Want to write on your quilt and have it stay forever?
It took some time to find a thin line permanent pen for signing quilts, writing on fabric, or for adding fine details to an area of an art quilt.
I looked for as many fabric pens as possible, and tested four brands for writing ease and permanence. I wanted pens, not thick markers. All of the black permanent pens reviewed and tested were chosen to create a dark, thin line best for writing or very small detail. (Note: Not reviewed or tested, but highly recommended by artists: Sakura Pigma Micron pens)
Each permanent pen was tested on the same piece of white 100% cotton fabric. First line is one stroke, second line is repeated strokes
Sharpie Ultra Fine Point
Available at many stores
The most well known “permanent” marker, the Sharpie is easy to find in stores. Sharpies have this textured nib that always seems to drag on fabric. They also tend to bleed, though the Ultra Fine seemed to do ok. Sharpie would not be my first choice because it was difficult to mark with, but the wash test proved it is permanent.
Marvy Uchida Fabric Marker
Easy to find at Michaels
The Marvy Uchida marker is able to make dark, solid lines. The nib is hard which is good for filling in areas. However the nib was a bit too large for writing and fine line drawing. This marker is permanent and did not fade at all when washed.
Pentel Gel Roller for Fabric
I ordered from Amazon. JoAnn claims to carry them but I could not find it at my local store.
The Pentel Gel Roller nib is amazing. It provides smooth, clean writing, and can make a very fine line. It is permanent and the line can be darkened with repeated strokes. Very smooth to write with on fabric, with no pulling or skipping.
Tulip Fabric Marker
Easy to find at Michaels and JoAnn
The Tulip fabric marker did not perform well at all. There was a lot of bleeding when trying to write. It ink looked more gray than black. This marker specifically says “No heat setting required” but it was not at all permanent when washed without heat set.
Top choice? Definitely the Pentel Gel Roller!
Do not buy? The Tulip Fabric Marker.
Sharpies and the Marvy Uchida may work out for you, depending on what you need a permanent fabric pen for. If you have tried other permanent pens for fabric, or you know of another one you’d like me to test, let me know!
