How To Use Alcohol Markers On Fabric Easily

Did you know that you can use alcohol markers on fabric? One of the best features of alcohol based markers is that they need not be only used on paper! You can easily decorate or color onto fabric with these markers. Let me share a few tips with you today.

I love creating all kinds of marker art, but not all markers will work on fabric. You should read about the differences of alcohol vs water based markers to understand it a bit more if you are interested.

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can you use alcohol markers on fabric?

Yes! Since the alcohol base does not run when mixed with water, you can easily wash the fabrics without loosing the design color. Alcohol based pens have rich beautiful colors that will be easily visible on fabrics. The lighter colored pens also create subtle patterns.

5 Tips for using Alcohol Markers on Fabric

Below are 5 simple tips for using alcohol markers on fabric. I’m using the Tombow ABT Pro Alcohol Markers here in my example.

1. Work in a Well Ventilated area:

Since alcohol markers have a strong odor and fumes, it is best to work in well ventilated areas and to avoid closed spaces like basements.

2. Draw your design slowly

Typically, the thread weaving in fabrics will feel bumpy to your marker tip, so you will need to draw your lines at a slow pace. I prefer to draw thinner lines than needed, and go over the line once or twice to ensure an even straight line.

3. Stretch your fabric

I like to hold my fabric taut, and stretch it between my fingers while coloring large areas. You can also use an embroidery hoop for this. The tauter the fabric hold the easier you will find to add color to larger areas.

4. Alcohol will bleed on the fabric

The colors will always slightly bleed on the fabric, and I have observed that the darker colors bleed more than the lighter colors. It is very difficult to get crisp straight lines when using alcohol markers on fabric.

5. Iron your finished fabric

Once you are happy with your design, secure the color by ironing the fabric from behind. Once the alcohol evaporates and the heat from the iron set in, your fabric can be easily washed.

DID YOU KNOW?: You can use Hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to be a blending solution of sorts with these markers

I love how I was able to personalize this White Flour Sack Towel for my kitchen with the monogram K and flowers. You can use this same technique to add designs to tote bags, T shirts, or pen pouches too!

Alcohol Markers on Fabric VIDEO

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Watch this Alcohol Markers on Fabric tutorial video to see this in action or you can click the video box below

Conclusion: alcohol markers on fabric

I hope you found this Alcohol Markers on Fabric post useful. These Markers can be used on not just paper, but also other surfaces like wood, metal, and fabric. They are so versatile and easier to use than paint and a brush. You can quickly alter and personalize items using a black alcohol marker.