If you’ve ever wondered how to write on felt without the ink or paint bleeding, you’re in the right place. I’m sharing three methods that ensure your lettering designs looks beautiful on felt.
Writing on felt is a little different from writing on fabric because of its soft, fuzzy texture but with the right technique, you can get beautiful, clean lettering. Whether you’re personalizing diy felt ornaments, making gift tags, creating banners, or adding names to felt crafts, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Best Way to Write on Felt?
The best way to write on felt depends on the look you want + supplies you have on hand. You can use:
- Puffy paint (for bold, raised lettering)
- Permanent markers (for fine, detailed writing)
- Paint + brush (for more control)
The key is using barely enough water to prevent the design from blurring on the felt.
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how to write on felt 3 ways
1. Puffy paint on felt
Puffy paint on felt is a great way to use fabric paint for a bold dimensional look.
You can easily use the nozzle of the gold dimensional paint bottle itself to write on felt. Hold the bottle like a pen, squeeze evenly to write or paint your designs. Gently squeeze the bottle, and move slowly for even lines.
TIP: Don’t over- squeeze. If the paint feels like it is stuck, immediately work on a scrap piece of paper or felt to clear and clean the nozzle.


2. Permanent marker on Felt
I use a basic permanent sharpie to write on felt as it gives the best result. Use light pressure first to write your design and then gently go over your lines once more to make it bold. Let dry thoroughly.
TIP: This is great for names, quotes. Mess free, smudge proof and quick to dry!
3. Paint brush on Felt
You should always use fabric paint to write on felt. Here I used the same gold dimensional paint but with a No 2 round paint brush instead of the bottle nozzle. I kept it simple with a basic capital font style.
It is important to use a dry brush to paint on felt. Use VERY little water to move the paint


How to Write on Felt YouTube Video:
Learn How hand letter on felt using fabric paint along with me. Watch the video by clicking on the video box below or head over to to my YouTube channel. Enjoy!
Tips to write on felt
- Before writing on felt, sketch your word, phrase or design on paper. Felt is harder to correct once paint or marker is applied.
- Practice on scrap felt to figure out how the paint flows and how the felt absorbs the paint or ink.
Did you find this how to write on felt tutorial helpful? What are some of your favorite words for lettering on felt? Have you tried any other tutorial here on Smiling Colors? Leave a comment below and let’s chat!

Hi I’m Smitha! I live in Minnesota with my husband and two daughters. You’ll always find me painting florals in my sketchbook. And I love the sheer joy of making something with just my hands! But my bigger love is capturing it all on camera Read more.
Thanks for stopping by today! If you learnt something from this tutorial, do share this post with a friend or on social media! Tag me @smithakatti #smithakatti I’d love to see what you create!




What a fun idea! I love that this project is no sew! I can work with glue! Also, I love how you staged your finished project photos.:)
Thanks Dana! Staging is not my strongest point so I appreciate any love 🙂
Such a cute idea and I love the colors!
Thanks so much for sharing!
>> Christene
Keys to Inspiration
Cute pillows! As someone without a vinyl machine, these are up my crafty aisle. Visiting from Handmade Holidays.
Clever idea to have a 2 sided pillow.
Thank you!!!
So pretty to decorate your home.
Such a cute pillow, I love the trend of all the reversible decor projects.
The small rectangle pillows are delightful to use around the house as decorations for even special family/friends celebrations/events. Thank you for sharing your interesting ideas and how to accomplish them. jacqui
I love puff paint! Well, that’s what we called it growing up 🙂 That gold color looks great against the felt you chose!
Best,
Kelly
It’s puff paint alright! Gold makes me happy
Love this project!
Wow!! What a great idea!! Love the dimensional paints! Thank you for sharing!
I’m glad you liked the tutorial Jen!
love this idea! something I can do with my 10 year old niece who always wants to craft with me.
That sounds like so much fun!
Interesting gift idea! I will do some pillows for my relatives. Merry Christmas!
That is a great idea! Happy crafting!