Fabric markers (compare prices) are great for drawing detailed pictures and for experimenting with shading and blending. Read the packing because some manufacturers suggest you set the design with heat once you are done drawing it. Make sure you buy markers specially designed for working with fabric. You should find them by the fabric paints at the craft store. Pens that are simply marked as having 'permanent ink' will not hold up well to several washings.
You can choose between two different kinds of fabric crayons (compare prices). The first are fabric crayons you use to draw directly onto the fabric. They are non-toxic, brightly intense colors in soft stick form and are much like using pastels. You can color directly on the fabric, and supposedly, if you do not like the picture you drew, you can wash it out. The directions say that the pictures you draw are not permanent until you set it with the heat of an iron.
The second kind of fabric crayons are used a little differently. These look the same as regular coloring crayons, except you may notice the color looks a little duller. Instead of coloring directly on the fabric, you create your own iron on transfer. You draw/color your picture onto a white piece of paper. You do have to remember that everything will be transferred in reverse! The color will appear duller on the paper; if you want darker areas, you are better off apply multiple layers of color because pressing too hard may give your picture a grainy appearance.
Once you get your picture how you want it, lightly dust the paper in order to brush away any specks of crayon that you do not want to transfer. You should lay your paper, picture side down onto a clean, pressed, light-colored piece of fabric or clothing. The transfer will work best on synthetic fabrics or a synthetic blend. Carefully press the design for as long as the package says, do not rub because you don't want the paper to shift or else the design might smear. Once your design is heat set with the iron, is will be permanent and machine washable.
