How to Get Permanent Marker to Stay on Fabric

How to Make Permanent Marker Stay on Fabric
When using permanent marker on fabric, choose 100% natural fiber fabrics, such as cotton or linen, which absorb ink better than synthetic fibers, such as polyester.

Protect the marker design on fabric from extra moisture, such as rain and sweat, until you can take steps to preserve it. After creating the design, you should preserve it as soon as possible. Here's how:

Let the ink dry completely on the fabric.
Get out your ironing board and heat the iron to the highest temperature acceptable for your fabric type.
Place a clean white cotton cloth over the marker design.
Use a dry iron (no steam) to iron the spot for at least one minute and up to five minutes. Do not rub the spot, which can smear the ink. Instead, alternate between applying pressure and lifting the iron to prevent scorching.
Tips
Do not spray the design with commercial fabric protectants, as this can cause the ink to run.

Dryer Method
Another way to use an iron is to toss the marked fabric in the dryer. Set the cycle to the highest temperature recommended for the fabric and tumble for at least 15 minutes. This will help to set the ink into the fabric fibers. However, the ironing method does this in a more targeted way.

When to Wash
It is best to avoid washing fabric unless you really need to. When washing, if possible, turn the fabric inside out so that the marked part is on the inside. Use only cold water and a mild detergent; the fabric can be tumble dried in the dryer or hung to dry. Note that the cap should be spot cleaned or hand washed.

Tips for Fabric Display and Storage
If you choose to frame your fabric design or place it in a display box, keep it out of direct sunlight. Even lamps and overhead lights can cause the ink to fade. Display or store the work in a room with consistent humidity and temperature.

When storing, wrap the fabric in archival tissue paper. The tissue paper must be acid-free and free of lignin (a compound extracted from wood). It is also important to use the right type of storage container to prevent yellowing. One option is an archival storage box made of acid-free paper. However, if you are concerned about the box getting crushed, purchase a plastic storage container made of cast polypropylene to store your keepsake.