When I saw these scarves at Yoli’s Sacred Journey, I thought they must be the result of some very complex fabric dying process. It turns out that she used permanent markers and alcohol inks. Get the tutorial.
Here is our quick guide
Coloring fabric with markers and alcohol inks
is a fun and easy way to add a pop of color to your sewing projects. This tutorial will show you how to use markers and alcohol inks to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind fabric designs.
To begin, you will need a selection of markers and alcohol inks in the colors of your choice. You will also need a piece of fabric to color, preferably a light-colored, natural fabric such as cotton or linen. Be sure to pre-wash and iron the fabric before coloring to remove any sizing or starch.
Start by sketching out a design on your fabric with a pencil or fabric marker. This will help you to plan the colors and placement of your design. Once you are happy with your design, you can begin coloring your fabric.
Using the markers, color in the areas of your design that you want to be bold and bright. Be sure to use a light touch and multiple layers to build up the color.
Next, use the alcohol inks to add detail and depth to your design. The ink will flow over the surface of the fabric, creating a subtle, watercolor effect. Experiment with different techniques such as blending, layering, and blending to create different effects.
Once you are happy with your design, allow the fabric to dry completely. Once dry, you can use the fabric in your sewing projects such as making bags, pillows, or even clothes.
It’s important to note that the colors of the fabric may change or fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight or bleach. To avoid this, you can use a fabric sealer
to set the ink and protect the fabric.
In conclusion, coloring fabric with markers and alcohol inks is a fun and easy way to add a pop of color to your sewing projects.
Thanks so much for the shot out! I will gladly return the favor!
Yoli
Lovely, lovely effect sorry to be a kill joy but doesn’t the alchohol make the fabric flammable? I hope not because I would like to experiment with this for items to sell.
Pam
I don’t know about whether the alcohol would make the fabric flammable. Chemistry wasn’t my thing in high school. I’d think that the alcohol would wash out in the washing machine, but that’s just my unscientific, unproven guess. You’d need to research more to determine flammability. –Anne
Hi! This might be a stupid question, but does the color come off in the wash? I’d like to use this as a sort of spray tye dye effect. Thanks! The scarfs are so pretty.
I’m not sure. I’d suggest testing it with a piece of scrap fabric to see if the colors hold. –Anne
If you wear a scarf painted with alcohol ink and perm markers, prepare to have a very colorful neck upon removal.
You have to heat-set the alcohol ink. I used an iron on a silk setting and then tested by rinsing under cool water. The ink will set with heat and not run or transfer to the skin.
I do believe that, as in cooking, alcohol evaporates. So not likely flammable
Would a hair dryer on high, moved slowly over the surface, seal inks on boots? I want to ink up some cheap combat boots.