stressful for some people, that is why most fabric markers sold on the market contain both tips. So if you purchase one of those markers with both tips, then you wont have to change markers all of the time.

Opacity

This factor is all about the transparency of the markers. The transparency of the marker will be clear on any designs. This factor plays an important role because it shows how your overall design will be depicted on the fabric. High opacity markers work well on dark fabrics, so the color will be transparent and visible enough on the fabric.  Light material is compatible with transparent markers.

Types of Fabric Markers

Fabric markers come in two different types, either permanent or non-permanent. It is important to try and understand the type of fabric marker that is best suited for your fabric. The most suitable marker will give you more advantages than negatives. Non- permanent markers are further distributed into two groups which are rounded tip or pointed tip.

Pointed Tip

These tips have pointed designs like bullets. The tips have a variety of uses, creating either thin or bold lines. If you are looking for easy-to-use tips, then opt for these non-permanent pointed tips so that you are hassle-free when switching from thin to bold lines.

Rounded Tip

The tips for this group are rounded, making them less suitable for thin and delicate lines. If you want to draw delicate lines that contain a lot of detail, then these tips will not work for you. They are best suited for bold lines.

Non-Permanent Fabric Markers

Non- permanent fabric markers make drawings and designs that do not last for a long time. These markers can store ink in their special storage containers. The designs and drawings made by these markers can be washed off very easily or you can just use a damp cloth to wipe off the design.

However, the ink of these non-permanent markers does not take exceptionally long to dry. If you are doing temporary designs, then this is your best option. Non-permanent markers work well on several surfaces, but they do not work on wet surfaces.

Permanent Fabric Markers

These markers can store ink in internal storage that is used during the artwork. Permanent fabric markers have a permanent ink that stays for longer even if the fabric or garment has been washed severally. If you are looking for markers that can make permanent designs, then they are your best bet. They are only suitable for dry surfaces and cannot withstand wet surfaces.

How to Use Fabric Markers

Since you now have plenty of information on which fabric markers to buy for your project, we will now take a look at how you can use your fabric markers to obtain amazing and beautiful designs. Take note of the following steps:

Getting the Right Fabric

The fabric has an important role to play in selecting the right marker. This is because your fabric choice will also affect how well the marker will perform. Remember, there are two types of fabrics, either smooth or coarse fabric. This also goes for the markers; some markers work very well on smooth fabrics while the opposite is true for the other markers. Test your cloth markers first before you get started on the actual design.

Cleaning the Fabric

Ensure that the fabric you want to use for your design is clean before you begin the process. If the fabric is not clean, then wash and clean it first. Cleaning is important because it ensures that your fabric is free from dust and dirt.

Painting the Fabric

This is when the real work starts. It is advisable to draw your design in faint pencil lines first before you apply the paint. This will give you enough room to rub off and correct any mistakes before applying the permanent marker. Also, ensure that you work on old or scrap fabric for practicing means before you begin working on the actual design.

Thin Lines vs. Thick Lines

The size of lines that you will be drawing on your fabric is equally important as the design itself. This is because fabric markers come in different shapes and sizes. These size differences also apply to tip sizes. If you want to draw designs with bold and thick lines, then go for wide tips. However, if you plan on getting thin lines then go for fine tips.

Painting Larger Surfaces

You can also use your markers to paint large surface areas. However, you have to note that a large surface area will require more ink that may not be sustained by fabric markers. So, it is safe to use fabric paints instead of markers when painting large surface areas.

How to Write on Fabric Without Bleeding

Ink plays an important role when learning how to write on fabric without bleeding. This is because the ink can ruin your designs by messing with the final outlook. This mess usually happens when the inks seep into each other during the process. It is advisable to ensure that your garment is clean before you begin drawing your designs. This will also help in minimizing the risk of shrinkages.

Note: Leave the ink to dry properly before you start touching the design. You can either use opaque fabric or try ironing your designs to avoid ink bleeding.

Leave the Paint to Dry

Before you start thinking about washing the garment, leave it to dry and make sure that the design has dried properly. You can opt for at least 24 to 72 hours. The other option is to use a dryer to blow the painting so that it dries very quickly. The dryer process will save you a lot of time.

Tips and Tricks When Using Fabric Markers

Permanent fabric markers have ink that cannot be washed out very easily. They are usually used to create designs or to fix a faded spot on the garment. Take note of the tips and tricks below when using these fabric markers:

Lettering

This is an artistic process of making outstanding and unique letters on your fabric. You need a lot of practice to be able to do lettering very efficiently. Always opt for fabric markers rather than fabric paints, this is because fabric makers can create more defined designs.

Stenciling

This process is best suited for fabric markers. Ensure that you have the correct stencil before you start this process. Use the fabric marker tip and run it over the edge of the stencil. Ensure that you use the best and most suited fabric markers when doing this process.

Stamping

You can run the fabric marker over the stamp as a means of coloring the stamps. Press the stamp onto the fabric when the ink has been transferred properly. Fabric markers are also a good option when trying to color stamps.

Note: If you are looking for a way of customizing fabrics and fixing stained and fading spots, then cloth markers are the best way to get started. Getting the right marker has to be a priority because you would not want to get the wrong product that would mess up your design. So before you go fabric marker shopping, ensure that you have the exact information on the tip and the color that will work well with your fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Way of Ensuring That My Design Lasts Longer?

To ensure that your designs stay for a long period, use permanent fabric markers. However, the process does not stop there, you need to ensure that your designs have dried properly before using them. Put a cloth over the design and iron it out. The heat will set the design. Do not wash your design until 24 hours have passed and you must use cold water when doing your first three washes.

Why Should You Use a Fabric Marker?

Cloth markers offer a convenient solution for coloring clothes and materials. They allow you to create detailed, precision lines and offer long-lasting inks that won’t wash out of fabrics.

Are all Fabric Markers Permanent?

Not all fabric markers are permanent. If you are using a permanent marker, then you should know that the ink is permanent and will not fade easily after washing. When it comes to non-permanent markers then the results are slightly different. This is because non-permanent markers can be washed out very easily either with water or by using a damp cloth.

Is it Necessary to Use a Fabric Marker?

Permanent fabric markers are important because they ensure that your design will not fade off so easily. If you want a long-lasting permanent design, then opt for permanent fabric markers. You can use these markers on several surfaces like shoes, pillowcases, and clothing.

Is it Possible to Remove Permanent Fabric Markers?

You cannot use water to remove any design that has been made from high-quality ink. Rather, you can achieve the process by using hot water on the fabric area. After that, you can pour alcohol on a sponge and rub it on your garment. Ensure that you use pressure when doing this and continue wetting your sponge in alcohol from time to time.

How Does a Fabric Marker Work?

Take note of the following steps when using a fabric marker. Begin the process by taking out the fabric that you want to work on. Make sure your fabric was stored correctly in a proper way in a cupboard, this will enable your fabric to remain stable during the process.  You can then use ink to draw designs onto your fabric. If you are working on several layers, ensure the first one dries before moving on to the next one. Leave everything to dry completely, thus finishing the process.

What Other Materials are Suitable for Fabric Markers?

Fabric markers work well on a variety of surfaces and fabrics. There are several suitable materials like cotton, polyester, and so on. You can also use them for decoration purposes. Moreover, make sure that your fabric markers are safely stored, and the lids have been closed properly.

Are Fabric Markers Suitable for Baby Clothes?

Fabric markers are safe to use on baby clothes. But you have to ensure that the fabric markers you want to use on baby clothes do not contain any toxic or harmful chemicals.

Does the Ink from Fabric Markers Last Long?

The durability of the ink used in fabric markers depends on the brand you will be using. Some fabric markers last exceptionally long even after being used so many times. However, other markers can only last up to at least 10 hours. You need to ensure that you choose markers that have high durability qualities.

Are Fabric Markers Suitable for Everyone?

Anyone can use fabric markers to draw a variety of designs onto fabrics. For instance, you can use fabric markers to do some retouches on the fading spots that may be on your garments. They are suitable for many projects.

Which Brands of Fabric Markers are Most Trusted?

There are a variety of fabric markers from several brands that are available online and in shops. The most popular brands are Liquitex, Crayola, and so on.

Are All Fabric Markers Toxic?

Some fabric markers are toxic while others are not. It is advisable to correctly check the labels when buying fabric markers so that you do not end up with the toxic brand. Always go for fabric markers that are marked as non-toxic and safe for children.

Fabric markers are a great way of adding some creative flair to your clothing – or any fabric items really! Make sure to choose the right set of markers, and you will be sure to enjoy the process of drawing and writing over fabric. We hope that our guide has helped you to find the best pens to write on fabric.

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Selecting your best Dye for Clothes

When it comes to fabric dye, many of us jump right to what color should you use. However, you should first consider the type of fabric you are going to be using. Find out what fibers make up the fabric. The various dyes react differently to each of the textile fibers, know this, you can choose the right Best fabric dye for your purposes.

Types of Fabric Fibers

Synthetic Clothing Fibers including Blends

Synthetic fibers are in abundance in fabrics, which makes choosing the correct cloth dye a bit tricky. The synthetic fibers also pose a slight problem when it comes to the dye setting so that it comes out with brilliant colors.

You might not recognize the fabric you are using. In this case, you can use a fabric burn chart to discover the type of fabric you have. See below for popular synthetic fibers you can choose from and the compatible fabric dye.

• Acrylic fibers: you can use basic fabric dyes and disperse dyes
• Acetate Rayon/Acetate: Use disperse dye
• Spandex: You must use metal complex acid dyes. You cannot dye spandex/polyester blends.
• Polyester: Disperse Dye
• Nylon: Response is similar to protein fibers like wool, use disperse dyes or preferably acid dyes.
• Blends: For fiber blends, it depends on the type of blend, but usually you can use an all-purpose dye. Otherwise, you can use a two-step dye process.

Protein Fiber Fabrics

As you might guess, the protein fibers are made from protein and include animal hair. Take note that dyes used for cellulose fibers, discussed below, have a high pH and can damage animal protein fibers.

Protein fiber examples:

• Mohair
• Angora
• Cashmere
• Silk
• Soy silk (non-animal variety made from soybean residue, which can be dyed the same as cellulose fibers or wool)

Selecting Fabric Dye for Protein Fibers

Let us have a look at the different dyes you can use on protein fibers.

• There is your all-purpose dye
• Vat dyes
• Natural Dyes
• Sabraset or Lanaset Dyes (offers wash fast color and are excellent to use on wool)
• Acid Dyes (number 1 choice)

Cellulose Cloth Fibers

Most of these fibers consist of plant matter.

Cellulose Fiber examples:

• Linen
• Hemp
• Cotton
• Rayon
• Plant fiber from pineapples
• Lyocell (Also known as Tenecel, and is made of wood cellulose and synthetic materials)
• Bamboo
• Ramie (Linen-like fiber made from Chinese nettles)

Selecting Fabric Dye for Cellulose Fibers

• All-purpose dyes
• Naphthol Dyes
• Vat Dyes
• Direct Dyes
• Fiber Reactive Dyes (number 1 choice)

Best Fabric dyeing Colors

Acid Fabric Dye

Acid dyes are considered the best choice for your protein fiber fabrics and work especially well on cashmere, wool, and silk. You may be thinking acid sounds a bit harsh, but it only means the dye is applied to the fabric at a low pH. The dye itself is not caustic in any way and some are even considered non-toxic. However, there are acid dyes that have been labeled carcinogenic.

There is quite a lot of information about acid dyes, so we are only going to go over the basics. Acid fabric dyes can be divided into sub-groups, namely:

• Super Milling/Fast or neutral acid dyes
• Weak/Milling Acid Dyes
• Strong/Leveling Acid Dyes

When using a Strong Dye, you will get a level, and even end result. You will also get a single solid dye effect with no difference in color. The leveling acid dyes should not be exposed to warm water or a machine wash, only hand wash or dry-clean.

Your wash fast clothing dye is affordable and comes in a variety of acid dyes. Although many of the dyes are designed to permanently dye fabric, some fall short of this purpose. When it comes to natural dyes for your protein fibers, obviously the natural dyes will have the least toxicity.

Lanaset is a form of an acid dye and can be used on all your protein fibers from wool to mohair as well as polyamide fibers like nylon. This particular fabric dye is also more wash fast or permanent than many of your other regular acid dyes. There are three different types of Lanaset fabric dyes, but all of them can blend well with others. To support and improve the effectiveness of your acid dye, you can include a product known as Albegal Set, which has been designed to specifically work with Lanaset.

Top Acid Fabric Dye: Jacquard Acid Fabric Dye

This fabric dye provides vivid and bright colors when used on protein fibers like wool, mohair, cashmere, feathers, silk, alpaca as well as nylon.

Why choose Jacquard Acid Fabric Dye:

• Easy to obtain and use on protein fiber fabrics
• Excellent colorfastness
• Produces amazing color
• Non-toxic as it uses citric acid or vinegar
• When used on protein fibers it should not fade or bleed

Simply follow the product instructions and you should produce wonderful results with the dye.

Note: Pro Chemicals produce some similar colors to Jacquard, but it is easier to find the Jacquard Acid Fabric Dye products.

All-Purpose Fabric Dyes

Combine different types of dye, in this case, acid dye with direct dye, this gives you an all-purpose dye that works on different types of fibers.  To dye your fabric, you will need to use a hot dyeing process. Because you have different types of dye, the all-purpose dye is good to use on blended fabrics.

All-purpose dye works well on blended fabrics, but you might be wasting your money if you use it on single fiber fabrics. The dye does not attach to the fibers properly, so you will see your dye running down the drain on your first wash. There is also the disadvantage of not being able to dye acrylic or polyester and you cannot even use a cold-water wash.

Top All-Purpose Fabric Dye: Rit All-Purpose Dye

Most probably one of the more popular fabric dye brands, and the reason for this is as follows.

Why choose Rit All-Purpose Dye:

• Easy to use
• Available almost anywhere
• Been around for many years, with a substantial following of customers
• Varied color palette

The Rit all-purpose dye performs from standard to good as most other similar dyes, but you have to follow instructions correctly when it comes to the type of fabric. Higher quality results can be obtained by using a two-part dye process, but this does take longer, and you will need extra dye. So, the all-purpose dye is a perfect alternative.

Direct Fabric Dyes

This type of cloth dye is used on cellulose fibers like cotton or linen and is a hot water dye. Direct dye is one of the dyes you can find in an all-purpose dye, the second one is an acid dye. An average dye in performance but it does have a few strong points:

• Direct dyes are cheaper than most other dyes.
• You can easily include a dye fixative to improve the color and wash fastness, which is usually not as good as the fiber reactive dyes.
• There is only a slight difference in lightfastness from fiber reactive dyes.

You will find that colors, in most cases, will bleed if you wash the fabric. Try to purchase a direct dye with no additives such as acid dyes.

Top Direct Dye: Jacquard iDye

• Needs a chemical helper: requires vinegar or salt (this depends on the type of fabric, for example, protein fibers will need vinegar).
• Easy to use, simply dissolve the packet provided, either in your washing machine or on the stove.
• Best to use in natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and wool.
• Disadvantages: the dissolvable packet does pose a problem when mixing the colors properly. Also, you will find reduced color fastness.

Reactive Fabric Dyes

Reactive clothing dye provides some of the best results, giving the fabric a permanent dye. This is the only dye that forms a chemical or molecular bond with the protein or cellulose fibers. After the process, you are left with a single molecular bond. This type of dye works great on cellulose fibers like cotton fabrics.

One of the advantages of a reactive dye is its colorfastness. You won’t have to worry about placing your whites and your colors together, as the reactive dye will not bleed. There are many forms of reactive dye, so you must purchase the correct reactive dye for your specific fabric you are going to use. Using reactive dyes can range from using hot to cold water, some dyes are made solely for cellulose fibers, protein fibers or wool.

Top Reactive Dye: Jacquard Procion MX Fabric Dye

This is the best fabric dye for cellulose fibers like cotton and is a popular choice amongst experienced dyers. Some of the benefits of the Jacquard Procion MX Fabric Dye include:

• Easy to find
• Provides color fastness and bright colors when dyeing cellulose fibers
• Simple to follow instructions, which guarantees long-lasting and vibrant colors.
• Exceptionally versatile cold-water dye that can be used in a variety of applications including, screen printing, tie dying, batik, airbrushing and lots more.
• Large selection of colors available
• Create custom colors with their color mixing chart
• Perfect for cellulose fiber fabrics

Disperse Fabric Dyes

The disperse clothing dye was created as a dye for cellulose acetate. The water-insoluble dye powder contains a dispersing agent, which it spray-dries to create a powder, or ground with the dye to make a paste. The dye is used to largely dye polyester but can also be applied to acrylic and nylon fibers.

The dye consists of exceptionally fine particles, which provide a high concentration during the dying process. This allows for maximum absorption by the fiber. Certain factors can affect the rate of dying, in this case, the type of dispersing agent. Other factors to consider include:

• In certain instances, a dyebath is required
• Sometimes high temperatures are needed, for example, in cases where polyester is used
• In other cases, you will need a temperature of 266°F (130°C).

Top Disperse Fabric Dye: Jacquard iDye Poly

This is the best dye to use on your Polyester fiber fabrics. The product is great for those one-off projects and also for the home crafter. Some of the benefits include:

• There are a variety of colors available
• The dye process is easy and uncomplicated
• Can color most everything that is synthetic, such as plastics, buttons, toys, dolls, acrylics, and lots more.
• The dyeing effects may not be as great as the commercial fabrics, but you can easily change your colors with great results.

You can check out the iDye poly range online to gain inspiration for the next dyeing project.

Best Clothing Dye depending on Dyeing Method

There are quite a few ways to dye fabric, sometimes the method depends on the dye itself, or in some cases, you can choose how you want to dye your fabric.

Some example dye methods include:

• Immersion: Immersing fabric into a bath or tub of fabric dye for a certain time.
• Dip Dyeing: dipping fabric for a short time into the dye, then drying.
• Batik: Wax resist dyeing method that results in a variety of colors and designs.
• Tie-Dyeing: The gathering of fabric, tying it and immersing into a dye.
• More methods: Heather effect and painting on fabric.

Some methods create a full-color effect on the fabric, while others create designs of various colors. The easiest method involves using a washing machine, allow it to set and leave. Let us have a look at some of these dyeing methods, and the type of dye you should consider:

• When working with kids you want to select a dye that is non-toxic and is easy to work with. The best dyes for this job include iDye, Dylon and RIT, all great for natural fibers.
• Heather Fabric Effect: creating a mixed color effect, usually using two colors. Select two different colors of iDye Natural and iDye Poly for blended fibers.
• Dyeing fabric in the tub or the washer. iDye, RIT and Dylon for natural fibers are the best dye choices as they do not require heat.
• Batik: The best dye to use in this case is Jacquard Acid and Procion dye. You may also want to try the non-wax method from RIT but produces dull colors.
• Paint Fabric: Best fabric dye is Jacquard acid and Procion MX.
• Tie-Dye: For an affordable way to get a variety of colors select RIT and Dylon. These are also easy to use and non-toxic.

Fabric Dye and Factors to consider when Purchasing

Along with your dye, you should find instructions which should give you an idea of what equipment is needed. This should tell you if you have purchased the correct fabric dye for your project. Apart from the method you are using, you will have to consider lightfastness and wash fastness. Will the dye withstand repeated washing or exposure to light? We have already considered dye methods, let us now consider another two factors.

Dye Safety

You are dealing with chemicals when it comes to using dye products and some of these can be harmful. So, to avoid any problems, it is best if you use protective gear such as safety goggles and gloves to protect the skin. Some chemicals can irritate or even burn the skin, as it is acidic or caustic. This is why it is important to follow the instructions provided with each dye product.

Color Fastness

This is the ability to withstand fading or running colors. The main types include:

• Colorfastness
• Light Fastness
• Wash Fastness
• Rub Fastness

Fabrics are likely to fade in color because of repeated washing and rubbing. The fibers can also fade due to over-exposure to light.

The lightfastness of dye can be measured and placed in a level from one to eight. Wash fastness is measured in levels from one to five. The higher the level number, the better the performance of the dye concerning color fastness.

How to use Fabric Dyeing Colors

If you have read this far, then you will know that before you begin, it is important to know what fiber you are going to dye. Natural fibers like cotton and wool absorb dye efficiently as does nylon. In cases where other synthetic dyes are used, like polyester and spandex, you will need specially formulated dyes to get the best results. When it comes to a blended fabric like cotton and polyester, you will also need a special formula dye.

First, take your fabric and wash it to remove any dirt or finishes that have been added to the fabric. If your fabric has a stain, try to remove it as it will affect the dye results, especially if it is a fatty or oily stain. When it comes to blech-spotted fabric or printed fabric, you can use a color remover before applying your own dye. By doing this, you will produce an even color particularly if you are using softer colors.

To ensure you use the correct amount of dye, guess the weight of your fabric. Dye product instructions are usually calculated according to the fabric weight, to get the best results. You can also dye your own yarn to create crazy projects like this tissue box cover project from the Melrose Family website.

How to Sink-dye or use a Bucket to dye Fabric

A simple dye method for beginners:

• Begin, use hot water and fill either a bucket or sink with three gallons (about 11 Liters) per pound of fabric.
• Wear your protective gloves and place your dye into the water. Stir well. When using a powder dye, first dissolve into 500 ml of hot water before adding it into the bucket.
• You can first test the dye on some paper towel or use a smaller piece of fabric. You can then see if you need to add more dye or more water. More dye will make the color darker.
• Don’t forget to prewash your fabric. Take the fabric and wet it with warm water, then place it into the bucket with the dye mixture.
• Stir the mixture and fabric for about 10 to 30 minutes with a metal spoon. The time will depend on how intense you want the color to be. When stirring, try not to fold or twist the material, which can cause uneven results. You can use a dipping technique, lifting and dipping the fabric into the dye.
• Once done, remove the fabric from the bucket and carefully rinse in warm water until you can’t see color running off anymore.
• You can then wash your fabric in a washer or hand wash in warm water with a gentle detergent.
• You can then air dry your fabric or use a clothes dryer.
• Once done, clean up straight away, clean the bucket and anything else you used with some hot water and bleach solution.

Can you use Food to naturally dye Fabric?

When considering natural dye, first take note of the following:

• Natural dyes work best on natural fibers – cotton, linen, silk, and wool.
• You might not get the precise color you are looking for. There is a whole bunch of things that will affect the color, from the type of dye you use to your source of water. If you have not done this before, it is not possible to predict the color outcome. You should, therefore, be flexible in your expectations. Some colors may appear lighter or darker, or even a color you did not expect.

Follow these steps to color your fabric with natural dye:

Prepare your Fabric

Prepare or scour your fabric before dyeing. Natural fiber fabrics, for example, cotton or linen, can be scoured with sodium carbonate or soda ash. Remember, wear your protective gloves during this process. Fill a large pot with water and add several tablespoons of soda ash and fabric detergent (one tablespoon for each gallon required to fill the pot). Add your fabric and bring it to a boil, simmer for about 2 hours. Make sure to stir every so often. Remove the fabric and rinse off when the two hours are up.

Prepare your Dye

Some natural dye ideas:

• Spinach – Green
• Ground Tumeric – Golden yellow
• Yellow onion skins – Yellow/orange
• Avocado pits and skins – Peachy pink
• Beetroot – Pink
• Red Cabbage – Purple
• Black Beans – Blue

Preparation Dye Example: Black Beans

Soak your black beans overnight in some water. Drain the water off, you will notice its black color, this is your dye. Take the beans, chop them up and put them into a pot. Fill the pot with water, sprinkle a little salt in and then bring to a boil. Simmer this for about an hour. You can then drain the water off to use for the dye, The beans which are now much paler can be used as compost.

Mordant (Dye fixative)

You will need to soak your fabric in a dye fixative, which helps the dye attach to the fabric. There are a number of choices, so if you are unsure, you can try and Google an answer. Your search will require what type of dye you used and the type of fabric.

One of the more common fixatives is Alum, known as aluminum potassium sulfate. Considered less toxic than other fixatives, you should be able to find it at the grocery store. Still, with your gloves on, add a few teaspoons of alum to one cup of boiling water. Prepare another stainless-steel pot with cool water. Add the alum water to the cooler water. Place your fabric into the pot and increase the heat until it begins to simmer. Leave to simmer for about an hour. Once done, remove the fabric and rinse.

Note: Use a separate pot, one not used to cook in.

Dye your Fabric

Take the food dye you have prepared and placed it into a large pot or bucket. Place your fabric into the pot with the dye. The fabric should be covered completely with the dye water. Make sure the fabric does not fold up and can freely move around, so you can get an even dye. Use less dye if you want the fabric to bunch-up, this will give you a tie-dye effect.

Leave your fabric in the pot for 60 minutes or overnight, depending on the color you want. Satisfied with the results, remove the fabric and rinse with cold water. Allow the fabric to dry. The color might lighten a little but will remain on the fabric.

Helpful Tips for a successful Dye Project

• If you have a project that requires fabric with buttons, you can easily dye the buttons yourself.
• Once you have completed your project, always wash your fabric separately, or you can wash with other similar colored fabrics in a warm or cold wash. Toss in an old towel, this helps to catch any free dye.
• Using a variety of colors. Try to begin the dyeing process with the lighter colors and then move to the darker colors.
• Take note, colors will appear to be darker when wet and before you have rinsed it.
• Adding a dye fixative will ensure colorfastness.
• Always use a dye specifically made for synthetic fibers. This will ensure the best and brightest colors.
• When it comes to darker colors like black, dark green and brown, consider using a little extra dye for improved results.
• To get the Best clothing dye results, make sure the hot water temperature is 140°F (60°C).
• Do not sprinkle or add the dye directly to the fabric, this will produce uneven color.

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