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Tutorial: Color your fabric with markers and alcohol inks

by

scarfyoli

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.

 

 

Comments

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  4. If you wear a scarf painted with alcohol ink and perm markers, prepare to have a very colorful neck upon removal.

  5. 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.

  7. Would a hair dryer on high, moved slowly over the surface, seal inks on boots? I want to ink up some cheap combat boots.

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September is National Sewing Month, which means we finally have an official excuse for buying fabric for all those projects we are absolutely, definitely going to finish.

National Sewing Month has been celebrated every September since 1982, when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed it in recognition of the importance of home sewing. Today, it is a month for starting projects, learning new techniques, tackling unfinished quilts and appreciating just how useful a well-stocked sewing room can be.

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